A bill that would make provision for financial assistance to religious institutions damaged by vandalism or destroyed by arsonists has been introduced in the New York State Legislature by Assemblyman Stephen Solarz, a Brooklyn Democrat. Mr. Solarz said his measure would create a million dollar, interest-free loan fund from which tax exempt institutions, including houses of worship, could borrow and repay over 10 years at the rate of 10 percent each year.
The legislator said his bill was prompted by the recent rash of synagogue burnings and acts of vandalism against religious institutions which resulted in property losses in the millions of dollars. He said he also supported efforts to make certain that persons convicted of vandalism or arson against religious institutions “will be punished to the full extend of the law.”
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