$7 Million for Yeshivas and Parochial Schools from Mandated Services: A Step in the Right Direction

I am delighted to announce a $7 million budgetary distribution to yeshivas and other parochial schools in the 2012-13 NY State budget for mandated services. Our community has been short-changed for too long in C.A.P. reimbursements. This $7 million is a wonderful step in the right direction towards our yeshivas getting their full, fair share. C.A.P.(the Comprehensive Attendance Policy), part of mandated services, requires schools to take attendance at the beginning of every period. But since the program’s inception in 2006, yeshivas have been denied their equitable share of funds earmarked for all schools.

More than ever yeshivas are feeling the bite of tough economic times. It was crucial that we receive a greater share of mandated services funds so we fought long and hard for this money. This $7 million will take a huge burden off yeshivas. 

I want to thank my colleague Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz along with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos for ensuring this boost in the just-passed New York State budget. There were also tremendous efforts from Sam Sutton and TEACH NYS (The Educational Alliance for Children in New York State) as well as the New York State Catholic Conference and the Orthodox Union in getting the State Assembly and Senate to recognize the importance of this allocation.