Huntsman, Legislative Leaders to Promise They Will Respect Voucher Vote

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) No need for a special session on vouchers. Governor Huntsman says instead he and Republican leaders of the Senate will sign a letter to the public promising they will respect the outcome of November's referendum:

"If we as leaders agree that the vote in November will be definitive as an up or down vote on vouchers and that if needs be, action will be taken in the next Legislative Session to change the code accordingly, then I think that's probably what the people of the state need to hear and ought to hear," says Huntsman.

The Governor says wording for the letter is not yet final, but Senate President John Valentine and House Speaker Greg Curtis have agreed to it in principle. Other high-ranking Republican lawmakers have insisted that vouchers should remain on the books regardless of November's outcome, because a second bill establishes the framework of the program. The letter from Huntsman and legislative leaders will not bind the Utah Legislature, but Huntsman says the public should be confident in its staying power - even if the referendum outcome is close.

"The outcome is driven by the numbers, and if it's one vote more for either side, then they prevail," says Huntsman. "I don't speak for the legislative branch, but the fact that you would have the leader of the Senate and the House come out basically stating they will respect the outcome of the election is very important."

Huntsman says he expects both sides of the issue to appeal to the courts for clarification before the November election.

This afternoon Utah legislators, parents and the pro-voucher group Parents for Choice in Education plan to make a legal filing on the matter.

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