Current:Home > NewsJudge dismisses lawsuit challenging voucher-like program for private schools-InfoLens
Judge dismisses lawsuit challenging voucher-like program for private schools
View Date:2024-12-23 10:24:42
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a leader of one of New Hampshire’s teachers’ unions to stop public dollars from being spent to fund private schools through the Education Freedom Account program, saying she has not shown that it violates the state constitution.
The lawsuit was filed in Merrimack County Superior Court last year. It sought an injunction to stop the voucher-like program.
Deb Howes, president of the American Federation of Teachers New Hampshire, had said the program runs afoul of the constitution because money from the state’s education trust fund is specifically set aside for public education and cannot be used for private purposes.
The state had moved to dismiss the case, arguing that Howes failed to make a claim that the program was illegal or unconstitutional.
A judge ruled Monday that Howes failed to allege facts supporting her claims. The judge also ruled that Howes’ challenge to the state’s use of education trust fund money to fund the program was moot in light of recent amendments to the education trust fund statute.
“We are pleased that the court has ruled in favor of New Hampshire’s strong and prosperous Education Freedom Account program, which now has more than 4,000 participants and continues to grow,” Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut said in a statement. “The court’s decision underscores the legality of the EFA program previously approved by legislators, but more importantly allows New Hampshire students and families to find the best educational pathway available for their unique needs.”
The New Hampshire program is open to any private school, including religious schools. The voucher-like program provides families with the same amount the state pays per pupil to public school districts — about $4,500 — to pay for private school tuition or home school expenses.
In a statement, Howes said that “we had the law on our side” because it had stated that state lottery funds could only be used to fund public schools, and the trust fund did not list vouchers as an allowable expenditure.
“But this year, the Legislature amended the statute to allow the Education Trust Fund to be used for vouchers,” she said.
veryGood! (7398)
Related
- Is Veterans Day a federal holiday? Here's what to know for November 11
- Giancarlo Stanton's late homer gives Yankees 2-1 lead over Royals in ALDS
- Florida picking up the pieces after Milton: 6 dead, 3.4M in dark. Live updates
- Nicky Hilton Rothschild Shares Secret to Decade-Long Marriage With Husband James Rothschild
- Song Jae-lim, Moon Embracing the Sun Actor, Dead at 39
- Netflix's 'Heartstopper' tackled teen sex. It sparked an important conversation.
- Opinion: Luis Tiant deserves to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame
- When will Malik Nabers return? Latest injury updates on Giants WR
- Why Kathy Bates Decided Against Reconstruction Surgery After Double Mastectomy for Breast Cancer
- Francisco Lindor’s grand slam sends Mets into NLCS with 4-1 win over Phillies in Game 4 of NLDS
Ranking
- 'Serial swatter': 18-year-old pleads guilty to making nearly 400 bomb threats, mass shooting calls
- Hurricane Milton disrupts Yom Kippur plans for Jews in Florida
- Want to lower your cholesterol? Adding lentils to your diet could help.
- Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock reunite to talk surviving 'Speed,' 30 years later
- OneTaste Founder Nicole Daedone Speaks Out on Sex Cult Allegations Against Orgasmic Meditation Company
- JoJo Siwa Seemingly Plays Into Beyoncé & Sean Diddy Combs Conspiracy Theory With Award Show Shoutout
- Opinion: Milton forced us to evacuate our Tampa home. But my kids won't come out unscathed.
- 'No fear:' Padres push Dodgers to brink of elimination after NLDS Game 3 win
Recommendation
-
2024 'virtually certain' to be warmest year on record, scientists say
-
‘The View’ co-hosts come out swinging at Donald Trump a day after he insulted them
-
'Love Island USA' star Hannah Smith arrested at Atlanta concert, accused of threatening cop
-
Sharna Burgess Slams Speculation She’s “Forcing” Her and Brian Austin Green's Kids to “Be Girls”
-
Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul VIP fight package costs a whopping $2M. Here's who bought it.
-
Lisa Marie Presley Shares She Had Abortion While Dating Danny Keough Before Having Daughter Riley Keough
-
TikTok sued by 13 states and DC, accused of harming younger users
-
Anderson Cooper Hit in the Head With Flying Debris Live on Air While Covering Hurricane Milton