(JTA) — The New York City Council voted in favor of a bill to provide private schools with state-funded security guards.

Following Monday’s vote, the bill awaits Mayor Bill De Blasio’s signature. Called “Introduction 65-A,” the bill was introduced last year by Democratic Councilman David Greenfield, whose Brooklyn district includes heavily Jewish neighborhoods.

The bill will provide nearly $20 million in funding for a security guard at every private school with more than 300 students. Private schools with more than 500 students will receive an additional guard.

The Orthodox Union had advocated heavily for the bill.

“Now more than ever, with families increasingly concerned about security, all kids deserve a safe learning environment and this bill helps provide that,” said Maury Litwack, director of state political affairs for the OU. “We commend Speaker Mark-Viverito, Councilman Greenfield, and the New York City Council for voting to protect all of our schoolchildren, regardless of where they attend school.”

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