STATEMENT BY BISHOP NICHOLAS DiMARZIO

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

ON EDUCATION TAX CREDIT LEGISLATION
MARCH 7, 2005

            I want to thank you, members of the media, for coming this morning. I am grateful for the attention you have given in recent weeks to the issues relating to the Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn and our commitment to maintain, to the best of our ability, a Catholic school presence in every part of our Diocese, which, as you know, includes both Brooklyn and Queens.

            We are here today to say to our State legislators in Albany---in the Senate and in the Assembly---that we seek their support for legislation that would provide education tax credits to the parents of children who attend non-public schools. Such legislation would also support teachers in our public schools who often, and with great generosity, purchase classroom supplies from their own financial resources.

            I am delighted to have Senator Martin Golden with us this morning. Senator Golden, along with several co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle, has introduced Senate bill 1939. This measure addresses the concerns that we express here today.

            Here in the Diocese of Brooklyn, members of our parishes have told me that they support education tax credit relief that would ease the burden on them as parents and enable them to move with more confidence toward enrolling their children in non-public schools. An obvious effect would be to lessen the difficulties created by overcrowding in our public schools.

            The support I received was in the form of 90,000 post cards asking me to urge the Governor and State Legislature to take action on an issue that would not only assist parents here in the Diocese of Brooklyn, but in all eight dioceses of the State, as well as parents who choose to send their children to other non-public schools.

            The parents of the children here at St. Joan of Arc School and parish gave the greatest response to the postcard campaign, and that is why we are meeting here today. I am grateful for their magnificent leadership.

            I believe this is an issue whose time has come. And we urge widespread support for legislative efforts that would help parents, our taxpayers, in a just and equitable way.

I am especially supportive of this because so many parents who are considered among the “working poor” would be helped.

            I also believe that members of the public school community will see the justice in this cause. In view of my belief, I invite the teachers in our public school system to stand with us in support of legislative relief. I am available to meet with them to promote this important legislative cause.

              I repeat that this is an issue whose time for legislative action has come. I urge all people of good will, not only here but throughout New York State, to contact their legislative representatives in the State Senate and State Assembly and tell them of their support for education tax credits.

            It is a noble cause, striking at the heart of what so many parents seek, assistance so that they can have greater choice when determining where their children will receive their education.

            Support for education tax credits is a vote of support for our young people, from whom will come tomorrow’s leaders.

            And now, Senator Golden would like to make a statement.

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