Friday, March 07, 2008

David Williams: Wrong on State Funds for Religious School

Judge: No funds for religious school

STATE MONEY FOR CUMBERLANDS
PROJECT UNCONSTITUTIONAL

The General Assembly violated the state Constitution when it appropriated $10 million to the University of the Cumberlands for a pharmacy building and $1 million for scholarships in 2006, a judge ruled Thursday.

In an 11-page order that can be appealed, retired Franklin County Circuit Judge Roger Crittenden ruled in a summary judgment that "there is no question that the appropriation of $10 million (of) tax dollars to the university to construct a pharmacy building is a direct payment to a non-public religious school for educational purpose."

"This type of direct expenditure is not permitted by the Constitution of Kentucky," he wrote. Concerning money for the pharmacy scholarship program, Crittenden said the legislature violated a section of the Constitution when it used the budget bill to enact a permanent program.

This from the Herald-Leader:

David Williams, R-Burkesville, called the judge's ruling "wrong."
Photo by Ed Reinke
Read the judge's order
Expelled student now at EKU 'without regrets' Comments

Others who were wrong include: Senators Vernie McGaha, Russell Springs; Gary Tapp, Waddy; Jack Westwood, Crescent Springs; Carroll Gibson, Leitchfield; Damon Thayer, Georgetown; Ernie Harris, Crestwood; and Dick Roeding, Lakeside Park; and Reps. Danny Ford, Mount Vernon; Joe Fischer, Fort Thomas; Mike Harmon, Junction City; Tom Kerr, Taylor Mill; Marie Rader, McKee; and Addia Wuchner, Burlington.

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