October 22, 1999

ORTHODOX UNION ENCOURAGES HOUSE PASSAGE OF
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS FOR KIDS IN FAILING SCHOOLS

Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America - the
nation's largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, through its
Institute for Public Affairs, called upon the House of Representatives
to approve an amendment offered by Majority Leader Dick Armey designed
to rescue children from failing schools.  The amendment offered on the
reauthorization of "Title I" education programs will create a five year
pilot program granting children in failing public schools a $3,500
scholarship to be used at the public, private or parochial school of
their choice.

Nathan Diament, director of the Union's Institute stated that "this
initiative is a critical step in improving education in America.  It
empowers parents and their children to ensure that each child has real
educational opportunity.  The Orthodox Jewish community hopes the House
will pass this, and other measures designed to achieve this critical
goal in their votes today."

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