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Voucher questions in dispute
November 4 is fast approaching, and there are some groups who don't want you to vote on two voucher-related items that are headed for the ballot.
Today, a state judge is scheduled to hear
their arguments over whether the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission
(web site disabled) overstepped its role in placing the amendments before voters, the AP reports.
Amendment 7 would eliminate a constitutional provision that bars state funds from supporting religious activities. Critics contend it's a way to funnel voucher money to religious schools.
Amendment 9 would let lawmakers recreate the voucher program that former governor Jeb Bush established but the State Supreme Court found unconstitutional. It also would let lawmakers require school districts to spend 65 percent of all operational funds in the classroom. That added language has proven controversial, as the Orlando Sentinel reports.
No decisions are expected immediately. We'll let you know when a ruling comes.
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Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going in on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.
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THE TEAM
| Rebecca Catalanello covers Pinellas County schools. E-mail her: rcatalanello@tampabay.com. |
| Tony Marrero covers Hernando County schools. E-mail him: tmarrero@tampabay.com. |
| Marlene Sokol covers Hillsborough County schools. E-mail her: sokol@tampabay.com. |
| Ron Matus covers Pinellas County schools. E-mail him: matus@tampabay.com. |
| Jeffrey S. Solochek covers Pasco County schools. E-mail him: solochek@tampabay.com. |
| Kim Wilmath covers the University of South Florida. E-mail her: kwilmath@tampabay.com. |
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