May 1, 2000

Orthodox Union Calls on Connecticut State Legislature to Pass Governor Rowland’s Education Tax Credit Plan

Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America - the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, through it Institute for Public Affairs urges Connecticut legislators to pass Governor Rowland’s proposed Education Tax Credit plan.

The proposed education tax credit would bring much needed financial relief to Connecticut’s non-public school families.  Tuition tax credit programs have been in effect in numerous states since being ruled constitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in Mueller v. Allen (1983).  Contrary to arguments made by opponents of tuition tax credits these programs have neither weakened the public schools nor seen the imposition of a state-sponsored religion in the states where similar programs are in place.

Private and parochial schools parents in Connecticut are currently bearing a double burden of state and local taxes along with ever increasing tuition costs.  By utilizing non-public schools, these Connecticut families are also easing the burden placed on our state’s crowded public schools as they serve the educational needs of almost 80,000 students.

Institute for Public Affairs Associate Director Josh Sussman stated that “the passage of Governor Rowland’s plan would be an important recognition by the Connecticut State legislature that private and parochial schools play an important role in the education of Connecticut’s children.  These funds will help bring a measure of fairness to thousands of Connecticut families.” 

###