Religion Roundup
Voucher Programs Ruled Unconstitutional
Associated Press
May 16, 2008
PHOENIX - A state appellate court in Arizona has ruled that two voucher programs for foster and disabled children attending private schools violate the Arizona Constitution by using public money to help private and religious schools.
The 3-0 ruling Thursday by a Court of Appeals panel in Tucson reverses a trial judge's ruling that upheld the programs enacted in 2006 at the urging of "school choice" supporters.
The programs provide grants worth thousands of dollars for students, with the money paid in checks to parents who must endorse them over to the schools involved.
Challengers welcomed the voucher ruling as helping protect public schools.
Supporters of the programs say they'll ask the state Supreme Court to review the ruling.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
