HIKIND CALLS ON CUOMO TO CHAMPION EDUCATION INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT ACT

“We need the Governor to be the champion to all of New York’s children…
Together, we have the chance to make something wonderful happen.”

With just two weeks remaining in the NY State legislative session, Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) is imploring Governor Andrew Cuomo to lead the charge for the Education Investment Tax Credit Act, which Hikind says is vital to his constituents.

“This year, thanks to your leadership, NYS increased education spending by $1.1 billion —a 5.3% growth in educational aid that we can be proud of,” said Assemblyman Hikind in an open letter to the Governor. Hikind pointed out that the budget helped many New Yorkers by building upon the success of the first-ever State-funded full-day UPK program with a commitment to invest $1.5 billion over five years to support the phase-in of a this program. There was also an increase in tuition funding for charter school students. “In all, New York State made a loud and clear statement that we care about education—that education is a top priority,” said Hikind, “but one segment of the population was left out of the equation. Parents who opt to send their children to religious and private schools are still in need of some relief.”

Hikind noted that after decades of seeking tax credits for private education, parents who opt for private and parochial schools are doing more than their fair share in unburdening New York State schools. “The amount of money that private and parochial schools save New York State is truly astronomical,” he explained, “and this Act would allow New York to give something back to these parents and provide the much needed relief that these parents also deserve. It’s more than reasonable: It’s fair. It’s just.”

Hikind pointed out that the Governor has been a champion of New York children’s education—and that he has publicly supported the Act. “Now we need the Governor to be the champion to all of New York’s children,” he said. “Our children are our future and we are hopeful that they, too, will benefit from New York’s important stance on education this year. Together, we have the chance to make something wonderful happen.”

Contact: Yehudah Meth
718-853-9616 (office)

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