Mr. Shloime (Sol) Werdiger, one of New York’s most prominent Jewish communal leaders, askan and philanthropist, has endorsed Governor Kathy Hochul for reelection, citing her historic decision to bring New York into the new federal scholarship tax credit program. Werdiger, who has a longstanding personal relationship with the governor, made the endorsement days after Hochul formally announced that New York would participate in the federal program, a move expected to provide significant financial relief to thousands of yeshiva families across the state.

As YWN previously reported, the program, established under President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, allows taxpayers to receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions to approved scholarship organizations. Those organizations can then distribute scholarships to eligible families for educational expenses, including yeshiva tuition.

The program begins in 2027 and could bring tens of millions of dollars in additional educational funding to New York without requiring state funding.

Werdiger played a significant role in the effort to secure Hochul’s support. The governor previously met with Orthodox Jewish leaders at Werdiger’s office, where she first indicated her willingness to participate in the program.

Following Hochul’s formal announcement, Werdiger praised the decision, stating, “Opting in is good for all New Yorkers. We thank Governor Hochul for putting students before politics.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)