Catholic Bishops of Florida and faith-based organizations pleased
with court’s ruling to keep two amendments on November ballot 

Tallahassee – Circuit Court Judge John C. Cooper ruled on August 4 that the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission did not exceed its authority in proposing two constitutional amendments, one that strikes existing language that bars religious entities from participation in governmental programs and a second that allows public funding of school-choice programs. 

"We are pleased with the ruling because it is a pivotal step toward safeguarding health, education and social service programs in which Floridians benefit through the participation of faith-based providers," said D. Michael McCarron, executive director of the Florida Catholic Conference. “All Floridians, particularly the vulnerable and in need, deserve the opportunity to benefit from programs with a secular purpose provided by religious organizations.” 

A diverse group of faith-based entities, including the Florida Catholic Conference, intervened in the lawsuit that sought to remove proposed constitutional amendments 7 and 9 from the November 2008 General Election ballot. Intervenors supported the position that the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission acted within the scope of its authority and defended Floridians’ right to vote on the amendments. Joining the Conference were Mercy Hospital, Friends of Lubavitch of Florida, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami and Association of Christian Schools International.

The intervening organizations offer a wide variety of social services to Floridians, including healthcare, eldercare, education and care to poor and vulnerable populations that, in some cases, few or no other organizations are willing or able to provide. The provisions of the amendments help to ensure the continued availability of these services and allow for the possibility of additional opportunities for Floridians to participate in programs run by faith-based entities.