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Judge Bars State Money To Private Schools

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A judge in Michigan says any non-public school cannot receive refunds for expenses.

A judge says the state cannot reimburse private and parochial schools for any expenses, even if they’re the result of state mandates.

A provision in the state budget allows private and parochial schools to be reimbursed for state-required health and safety requirements. The challenge says that runs afoul of the state constitution, which bans direct or indirect public funding for private or parochial schools.  

The judge’s opinion says the ban is not religious discrimination.

Don Wotruba with the Michigan Association of School Boards says that’s because the ban does not distinguish between different types of private schools.

“It is any non-public school, religious or otherwise.”

This is a preliminary order while the rest of the case is argued. But the decision can be appealed.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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