From the AP:

A judge in West Virginia's capital struck down a law on Wednesday that would have funneled state money into a program that incentivized families to pull their children out of K-12 public schools. . . .

Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge Joanna Tabit ruled that the Hope Scholarship voucher program, which would have been one of the most far-reaching school choice programs in the country, violates the state's constitutional mandate to provide “a thorough and efficient system of free schools.”

Judge Tapit further elaborated:

“Any action negatively impacting public school funding is subject to strict scrutiny,” Judge Joanna Tabit said. “And the Legislature can reduce funds for public education only, only if they can show a compelling governmental interest. Non-public education is not a constitutional interest of this state, and I am troubled that there seem to be no educational standards or accountability to the public.”

Two weeks ago, I noted how two of West Virginia’s top educational bureaucrats had suddenly come out against the voucher law. At the time, I found it odd that the state school board president and state superintendent had changed their minds on the state vouchers. Maybe it wasn't that odd.

Of course, reaction to Judge Tabit’s ruling was predictable:

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said his office will do all it can to reverse Judge Tabit's decision.