This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Please let me express my appreciation to all of our Utah senators, representatives, staffers and aides who work so hard up on the Hill. As a Democrat I'm often at odds with Utah legislation, but I recognize the hard work and commitment that go into a grueling session.
In particular, I want to thank the representatives and senators who voted against HB207, "Federalism Amendments." The bill died 11-17-2 on March 8 in the Senate. Sponsored by Rep. Ken Ivory, R-West Jordan, it requested $350,000 in taxpayer money to fund a class for Utah legislators on the principles of federalism. It was a cynical and hyperpartisan bill to advance Ivory's personal anti-government agenda. With budget funds always tight, I applaud the bill's opponents for their fiscal responsibility. This $350,000 can now either be saved or allocated to better uses, such as clean air, education or other nonpartisan issues.
Scott Bell
West Jordan