Statement by Edward J. McElroy, President, American Federation of Teachers,
On Florida State Supreme Court's Ruling on School Vouchers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – We are pleased that the Florida Supreme Court today rose above politics to rule overwhelmingly that the state's misnamed voucher system, the Opportunity Scholarship Program, is unconstitutional.  This decision is a victory for Florida's taxpayers and public school students, and a setback for the anti-public school efforts of Gov. Jeb Bush. The decision reinforces a core American value – public funds should be used to fund public schools. 

Instead of using research-proven methods to improve public education, Gov. Bush pushed a voucher program that over the last six years funneled $400 million from public schools to private and religious schools.  The court today properly found the governor's voucher scheme violates the state's obligation to provide a quality education for all students. 

With today's decision, citizens can look forward to their tax dollars being used for education in a manner that will benefit all students in Florida’s public schools.

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