Governor Andrew Cuomo is again pushing a tax credit plan that supporters say gives parents more choice in their children's education. Cuomo brought his case to Amherst Tuesday, bringing with him New York City Catholic Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
The two were among numerous speakers at the Eggertsville Youth and Community Center, in a room packed with elected officials as well as students from parochial schools.
The Parental Choice in Education Act would provide tax credits for those who donate to private and parochial schools for purposes of scholarships, tax credits to parents who pay tuition to private and parochial schools and tax credits to teachers - in both public and private schools - who make personal purchases of school supplies and food to support their underprivileged students.
Cardinal Dolan noted that the proposed act would cover not only Catholic schools but private schools of all affiliations and religious denominations. He added that support for the proposal comes from people of diverse backgrounds.
Cuomo has tried to pass this proposal before, with no success, but told guests in the room that while political interests in Albany are against his plan, the people of New York want it.
