New York State Catholic Conference

Published on June 12th, 2014

Below is the text of a bulletin insert (also in Spanish) that is to be distributed statewide this weekend to more than 2 million Catholics. Gov. Cuomo has indicated there is still time to pass the Education Tax Credit and the Bishops are urging Catholics to contact him immediately, asking that he use his leadership to get it passed.

A Statement from Timothy Cardinal Dolan and the Bishops of New York State

Calling on Governor Cuomo and Leaders in Albany: Don’t Let Us Down

More than 200 Catholic schools have closed in the last 15 years throughout New York State, as families and parishes, who strongly believe in the value of Catholic education, struggle to keep up with increasing costs.  Many of our public schools also desperately need help.

To address these needs, the NYS Catholic Bishops joined a broad coalition of faith groups, community organizations and labor unions backing legislation called the Education Investment Tax Credit.  The measure would encourage increased charitable donations to generate more private scholarships as well as dedicated additional resources to public schools.  It also helps all teachers provide needed materials and supplies for every classroom in New York. 

The vast majority of legislators support the bill.  Why?  It’s because the legislation will help all children, regardless of where they go to school.  It’s a win-win for all families!

Although Governor Cuomo assured us he would fight to include the proposal in the state budget, in the end, we were left out.

As the legislative session ends in Albany this coming week, we pray that Governor Cuomo won’t let us down. We ask that you join us in that prayer.  Pray that Governor Cuomo will put children ahead of politics and fight for the Education Investment Tax Credit.

We also ask that you contact him immediately with that same message. You can send a message to the Governor through the website of the New York State Catholic Conference: www.nyscatholic.org.

Time is short. Please act today. God bless you.