The Road to Washington

1995

• Ohio legislature enacts program authorizing tuition vouchers of up to $2,250 for children from low-income families to attend private schools, including religious schools.

1996

• State judge in Columbus upholds the program against a legal challenge.
  
• Some 1,700 children use vouchers for the first time that fall.

1997

• State appeals court in Columbus strikes down program on state and federal constitutional grounds.
  
• Ohio Supreme Court allows program to continue operating while it considers appeal.

1999

• Ohio Supreme Court rules that participation of religious schools does not violate federal constitutional prohibition on government establishment of religion. But it strikes down program because legislature adopted it as part of budget bill, in violation of state constitution.
  
• Ohio legislature reauthorizes program under new law, which is challenged in federal courts by voucher opponents.
  
• U.S. Supreme Court issues order that allows program to continue operating pending appeals.
  
• Federal judge in Cleveland strikes down program because it is "skewed towards religion"

2000

• Federal appeals court in Cincinnati also rules that program violates establishment clause of U.S. Constitution.

• State of Ohio, joined by Bush administration and other voucher supporters, appeals to U.S. Supreme Court, which accepts the case for review.

• Supreme Court to hear arguments on Feb. 20, with decision expected by end its term in late June.