Contact: Andrew Campanella
Director of Communications Phone: 202-280-1985
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Appeals Court Rules School Choice Program Is Constitutional
03/12/09
Phoenix, Arizona (March 12, 2009)—The Arizona Court of Appeals today upheld the constitutionality of the state’s Corporate School Tuition Organization Tax Credit, a program that provides increased educational opportunities to 1,947 children throughout the Grand Canyon State. The Alliance for School Choice and Advocates for School Choice applauded the decision.
“We are grateful that the Arizona Court of Appeals recognizes this program as constitutional and appropriate,” said John Schilling, interim president of the Alliance and Advocates.
“School choice opponents have had their day in court, but families and children won out. The Alliance is especially thankful for the work of the Institute for Justice (IJ). IJ stood up for these children and continues to fight on behalf of parental options in courtrooms across the country.”
Additional lawsuits regarding Arizona’s two voucher programs and the Individual School Tuition Organization Tax Credit, are pending before the Arizona Supreme Court and the federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, respectively.
“We are hopeful these cases will also be resolved favorably for the parents and children who are benefitting from these important programs. The special interest groups who brought these lawsuits have long opposed providing educational options for disadvantaged children,” Schilling said.
“Research continues to show overwhelming parental satisfaction and positive educational outcomes in publicly-funded private school choice programs around the country. These programs are, and should continue to be, part of the portfolio of reforms to transform K-12 education in America so that it serves all students.”
More than 16 school tuition organizations are operating under the Corporate School Tuition Organization Tax Credit, and 156 schools accept students who receive scholarships from the program. The initiative was enacted in 2006.
Thanks to programs like the Corporate School Tuition Organization Tax Credit, students like Sergio Siller will be able to graduate this year from a great school, thanks to a scholarship from the Brophy Community Foundation. BCF is one of many organizations to receive donations from corporations through the Corporate STO Tax Credit.
“My school is different from any other high school around because it incorporates academics, religion and personal growth into the curriculum, which together create a more well-rounded person,” Sergio says.
Today's court victory will help ensure that more students like Sergio can go to great school of their parents' choice.
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The Alliance for School Choice is the nation's largest nonprofit organization promoting school vouchers and scholarship tax credit programs. Visit the Alliance online at www.AllianceForSchoolChoice.org.
