Agudath Israel’s Florida applauds Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida legislature for expanding the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities to include all eligible students.
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities, originally passed in 2019, provides scholarships to students with special needs. Last year, Governor DeSantis and the Florida legislature awarded thousands of dollars per student to over 40,000 students with special needs. However, more students applied than the scholarship could provide for, leaving many students on the waiting list for adequate education.
During last week’s special session, the legislature passed legislation to take away the cap on how many students can qualify for the special needs scholarship, making it available for all students who are eligible for the scholarship.
Rabbi Avrohom Luban, associate director of Agudah’s Florida Office, testified in front of the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee & House Appropriations Committee on behalf of the Jewish community, explaining the need for more students to be able to receive this scholarship.
“For many families, the Family Empowerment Scholarship is a lifeline,” said Rabbi Luban in his testimony. “Removing the cap on how many students can receive the scholarship enables every child to have their specific needs addressed.”
“Governor DeSantis has long been an advocate for children to be educated in the way that is best for them, regardless of income level,” said Rabbi Moshe Matz, director of Agudah’s Florida Office. “The Agudah is grateful to Governor DeSantis for making the education of our children a priority, ensuring that every child can and will be educated according to his or her needs.”
