June 7, 2015
Dear Friends in Christ,
I write you on a matter of tremendous urgency and one with which I hope you will help me.
The matter is the Education Tax Credit—a proposal that would encourage individuals and businesses to donate more money to scholarship funds for children who would like to attend Catholic and other private schools. The tax credit also would encourage donations to public schools and nonprofits to increase funding for after-school, music, arts, sports, and classroom projects. A win-win for all children.
The Education Tax Credit is included in a broader Parental Choice in Education agenda from Governor Andrew Cuomo and supported by the State Senate. This package of bills also would provide a $500 tuition tax credit for low-income families.
Unfortunately, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and many members of the Assembly Majority are blocking this critical assistance for our families.
If the Assembly Democrats drop their opposition, the Education Tax Credit will become law. That means millions of dollars in scholarships to help needy children attend Catholic and other private schools. It means fewer Catholic school closures and more jobs for teachers.
For public schools it translates to millions of dollars for important programs such as art, music, libraries, and sports, as well as support for teachers.
This is where I am asking for your help!
The only way the Assembly Democrats are going to agree to these important measures is if they hear from enough families from around the state.
Please visit www.nyscatholic.org to easily send an email to your local elected representatives urging their support for the Education Tax Credit. This will take just a few minutes of your time.
Thank you in advance for joining in this effort. Our children and our schools are
depending on you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Paul R. Sanchez
Pastor, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs
P.S. Please don’t put this request aside for action some other time. Take action now and go to our website. I am counting on you.