On March 13th, 2015, Marie Bathelmy spoke on behalf of parents advocating for the Education Investment Tax Credit bill at a rally in Brooklyn.
“Good afternoon. My name is Marie Bathelmy and my son, Gabriel, is a Kindergartener at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Academy in Bushwick. Gabriel is my top priority, and I am dedicated to ensuring he receives the best education possible to fully fulfill his God-given potential. I assist him with homework, read daily to him and seek all opportunities that may enrich his education.
St. Frances Cabrini shares my vision of enriching and preparing my son and all of its students for a dynamic learning journey. This journey begins with a morning welcome by the principal and continues with the teachers implementing a positive culture of learning and achievement on a daily basis. There is a focus on developing the whole child; this enables my son to be an active, lifelong learner. Even though Gabriel is only five years old, he is already talking about high school and college.
This is exactly the kind of education I want for my son and I am humbled that through a scholarship from the Children’s Scholarship Fund, I can afford to have Gabriel attend St. Frances Cabrini. The Children’s Scholarship Fund, St. Frances Cabrini and I are partners in my son’s education. This partnership has made it possible for me to fulfill a promise to my son, the promise of a quality education.
I am committed to making sure Gabriel has access to a quality education. My family immigrated to the United States to give my siblings and me better opportunities. Through my job at another school, I witness many parents who are struggling to provide for their children’s needs.
The Education Tax Credit would make a real difference for families like mine and so many others. It would literally change lives by giving more children access to scholarships, strengthening neighborhood schools and after-school programs, and supporting teachers.
I am grateful that Governor Cuomo has included the Education Tax Credit in his budget and that the Senate has passed it. I urge the members of the Assembly and Senate and Governor Cuomo to remember Gabriel and me when you are finalizing the state budget.
Please make sure you pass the Education Tax Credit with the budget so Gabriel and thousands of kids just starting out in school will have better opportunities. This would be an investment in our children’s education that will pay great dividends. This return will tremendously benefit the future of our city and state. For some families, this is their chance to break the cycle of poverty and truly chase the American dream. Our children need the tools today that will prepare them for successful lives. Members of the Assembly and Senate, the future of our city and our state depends on you joining our winning partnership.
Thank you!”