Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. on Wednesday signed an executive order setting the vote on that date, putting rest to speculation that's been swirling since a petition drive to put the law up for repeal was declared "sufficient" on April 30.
The Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel has until Tuesday to submit a ballot title and 100-word description of the issue to the Lt. Governor's Office. Longer pro and con arguments for voter information pamphlets are now due to the office by June 1 from legislators, said Joe Demma, chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert.
The Parent Choice in Education Act, which appropriates $9.3 million in private school tuition assistance and public school mitigation money, is on hold until the public decides whether to overturn it. A second law that amends and re-enacts portions of the law remains in effect, but presents legal challenges that have delayed its implementation.
Voucher supporters have organized a rally Tuesday to protest the Utah State Board of Education's decision to seek legal advice before moving forward with the amended law.
"Hundreds of families were calling me saying, 'What are we going to do?' " said Leah Barker, Parents for Choice in Education spokeswoman. "We're hearing from people in St. George, Ogden, Provo, you name it. . .the rally will really put a face on it."
Barker said the event would kick-start an educational campaign about school vouchers leading up to the election.
"We have six months now to really get out there and show the community who really is going to benefit from this program," she said.
Voucher opponents who led the referendum effort are pleased with Huntsman's decision and are also ready to roll out a campaign.
"We applaud the governor for his leadership," said Lindsay Zizumbo, Utahns for Public Schools spokeswoman. "We believe [a November election] allows for the greatest paraticipation and also moves to settle the issue sooner rather than later."
Huntsman moved away from an earlier preference to put the referendum on a February ballot when the Western States Presidential Primary will be held. He initially liked that date because the primary is the nearest fully funded statewide election. But several legislators have argued against scheduling the vote during the 2008 legislative session.
The Lt. Governor's Office is now working with cities and counties to split the $3.5 million cost of converting November's municipal general election to a statewide race. If municipalities can contribute money budgeted for their elections, the Legislature could kick in the rest. But Senate President John Valentine said he'd resist efforts to make the state foot the entire bill.
