Hochul joins yeshiva-aiding federal program

Gov. Kathy Hochul, who earlier said that she intended to opt the state into President Donald Trump’s federal tax-credit program for education, said on Friday, after program details were released, that she will formally bring the state into the program.

The Orthodox Union said the program could direct more than $1.5 billion annually in the state toward educational expenses, including yeshiva tuition.

“For Jewish families, this means the chance to give their children an education rooted in who they are, without being priced out,” stated Sydney Altfield, CEO of Teach Coalition, an Orthodox Union program.

“We are deeply grateful to Gov. Hochul and every parent, educator and partner who helped bring us here,” Altfield stated.

She said Hochul opted to prioritize New York’s children, “and families across our state have reason to celebrate.”

“Behind this moment are parents, who never stopped fighting for their children, and communities who came together because they believed more was possible,” she stated.

Jay Greene, a senior fellow at the Defense of Freedom Institute who focuses on education, said that Hochul’s decision is a “huge boost for families in the state, including those seeking a Jewish education.”

“Especially after how New York politicians have been hassling Jewish schools over everything from Covid closures to curriculum requirements, it is gratifying to see a decision that actually helps families at Jewish schools,” Greene said.

“The scholarship tax credit will make a Jewish education much more accessible to more families,” he told JNS. “Jewish education is a key component of Jewish continuity, which will also be strengthened by this decision.”

The Trump administration said in new guidance that the Education Freedom Tax Credit program, which is set to take effect on Jan. 1, allows taxpayers to claim dollar-for-dollar federal tax credits of up to $1,700 — or $3,400 for married couples filing jointly — for donations to organizations that provide scholarships for elementary and secondary-school expenses.

The program requires governors to formally opt their states in for parents to be eligible to access the tax credits. Initially, families earning up to 300% of the area’s median income can qualify for scholarships, including those whose children already attend private schools.

Scott Bessent, treasury secretary, stated that the program “marks a new chapter in educational freedom and opportunity by establishing America’s first nationwide school choice program and empowering states to give students and families more options.”

Bessent said that “30 states have already opted in, and we encourage all 50 states to participate so every American student and family can benefit.”

Hochul said on Friday that “I’m not going to leave money on the table when it could help our kids.”

“Now the work begins,” stated Altfield, of the Orthodox Union. “We look forward to working with the governor’s office to get New York’s scholarship organizations approved and ready so families can start benefiting on day one.”

Yeruchim Silber, director of New York government relations for Agudath Israel of America, thanked Hochul for “following through” on her commitment to opt into the program.

“This decision opens the door to millions of dollars in additional educational resources and opportunities for students in public and nonpublic schools alike, without taking a dollar away from public education,” he stated.

Agudah is “deeply grateful to the governor and her team for recognizing the importance of this opportunity and ensuring that New York’s children and families will be able to benefit,” Silber added.