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In a massive display of support for a pending New York State education bill, a contingent of more than 1,600 Staten Island parents, teachers, students and clergy delivered a unified message to state and local legislators at a Feb. 26 rally: pass the legislation without further delay.
The legislative forum drew advocates for the Education Investment Tax Credit (EITC) to Msgr. Farrell High School to lobby for the potential to increase funds in two areas critical to New York State—scholarships to help low and middle-income students attend Catholic and other religious and tuition-based schools, and donations to public schools, school districts and teacher-driven projects.
The enthusiastic crowd cheered after state Assembly member Michael Cusick—lead sponsor of the bill and a product of 16 years of Catholic school education—asked students to hand the proverbial baton to the elected officials so they could “cross the finish line and win this race.”
The tax credit’s purpose is to increase New York’s investment in education—both public and non-public schools —without raising property taxes. Individuals and businesses that make charitable donations will receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit. They can redirect those tax credits for public schools needs and services vulnerable to budget cuts, or to organizations such as the Inner City Scholarship Fund, which help families afford parochial school tuition.
Single mother Deborah Odebunmi told the audience her 10-year-old son, William Hackett, would not be an honor student in fifth grade at St. Peter St.-Paul School if it weren’t for a scholarship funded by the program. It has been providing financial assistance to students attending Catholic schools in the archdiocese since 1971.
“But, what about the thousands of others who can’t attend schools like ours?” she asked the elected officials and dignitaries.
“Go back to Albany and tell your colleagues and our governor your community has made their voice heard,” she told the elected officials.
Dr. Timothy McNiff, superintendent of schools for the archdiocese, called the bill a “game changer for the Catholic school system” and said he was encouraged by the “synergy” and “excitement” surrounding the bill this year.
He said the education tax credit is the antidote for the lack of such an incentive in New York—especially since it is offered by 17 other states.
To show their support, hundreds of Catholic school students dressed in uniform processed into the forum carrying banners from their schools. Later, they walked up and down the aisles displaying signs that read: “Invest in Education,” “Support Our Teachers” and “Dollars for Classrooms.”
“I know what a blessing this education has been for my family,” said state Sen. Andrew Lanza, the father of three Catholic school students and co-sponsor of the bill.
But, he reminded parents, “it’s not us against them…Catholic school versus public school.”
Donations would be divided evenly – 50% for private or parochial scholarships, as well as 50% for public schools, Michael Coppotelli, associate superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of New York, told the crowd.
“The message is clear,” he said. “It needs to be passed now.”
“I think it’s a win-win for everyone,” said Matthew Acanfora, a teacher at St. Joseph Hill Academy whose four sons graduated from Catholic high school.
“I think it gives everybody a choice,” he said.
Zolita Herrera, district superintendent for Staten Island’s Catholic schools, said the impressive turnout demonstrated Staten Islanders’ support for important legislation. “It’s a great way to help schools and families,” she said.
Despite previous attempts to pass the bill as a stand-alone measure, McNiff said this year it has the benefit of being included as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s budget due April 1.
Some disagree, however, with it being tied to the New York Dream Act – legislation that grants financial assistance to undocumented immigrants. Lanza called it “fundamentally unfair.”
Lanza and other State Republicans back the education tax credit and oppose the Dream Act, while the State Assembly passed the Dream Act on Feb. 26 but some Assembly Democrats opposed the tax credit.
More information about the EITC: www.investined.org.
