9486 in the collection
In Colorado, What Part of NO Don't Voucher Proponents Get?
"I see no way to interpret the voucher program statute in a way that does not run afoul of the principle of local control," Meyer wrote. "The goals of the voucher program are laudable. However, even great ideas must be implemented
within the framework of the Colorado Constitution."
--Denver District Judge Joseph Meyer
VOUCHERS RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL
"No" is a powerful word in the courts this week. On Monday, the Supreme Court of Colorado told the legislature that the redistricting bill they passed last session was unconstitutional. This morning at 10:00 AM, a Denver District Court told the legislature that the voucher bill they passed last session was
unconstitutional as well. Both decisions are expected to be appealed.
Colorado PTA is the lead plaintiff in the voucher lawsuit. President Mark Townsend had this to say about today's decision, "I applaud the court's decision to uphold the Constitution of the State of Colorado. One of our positions
all along has been that the voucher program was unconstitutional. While I respectfully disagree with the judge that vouchers are a good idea, I wholeheartedly agree with Judge Meyer's statement that any program needs to fit within the framework of the Colorado Constitution."
"My excitement over the court's decision, however, is tempered by the sober
realization that many of the legal issues raised in the lawsuit were never resolved. So, by no means, is the voucher issue dead. And, of course, the governor has already indicated that the state will appeal the decision. Several legislators had already indicated that there will be multiple voucher bills proposed in the coming session. So, no, the voucher issue is not dead. And there are still many legal arguments, including the constitutional provision prohibiting appropriation of state funds to private or religious schools, that have yet to be resolved. Only two of the eight legal arguments brought up in our lawsuit were argued-one was rejected and one was ruled sufficient to overturn the entire voucher bill as unconstitutional."
"After all, the Constitution of the State of Colorado is the law of the land.I'm thankful that Judge Meyer has reminded the legislative and the executive branches of that fact." Colorado PTA is an organization with 34,000 members and a long history of opposing vouchers.
Governor Bill Owens made this statement to 9 News today, "Securing school choice for the children of Colorado was a long legislative struggle and there was always the likelihood the struggle would extend to the courts as well. Children from low-income families should not be facing a dead end if they are in a
school that is below par. They deserve a choice and that is why we will appeal the court's decision." In another interview about the newly released CSAP results today, Owens said, "We've seen tremendous progress in our schools across the state." The number of kids attending unsatisfactory schools has been cut
by 80 percent in the last three years and a voucher bill would drain $90 million per year from districts with unsatisfactory schools, according to state budget officials. How is it that these schools are a "dead end" and making
"tremendous progress" all in the same day? Do we develop the "cut and run" mentality of vouchers or the "fix and make better" attitude of CSAP?
Vouchers are another predominately partisan issue at the legislature with
Republicans in favor of them and Democrats opposed. Representation of, by, and
for the people rules here, yet the people of Colorado have voted vouchers down time and again. In 1992 they were called "Vouchers," in 1998 they were called "Tuition Tax Credits." Both initiatives failed and numerous legislative bills for vouchers have failed consistently every year in the legislature except for last session. Now a court has ruled that that voucher bill entitled "Colorado Opportunity Contract Pilot Program" is unconstitutional, but it will be appealed.One wonders what part of the word "No" is not understood.
— Vicki Newell
A Parent's Perspective on What's Happening in Colorado
Capitol QIPS (Quality Improvement Process Strategy)
2003-12-03
INDEX OF OUTRAGES
Pages: 380
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