In a major development for Orthodox Jewish families across the U.S., the House Ways and Means Committee has included the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) in its section of the multi-trillion federal tax reconciliation package being considered by the House of Representatives. The proposed legislation would allocate $5 billion in annual federal tax credits to support scholarships that help cover private school tuition—including for yeshivos. The bill’s inclusion marks a key milestone for advocates of school choice, particularly in the Orthodox Jewish community where the cost of chinuch has long been a source of financial strain for families. If passed, ECCA could provide real tuition relief, offering scholarship assistance through Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) to families earning up to 300% of their area’s median income. “This is a major step forward for our community and for Jewish education,” Rabbi Avi Schnall, Agudas Yisrael’s Director of Federal Education Affairs and Assemblyman for New Jersey’s 30th District, said. “But we’re not at the finish line yet. We must remain focused and continue our efforts.” Agudah has been deeply involved in pushing the ECCA forward—meeting with lawmakers, organizing email campaigns, and encouraging frum Yidden to get involved. Thousands responded, and the resulting groundswell played a role in getting the bill this far. If enacted, the ECCA would allow individuals to receive federal tax credits in exchange for donations to SGOs. These organizations would, in turn, offer scholarships to help families cover yeshiva tuition, tutoring, special education services, and other educational expenses. Agudas Yisrael points out that while the bill has cleared an important hurdle, it still faces a full House vote and then a Senate battle. It is tied to the broader budget reconciliation process, which can be politically complex. Rabbi Schnall is encouraging continued involvement: “Now is not the time to sit back. We’re closer than we’ve ever been to real, meaningful change. But we need more tefillos, more outreach, and continued attention until this becomes law.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)