SCHOOL VOUCHERS LOSE ANOTHER ROUND…. The Arizona Constitution says, in no uncertain terms, “No tax shall be laid or appropriation of public money made in aid of any church, or private or sectarian school, or any public service corporation.” State officials nevertheless created a private school voucher system that directs public money to private and sectarian schools.
Naturally, there was a lawsuit. Today, the Arizona Supreme Court struck down the funding.
The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that two school voucher programs violate the state’s constitution.
The vouchers have helped cover the cost of private school for foster children and disabled students. The justices ruled Wednesday that the programs run afoul of the Arizona Constitution’s bans on using tax dollars to support private schools.
The state Supreme Court’s ruling was unanimous.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State noted in a press release, “Arizona is one of 37 states with strong constitutional provisions that bar the diversion of tax funding to religious schools.” It’s quite an impediment to public funding of private religious institutions.
I realize there are some conservatives who hold out hope, but it’s time to give up on this misguided idea. Vouchers have lost in the courts, they’ve lost in the ballot initiatives, and when tried, they’ve failed to produce the desired results. Some on the right have given up on the voucher agenda altogether. Here’s hoping the remaining holdouts do the same.
