Proponents of School Voucher Initiative Mislead Public, Opposition Suit Alleges
Opponents of Proposition 174, the school voucher initiative, filed suit Thursday against the pro-voucher campaign, alleging that its November ballot arguments are inaccurate and mislead voters, particularly claims that the initiative will save taxpayers money.
The lawsuit, filed in Sacramento, takes issue with the pro-voucher camp’s ballot statement saying that the measure will save taxpayers $19 billion over the next eight years.
“I think they just made that up and I don’t think they expected they would have to stand behind and defend their document,” said Rick Manter, campaign manager for the Committee to Educate Against Vouchers, which is supported by some of California’s most powerful education organizations.
Proposition 174, called the Parental Choice in Education Amendment, would give parents tax-supported scholarships of about $2,600 to help pay their children’s tuition at private schools. The proposed constitutional amendment also would allow parents to send their children to any public school.
Voucher supporters said the court challenge is not unexpected and stand by their statements.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
