Nevada Approves Security Funding Program for Yeshivas and Jewish Day Schools
Funding Comes Thanks to Support from Governor Lombardo and Senator Dondero-Loop
(July 9, 2024) – On June 13, Nevada’s Interim Finance Committee (IFC) approved a $750,000 funding package to reimburse yeshivas and Jewish day schools in Nevada for security needs. Key champions of this initiative were Governor Joe Lombardo, who submitted the new program to the IFC, and Senator Marilyn Dondero-Loop, the vice chair of the IFC. The funding passed with the IFC’s unanimous support.
This critical funding comes at a time of rising antisemitism across the country, with threats against Jewish institutions at their highest ever since October 7. In fact, a recent report from Teach Coalition, a project of the Orthodox Union that advocates for government funding and resources for nonpublic schools, found that the average Jewish school is now spending over $315,000 per year on security expenses – an increase of 47% since October 7. These increases often come out of the pockets of local communities and families.
The funding will be used to hire security personnel and implement other hardening security measures for yeshivas and Jewish day schools in the state over the coming year. Through granting organization Community Kollel of Greater Las Vegas, the funding will go directly to the state’s six yeshivas and Jewish day schools. The program is designed to minimize delays and paperwork so that schools can focus on implementing security needs without added financial burden to the community.
“This funding is crucial as we work to ensure the safety and security of our students and educators,” says Daniel Rubenstein, Teach NV Chair and Jewish day school parent. “It is encouraging to see our state leaders making the safety of our students a priority.”
It is worth noting that Nevada’s legislature only meets and passes a budget every other year. In even years – including 2024 – any new spending or major program changes must be approved by the IFC, which is comprised of all members of the funding committees in the state’s House and Senate. The governor then submits requested changes to the IFC, which the IFC reviews and approves.
“We applaud Gov. Lombardo and Senator Dondero-Loop, and those who supported this funding for our schools,” says Dan Mitzner, director of Government Affairs at Teach Coalition, the parent organization of Teach NV. “During this turbulent time for the Jewish community, it is comforting to know that we have legislators who understand and champion on behalf of our needs and concerns.”