Judge rules voucher program unconstitutional

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Florida judge ruled March 14 that the state’s new school voucher program violates Florida’s constitution.

“Tax dollars may not be used to send the children of this state to private schools,” Circuit Judge L. Ralph Smith Jr. of Tallahassee said in his ruling.

Smith allowed the 53 students who have moved from public elementary schools to private schools to remain where they are for the rest of the school year. The state plans to appeal the decision, according to news reports.

The Florida program had permitted students at schools considered to be failing to seek vouchers of up to $3,389 to help pay for schooling at parochial or other private schools.

Groups that have been critical of voucher programs welcomed the decision. An official of the American Jewish Congress called the decision a “welcomed affirmation” that taxpayer funds belong in public, not private, school.