The Knesset's Labor and Welfare Committee has unanimously approved the second and third readings of MK Merav Ben-Ari's (Kulanu) bill, calling for educational grants to needy parents (single parents, parents liable eligible for income support, those with disabilities, and families with four or more children) to also be given for students in tenth through twelfth grades.
Up to now, the grant has only been provided for students up to ninth grade.
The funds would also be equalized at 1,003 shekels ($258 US) for all ages, whereas it is currently at 850 shekels ($219 US) for sixth through ninth grades, and 1,500 shekels ($386 US) for first through fifth grades.
The bill is expected to cost 28 million shekels per year ($7.2 million US) and would come into effect with the start of the next school year.