Orthodox and Hasidic genetic testing help
New York's Orthodox and Hasidic Jews would get additional help from the state when selecting mates for arranged marriages under Gov. George Pataki's proposed 2006-07 spending plan.
The state would provide $500,000 for premarital genetic screening of Orthodox and Hasidic Jews as part of a move to minimize genetic diseases common to their culture.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, an Orthodox Jew who previously earmarked $150,000 in legislative member item for such screening, supports the plan.
http://www.recordonline.com/archive/2006/01/18/news-BSBUDGET-01-18.html