Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Msgr. Kieran E. Harrington and several New York bishops and representatives from the states’ dioceses met with Governor Andrew Cuomo on June 1 to encourage them to pass a bill that would be key for the future of Catholic schools and other religious and independent schools in the state.
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, The Education Tax Credit bill is an idea whose time has come. For years, I have been a supporter along with Timothy Cardinal Dolan and the rest of the diocesan bishops across New York. The bill also counts as supporters Governor Andrew Cuomo and a majority of legislators in the State Senate and State Assembly.
Those at 12:30 Mass at St. Jude’s in Canarsie had a surprise last Sunday when Gov. Cuomo spoke before the liturgy in support of the Education Investment Tax Credit.
The state budge again does not include the Education Tax Credit, a critically needed piece of legislation for the parents and students of Catholic and other non-public education.
The Catholics at the Capitol lobby day in Albany will not be held this year; instead, a multi-pronged approach to advocacy with the state legislature will be developed, some of which will be implemented in the 2015 session.
In his 2008 visit to the Catholic University of America, Pope-Emeritus Benedict XVI spoke about the essential role that Catholic schools play in the life of the Church and in the life of our country. He said: “Countless dedicated religious sisters, brothers, and priests together with selfless parents have, through Catholic schools, helped generations of immigrants […]
