Key Congressional committee passes $5 billion scholarship tax credit bill

September 12, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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WASHINGTON D.C. — THE EDUCATIONAL CHOICE FOR CHILDREN ACT OF 2024 (ECCA), a $5 billion scholarship tax credit bill, passed in the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee with a 23-16 vote, according to CrownHeights.info and Agudath Israel, a national Orthodox Jewish organization that has been a key supporter of the legislation. Among the 13 co-sponsors is Brooklyn Congressmember Nicole Malliotakis (R-11), according to Congress.gov, although that government website has not yet updated actions on the bill as of Thursday morning, Sept. 12. The Ways & Means Committee’s own webpage announced a bill markup meeting that took place on Wednesday.

Indexed as H.R. 9462, the bill, if passed, will provide scholarships for public and private school students by offering a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit to those who contribute to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). These organizations will then provide financial assistance to cover educational expenses, including private school tuition. Agudath Israel played a significant role in its promotion, participating in numerous meetings and generating thousands of letters in support from constituents. Rabbi Avi Schnall, Director of Federal Education Affairs for Agudath Israel, expressed gratitude for the mostly-Republican committee’s favorable vote and encouraged bipartisan support as the bill moved to the House floor for a full vote.

None of the 13 co-sponsoring Congressmembers are Democrats. Opponents of the bill argue that it will hurt tax revenue funding for the nation’s public and non-religious schools.

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