Dear NYS Principals and Administrators,

As you may be aware, the third COVID stimulus bill, known as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), includes many provisions that directly benefit our community generally and yeshivos in particular. Much of the credit for these provisions goes to New York’s own, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who fought hard against strong opposition to ensure that ARPA would address the needs of the religious school community.

We are proud that Senator Schumer has agreed to join us for a webinar on Wednesday, April 21, at 12 PM, to discuss the specifics of the new legislation and its impact on yeshivos across New York. This will enable us to learn more about the bill and to express our hakaras hatov to the Senator for his vital role in the new law. With that in mind, we strongly encourage you and your board members to join.

Senator Schumer has graciously consented to answer questions as well. Please forward your questions to [email protected] by Friday, April 16.

We will also be joined by Assistant Commissioner Christina Coughlin of the New York State Education Department, who will provide practical guidance on the implementation of ARPA in New York State.

Following is a brief overview of some of the new law’s key provisions:

  • PPP – Besides for providing additional funding, Senator Schumer ensured that the criteria for eligible nonprofits was expanded to include organizations of any size, as long as there are 500 or fewer employees per physical location (300 or fewer per physical location for the second round of PPP loans). This will allow more organizations and schools in our community to benefit from the first and second round of PPP loans.
  • EANS – Despite serious opposition, Senator Schumer pushed to include $2.75 billion to provide services and assistance to non-public schools to help offset COVID related expenses. This an extension of the EANS (Emergency Assistance to Nonpublic Schools) program with a few differences.
  • E-RATE – Schools that use E-Rate are now eligible for 100% reimbursement for eligible equipment or services for students and staff in various locations including outside the school.
  • ERC – The Employee Retention Credit is extended through Dec. 31, 2021, with significantly higher credits. This will benefit many mosdos and businesses within our community.
  • Childcare – $24 billion was set aside for licensed childcare providers to cover their expenses and help struggling families.
  • Child Tax Credit – The child tax credit was significantly increased from $2,000 to $3,000 per child up to age 17 – a change from the previous age of 16 – and $3,600 per child under age 6. The credit is fully refundable which means that struggling families will receive funds, even if they don’t have any tax liability.
  • IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act;
    • $2.58 billion to States under part B of the IDEA
    • $2 billion for preschool grants under IDEA
    • $250 million for infants and toddlers under IDEA
  • Stimulus Checks –
    • Payments of $1,400 per individual, plus $1,400 per dependent, provided recipients meet certain income thresholds and other eligibility rules.
We look forward to welcoming your school and board leadership to the webinar on Wednesday, April 21, at 12 PM.

As always, feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

Sign up for our Whatsapp broadcast list here!

Sign up for our mailing list here!

Rabbi Yehoshua Pinkus
Director of Yeshiva Services

Ami Bazov, Esq.
Coordinator of Education Affairs

Yeshiva Services champions and guides yeshivos and day schools, advocates for resources at all levels of government, educates and guides yeshiva leadership, and defends yeshivos and their unique character under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, ensuring the continued growth of Klal Yisroel.