In a victory for school-choice supporters, a circuit judge Monday tossed out a constitutional challenge to a state program that helps send tens of thousands of low-income children to private schools.

A Leon County circuit judge dismissed the lawsuit against the Corporate Tax Scholarship due to the fact that the groups (The Florida PTA, The Florida School Board Association and others) behind the case did not have standing to bring the lawsuit. Judge George Reynolds ruled that the plaintiffs could not show the program harmed public schools, and could not challenge the program as taxpayers because it is not funded through the state budget.

This decision is a huge victory in affirming the rights of parents to choose the educational option for their children and it strengthens one of the most valuable school choice programs that has helped countless children in our State. We must remain active in defending the Corporate Tax Scholarship Program and continue to promote more options in light of a potential appeal to the decision.

The following is via the Herald Tribune:

Leon County Circuit Judge George Reynolds ruled that plaintiffs in the case — spearheaded by the Florida Education Association teachers union — did not have legal “standing” to challenge the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.

The voucher-like program provides tax credits to companies that donate money to nonprofit entities that help pay for children to attend private schools.

It includes nearly 70,000 students this year, according to the Foundation for Florida’s Future, a group founded by former Gov. Jeb Bush that is a major backer of school-choice programs.

(Fred Silverstein – YWN)