Albany, NY – New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato secured a record high investment in State funding for nonpublic schools during the recent 2025 State budget. Through her continued work, in partnership with TeachNYS and Agudath Israel of America, Yeshivas and nonpublic schools throughout New York will receive an unprecedented allotment in funding for STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), free school meals, and school security. Since first elected in 2017, Pheffer Amato has been the State Legislator that is responsible for the ongoing increase in the amount of funding allocated to nonpublic schools every year.

In the recent budget, the Assemblywoman was responsible for generating over $85.5 million in STEM education, millions of dollars higher than previous years. Through her work, Yeshivas all over New York have been able to hire experienced science teachers to educate students, ensuring they have a strong Judaic and secular education.

In another historic move, Pheffer Amato helped usher in universal free meals for all schools, including nonpublic schools. For the first time ever, New York State will fully fund school breakfast and lunch - guaranteeing that every child will be eligible for healthy and nutritious meals. The Assemblywoman worked to ensure nonpublic schools were INCLUDED in the program and that kosher meals would be applicable. A state-wide estimate believes this will save families over $120 per child, per month.

For school safety, Pheffer Amato succeeded in increasing the annual allotment Yeshivas are eligible for in security funding. This includes $70 million through the Nonpublic School Safety Equipment Grant (NPSE) and $35 million for the SCAHC (Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes). The NPSE grant is often used by schools for the hiring of security guards, while the SCAHC grant can go towards security measures like cameras and fencing. The competitive grants have been successfully used by schools in the Assemblywoman’s district.

“Safety, nutrition, and education are my top priorities. With this funding, our students will continue to be in a safe and secure environment, while receiving a well-rounded education. This will help guarantee that students can compete in an ever-changing world for generations to come. It is my priority to ensure that every child has a safe and secure learning environment, but also cutting-edge, multifaceted, and quality education that develops their skills and prepares them for the future,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato.

Rabbi Yeruchim Silber from Agudath Israel of America said, “This is a budget we can be proud of. Increased security funding, universal free lunch and mandated services will benefit the students in every yeshiva and nonpublic school across the state. We are incredibly grateful to our champion, Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato, for securing the needs of the nonpublic school community.

“These are transformative dollars directly impacting our schools,” said Sydney Altfield, National Director of Teach Coalition. “The state of New York recognizes the importance of investing in the future of tomorrow no matter the choice of school they attend, and we are so grateful to our partner, Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato, for fighting alongside us to make this a reality.”

Outside education, Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato succeeded in working to put money back into the pockets of her constituents by expanding the Empire State Child Credit to a $1,000 tax credit per child for children under four, and $500 for children ages four to seventeen. She also voted to approve a one-time inflation rebate check which will be automatically mailed to NYS residents at the end of the year.

For single earners:

• with income up to $75,000, they will receive a $200 check
• those making between $75,000 and $150,000 will receive $150 check

For those who file jointly:

• with income up to $150,000, they will receive a $400 check
• those making between $150,000 and $300,000 will receive a $300 check