Dive Brief:
- Wake County Superior Court Judge Robert Hobgood will allow North Carolina's State Educational Assistance Authority to distribute $10 million in voucher dollars despite the fact that a lawsuit arguing the legality of voucher programs is still on the table.
- The state, which originally planned to distribute the funds next month, will now dole out the dollars on August 15 — four days before Hobgood hears arguments from those opposed to the programs.
- Voucher programs give taxpayer dollars to underprivileged families, who can then use the money to pay for tuition at private schools — but since some families use the money at religious schools, critics argue that the programs violate the separation of church and state.
Dive Insight:
While the state agency claims it didn't change the distribution date so it could get the funds to families before any court ruling, actions often speak louder than words. This definitely reads like a move to ensure money is distributed before the ruling.
Earlier this year, the North Carolina General Assembly set aside $10 million to be used for the voucher program, and eligible families can get as much as $4,200 each. Thus far, 1,000 families have shown interest in the program.