10/12/2018
Friendly reminder that votes do count, no matter the side you are on. There is a proposal to amend the Utah Constitution, which will change how our state government functions.
Much of this was borrowed (with permission) from a colleague, Chris Wharton, but it is an excellent description of a little understood proposal to amend the Utah constitution:
For over 100 years, the Utah Constitution has limited the power of the legislature by requiring the governor to call a legislative session. This is one of the checks and balances of our state government and it has served us well since statehood. Amendment C seeks to change all this by allowing the state legislature to call itself into session.
The legislature is composed of 104 representatives and senators who represent various districts across the state. They meet every year for a limited 45 day session. The purpose of this is to ensure that we maintain a citizen legislature—a body of people who are NOT professional politicians (like Congress) but regular citizens with typical jobs, needs, and perspectives that represent everyday people. The legislature also meets one day a month outside of the session to stay abreast of ongoing issues and to prepare for the upcoming general legislative session.
For the last few generations, both houses of the legislature have been controlled by the Republican Party. The governor is the only statewide elected official who can convene a special legislative session. This is a full-time position with the unique perspective and accountability to the entire state. This gives the governor a unique perspective on the EMERGENCY needs of our state. It also provides an important check on the legislature. Without this check, the super majority of the legislature will be able to call themselves into session whenever they deem fit, to meet the whims of the super majority and without the perspective of a statewide elected official.
Please know what AMENDMENT C means for checks and balances in our state government.
Thank you!
