Gov. Paterson’s attempt to provide $18 million for the training of rabbis clearly violates Article XI, Section 3, of the New York constitution; the First Amendment, and the court rulings in the Kiryas Joel cases (“Furor at Budget’s $18M for ‘Rabbis’,” June 21).

It is also ridiculous in view of the state’s enormous debt crisis. Does Paterson also plan to provide for the training of priests and preachers?

I have been under the impression that Paterson swore an oath to uphold the New York and US constitutions.

Ed Doerr, President, Americans for Religious Liberty,

Silver Spring, Md.