Agudath Israel of America’s Florida Office commends Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for including the $3.5 million Agudath Israel Jewish Day School Transportation Grant in the 2025–2026 state budget to support busing for Jewish day school and yeshiva students.
This program, originally introduced last year, enables Agudath Israel to continue partnering with schools to provide transportation for thousands of students—enhancing student safety and security across many leading Jewish schools.
“We are deeply grateful to Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez and Representative Demi Busatta for sponsoring this appropriation and shepherding it through the legislative process,” said Rabbi Moshe Matz, Director of Agudath Israel’s Florida Office. “We extend our tremendous gratitude to Speaker Daniel Perez, Senate President Ben Albritton, and Governor Ron DeSantis for their extraordinary support and commitment to our community.”
Rabbi Avrohom Luban, Associate Director of Agudath Israel’s Florida Office, reflected on the program’s impact: “The feedback from school administrators and parents has been extraordinary. Thanks to these efforts, we’ve witnessed tremendous benefits—increased safety for children, enhanced campus security, educational advantages, greater convenience for parents, and expanded access to school and employment opportunities.”
Agudath Israel also applauds the Legislature for approving $20 million for the Nonprofit Jewish Day School Security Grant to support school hardening, security guards, and transportation-related costs. In a year marked by budget scrutiny, this allocation highlights the state’s clear priority in supporting Jewish organizations and safeguarding our community. We are especially grateful to Teach Florida for their strong advocacy on behalf of this funding.
Agudath Israel expresses its sincere appreciation to our state leaders and looks forward to another year of enhanced safety, security, and support for our schools and families.