for breaking news visit www.timesnewsweekly.com may 14, 2015 • times 19 New tax credit bill to widen ‘parental choice’ BY ANTHONY GIUDICE [email protected] @A_GiudiceReport Looking to give parents greater choice as to where they send their children to school, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on May 12 legislation creating tax incentives for private education. Cuomo was joined by Cardinal Timothy Dolan and elected officials, as well as parents and students, to call on the legislature to pass the Parental Choice in Education Act during this session, which concludes in June. “Education is the greatest gift that a parent can give to their children—and it is also one of the most personal decisions that a parent can make,” Cuomo said. “That’s why we need to support parental choice in education.” The Parental Choice in Education Act aims to support and protect alternative schooling options for parents and students across the state. It calls for $150 million in education tax credits annually that would provide tax credits to low-income families who send their children to non-public schools; scholarships to low- and middle-income students to attend either an out-ofdistrict public school or a non-public school; incentives to public schools for enhanced educational programming, such as after-school programs; and tax credits to public school teachers for the purchase of supplies. “By rewarding donations that support public schools, providing tax credits for teachers when they purchase classroom supplies out of pocket and easing the financial burden on families who send their children to independent, parochial or out-of-district public schools, we can make a fundamental difference in the lives of students, families and educators across the state,” the governor continued. “The legislature must pass this act this year, because families deserve a choice when it comes to their child’s education.” More than 400,000 children attend non-public schools across New York State. Many parochial schools in New York State, however, are facing financial hardships. More than 75 parochial schools have closed in the last five years statewide, and average tuition costs and reach as high as $8,500 annually per student. “This is not just a Catholic issue — it is an issue for every parochial, private or non-public school that is devoted to the success of their students,” Dolan said. “Our students are our greatest treasure and the Parental Choice in Education Act is all about supporting them no matter where they go to school.” The Parental Choice in Education Act’s Family Choice Education Credit will provide $70 million in credits to approximately 82,000 families of nonpublic school students across the state, benefiting nearly 140,000 children. Families with incomes below $60,000 per year would qualify for up to $500 per student for tuition expenses to non-public and out-of-district public schools. Additional tax credits in the bill would fund $67 million in scholarships to help low-income families afford private education for their students. Individuals and businesses can receive a tax credit for up to 75 percent of their donations made to non-for-profit organizations that award scholarships to students in grades pre-K through 12. Educational improvement programs would also receive a $27 million boost. Individuals and businesses will be able to apply for a total of $20 million in tax credits for up to 75 percent of their donations made to public schools and non-for-profits that support public schools’ educational programs. Finally, instructional materials and supplies credits totaling $10 million would provide $200 per public school teacher to support the purchase of instructional materials and supplies. This credit will be given out on a firstcome, first-served basis. Thousands gather to honor fallen Officer BY ANTHONY GIUDICE [email protected] @A_GiudiceReport Tens of thousands of police officers from across the country and Canada gathered in solidarity and sadness on Long Island on May 8 to mourn the loss of their brother in blue, Officer Brian Moore, who was killed in the line of duty in Queens at the beginning of the month. The funeral was held at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Seaford, Long Island, where Moore’s family, friends, fellow officers and community joined together inside and outside of the church to give one final farewell to the fallen cop. Moore, 25, of the 105th Precinct, joined the police force almost five years ago, following in the footsteps of his father, Raymond, his uncle and cousins, who all served in the NYPD. “Brian had a vocation to be a peacemaker, to be a cop and to be a hero,” Monsignor Robert Romano said of Moore during his homily. “Brian was a team player…he was an American hero.” Romano told those in attendance that their memories of Moore will keep him alive. “All who knew him and loved him have a special bond with him,” Romano said. “We will never forget our fallen brothers and sisters. We will never forget Brian.” Mayor Bill de Blasio gave his condolences to the Moore family during the Mass. “We are all gathered in one purpose, to mourn the loss of a great man, a young man, a very great man, Officer Brian Moore,” he said. “Brian Moore represented the best of New York City. He was brave for sure, but his bravery was matched by his compassion.” “He devoted his whole being to the job,” the mayor continued. “He was respected by his elders and he was looked up to by junior officers. Even at the age of 25, others flocked to him seeking advice and guidance.” During his short time on the force, Moore made more than 150 arrests and earned several service medals. Police Commissioner William Bratton then took the podium to honor Moore’s memory. “It’s not many of us who can say we lived out a dream. But Brian could. He dreamed of being a cop,” Bratton said. “He had an eye for the street…not even five years on, but he was already in anticrime, already decorated…we need more like him.” Just before 1 p.m. Bratton posthumously promoted Moore. “And so, with great honor — and great sadness — I posthumously promote Brian Moore, shield 469, to Detective First Grade,” Bratton announced. Moore was given shield number 9002, following shield numbers 9000 and 9001, given to Detectives Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu, who were killed in the line of duty last December. After the Mass, the official NYPD flag that was draped over Moore’s coffin was ceremoniously folded and handed to his parents. Moore, who was from Massapequa, will be buried at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale. The young cop was patrolling the streets of Queens Village in an unmarked police cruiser with his partner, P.O. Erik Jansen, on May 2 when he was shot by Demetrius Blackwell at the corner of 212th Street and 104th Road. Moore was rushed to Jamaica Hospital where he fought for his life, but succumbed to his injuries on May 4. Blackwell, 35, who has since been arrested, has a previous criminal record, including arrests for robbery and weapons possession. He also served several years in prison for a second-degree attempted murder conviction. Upon Moore’s death, Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown upgraded the charge to firstdegree murder. If convicted, Blackwell faces 25 years to life behind bars. Photo courtesy of Office of the Governor/Kevin P. Coughlin Gov. Andrew Cuomo introduced the Parental Choice in Education Act on May 12. Mayor Bill de Blasio, Police Commissioner Bill Bratton and others mourn the loss of P.O. Brian Moore at his May 8 funeral in Seaford, L.I. (photo via Twitter, @NYPDNews)
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