The Catholic Church is making a big push for a proposal that would boost scholarship funds, but opponents say it’s a backdoor way of channeling public money to religious schools. NY1’s Lindsey Christ filed the following report.

One of Cardinal Timothy Dolan's top legislative priorities is to give a tax credit to New Yorkers who donate scholarship money to private or parochial schools.

And with the legislative session heating up in Albany, the archdiocese of New York bused 200 students to an East Harlem rally Wednesday morning, calling for the tax credit to become law.

“This is a tax credit, allowing people a free choice as to where, as to using their money for the benefit of our children, so this isn't taking any money from the budget,” said Dolan.

The battle lines are clear. To Dolan, the tax credit is a lifeboat for cash-strapped Catholic schools, and a lifeline for thousands of poor school children.

Opponents say the proposal could cost the state $150 million a year when struggling public schools need more money.

“You just can't get around that issue by saying we're going to give away more state money to people so they can give to more private schools, parochial schools,” said Barbara Bartoletti.

Last year, the legislation died in the Democratic-controlled Assembly. 

"There was a lot of hurt and disappointment, and I think our political leaders last year, I think they learned when they saw the depth of the support, the fervor of our advocacy and they’re all coming together and say not this year, we’re going to make it happen,” said Dolan.

Dolan is hopeful now for several reasons. Gov. Andrew Cuomo put the tax credit in his proposed budget, something he didn't do last year. And one of the most powerful opponents, Sheldon Silver, just resigned as Assembly Speaker after his indictment on corruption charges.

The teachers union has been a fierce opponent of the idea, but this year, it has bigger battles.

Almost all of the kids at the rally were black or Hispanic, a message to Democrats from the city that the proposal has support in their districts.  

“Once they see that many people want this to happen, they'll think that it's not really a joke, that we really care about this,” said one student.

Care enough to set the stage for another fight in Albany.