Florida’s Catholic bishops disappointed with Supreme Court decision
to remove Amendments 7 and 9 from November ballot

Tallahassee – The Florida Supreme Court ruled today to reverse the lower court’s decision that the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission did not exceed its authority in proposing two constitutional amendments. This decision strikes both Amendments 7 and 9 from the November 4 ballot.  Amendment 7 would have removed existing language in the Florida Constitution that bars religious entities from participation in governmental programs.  Amendment 9 would have allowed for public funding of school-choice alternatives.

"We are very disappointed in the Court’s ruling,’’ said D. Michael McCarron, executive director of the Florida Catholic Conference. “Faith-based organizations provide a broad range of services for the benefit of all Floridians and in particular our state’s most vulnerable and in need. It is regrettable that Floridians, as recipients of these services, will not have the opportunity to vote on these two amendments which would have safeguarded vital health, education and social service programs.”

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 ballot. Intervenors supported the position that the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission acted within the scope of its authority. Joining the Conference were Mercy Hospital, Friends of Lubavitch of Florida, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami and Association of Christian Schools International.