The bishops of Florida have designated November 23 as Farmworker Sunday.

Find out more . . .

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.

Read more . . .

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.”

Read more . . .