EdChoice advocates seek to expedite lawsuit on voucher expansion

A group of EdChoice advocates have filed to expedite their lawsuit against the state regarding voucher expansion. Citizens for Community Values Inc., parents, private schools and students filed a lawsuit in early February challenging Senate Bill 120. The law passed Jan. 31, placed a 60-day hold on the EdChoice voucher application period. On Monday the group filed to expedite the argument and resolution process. The group's argument hinges on the constitutionality of the bill, as it was passed without an emergency clause. It argues the stay would not go into effect until May 1. The legislation was passed with an appropriation, which representatives argued caused the bill to take effect immediately. "Relators did not file this action to nitpick legal technicalities," the filing states. "To the contrary, Relators filed to challenge the legislation, both its wrongheaded policy aims and manner of enactment, because of the profound consequences it has upon ordinary Ohioans." It alleges SB 120 has disrupted the state's educational ecosystem, as districts — both public and private — knew of the EdChoice expansion and took steps to remain consistent with Ohio law since Nov. 1. The state filed a motion to dismiss last week, stating Citizens for Community Values and the parents and private schools involved in the suit cannot show they've been harmed by SB 120, and that they cannot show they have a legal right to EdChoice scholarships. The General Assembly is looking at changing the current EdChoice program. Senate Bill 89 would trade a performance-based system for an income-based model; House Bill 9 would rollback the number of buildings affected by the expansion. Both matters are in conference committee. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.