FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: January 20th, 2022

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Amanda Kieffer, Communications Director at Cardinal Institute for WV Policy

PHONE: (304)-541-9551  EMAIL: [email protected]

Cardinal Institute Condemns Attempt to Prevent Families from Accessing Education Choices

Charleston, W. Va.—Last night a lawsuit was filed against the Hope Scholarship program, the nation’s most inclusive education savings account program, by Public Funds Public Schools. The Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy condemns this attempt to prevent families from accessing education choice.

The Hope Scholarship program provides families with the opportunity to access $4,600 to use on the educational environment that best suits their child’s needs. This program is a first of its kind in West Virginia and leads the nation in providing flexibility and options for families with K-12 students.

It is the Cardinal Institute’s hope that this legal challenge works its way through the courts quickly so that families can enjoy a sense of certainty in their ability to access the Hope Scholarship and plan for their child’s educational needs.

“Sadly, this is yet another attempt to undermine an education choice program on what can only be described as dubious legal grounds. These frivolous lawsuits occur across the country so opponents of educational freedom can slow down and limit options available to families and students,” said Garrett Ballengee, executive director of the Cardinal Institute. “Education choice programs, like West Virginia’s Hope Scholarship, have a stellar record in the courts, and we are confident that will be the case in West Virginia, as well. It is our hope that this lawsuit is adjudicated quickly, and the state can go on about its business in providing the most expansive education freedom program to families who desperately desire education options.”

About the Cardinal Institute

The Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in September 2014 dedicated to research, develop, and communicate effective free market economic public policies for West Virginia.

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