Agudah Delegation in Albany

Rabbi Shmuel Lefkowitz with Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein

On Wednesday, Agudath Israel of America sent a delegation to Albany for a busy day of ceremonies and substantive meetings on the opening day of the New York State Legislature. Agudath Israel of America’s vice president of community services, Rabbi Shmuel Lefkowitz, joined board of trustee members Leon Goldenberg and Chaskel Bennett, and Rabbi Yeruchim Silber to discuss Agudath Israel’s 2017 agenda with members of the New York State Legislature. The delegation met with more than a dozen legislators including Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. The delegation also attended the swearing-in ceremony of New York State Senator Elaine Phillips of Great Neck, who thanked the Orthodox community for supporting her candidacy.

Agudath Israel board of trustee members, Leon Goldenberg and Chaskel Bennett congratulate NYS Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan

The delegation impressed upon each of the elected officials the importance of providing meaningful support for non-public school parents struggling to afford tuition. Last session, the state provided an additional $100 million dollars for Jewish nonpublic school families through the efforts of Agudath Israel of America and its coalition partners and the leadership of many elected officials.

Agudath Israel’s delegation discussed several new proposals and came away hopeful that these ideas will bear fruits in the upcoming session.