AG Opinion a Blow to Voucher Referendum Organizers
None by KCPW
(KCPW News) Utah's Attorney General says the state's new school choice system can legally stay on the books, even if a public referendum repeals it. That's because lawmakers passed two bills on vouchers and the referendum addresses only one of them. The opinion is a blow to voucher opponents trying to collect enough signatures for a referendum, but spokesperson Pat Rusk says they won't quit."This is a grassroots movement that has reached so far into the communities of this state that you can't call something like this back now," says Rusk. "We're going to move forward, continue to get signatures and we'll deal with legal opinions when we have to."
If Rusk's group succeeds in collecting 92,000 signatures by April 9th, Governor Huntsman says he'll call a special election in June to settle the matter. Voucher advocacy group Parents for Choice in Education yesterday released their own legal opinion on the referendum, which mirrors that of the Attorney General. If voters overturn the first voucher bill, the Attorney General says lawmakers would have to come back and fund the voucher system, since the appropriation was attached to that original bill. Governor Huntsman has said he would not push vouchers forward if the public votes against the system.
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom, Legislative Coverage, and 2007 Legislative Coverage. Copyright 2008 KCPW
1. jackie de Gaston said:
What I really do not like is the Special election. The NEA group (UEA) has already proved time and time again that they can control special elections and get their people out while most citizens are apathetic. So, Governor Huntsman will not push vouchers if the people vote against. A special election will not reach the public, just the public school people. Jackie de Gaston
3. Brian Wayman said:
I applaud the voucher program, and choice, but why the despairety in funds allocated? If the public education system in Utah anticpates they will spend $7500 per student, then why is the voucher program so much less than what it takes to educate our kids in public school? If the public schools are authorized this much regardless of income, then why if a parent takes their child to a private school they are not receiving the same level of funding?
4. Eizabeth Chynoweth said:
I am for the voucher program, parents and students should have a choice where they want to attend school.praise god the children are staying in school, doing what they enjoy!
5. Blake D. Stewart said:
Hurrah for a governor who is willing to represent the will of the people and the voice of the people, shame on you David Tabish, Washington, Utah.
2. David Tabish, Washington Utah said:
I have been a strong supporter for Huntsman, but after his wishy washy attitude on this I think I shall support who ever runs against him. He is obviously a coward to his own employees, the UEA, playing politics, rather than following his own beliefs.