If you are part of the Jewish Community, you have a clear understanding of what the word tuition means and how it affects us financially. For most of us, public school is not an option and we are so to speak forced to shell out more money than many of us can afford. (A concept those not in the community have difficulty understanding).

We save the state thousands upon thousands of dollars for each of our children that they aren't responsible to educate, and we shoulder the costs alone.

But the financial burden has reached its limits. People are not making ends meet.

This is not a new issue nor exclusive to NJ. However we have to start somewhere so I will start where I live and hope others will follow my lead. We need legislation to be created in our favor to somewhat relieve the burden. 

I think one of our biggest hardships is that the state does not recognize tuition payments as an expense that comes off the top of our income. For example, a family making a mere 40,000-50,000 could be shelling out 16000 or more a year on tuition but when it comes to recognizing their "poverty" status it will not reflect correctly. 

Why?

Because by state law, the tuition expense is counted as part of their income.

But in reality... that money never makes it into pocket!!!

They should be recognized as making only 24,000 a year which is what is really happening! Try doing the math of life expenses and there is nothing to live off of but miracles.

We need this to change now!

People are being thrown off of government assistance when they need it for survival.

They cannot afford food. They cannot afford insurance. They cannot afford housing. And they cannot afford basic clothing and living expenses. 

(And even those that can are hurting from it too!)

But legislature seems to think everyone is richer than they are because they look at the income numbers before our non-optional tuition is deducted. 

And there is nobody to talk to for this change.

It is up to us, the people, to speak up and finally have our rights and needs recognized.

Tuition is coming out of our bottom dollar and this needs to be fairly recognized, as a non luxury item.

Please sign this petition to have our senators and congress create legislation that Tuition should absolutely NOT BE COUNTED AS INCOME.