The Orthodox Union applauds Governor Chris Christie for signing the Joint Purchasing Bill (A-3398/S-3089) into law this week.
The bill, which allows non-public schools to participate in joint purchasing agreements entered into by two or more school districts, was the idea of Assemblywomen Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-37 Bergen) and Amy Handlin (R-13 Monmouth) and Senator Robert Gordon (D-38 Bergen).
Sponsored by a bipartisan group of 15 legislators, including Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-36 Passaic) and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-37 Bergen), this bill sets a precedent of bipartisan support for equal opportunity for non-public schools and their students, as well as the taxpaying parents who selected schools that best suit their children’s educational needs.
“Joint purchasing agreements help school districts save money and redirect financial resources,” said Asw. Huttle. “This legislation will enhance this by allowing private schools to join with public schools in the same district.”
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The Orthodox Union is the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization; the OU Advocacy Center, formerly the Institute for Public Affairs, is the non-partisan public policy arm of the OU and leads its advocacy efforts in Washington, DC and state capitals.