It’s obvious that many Utah lawmakers were unhappy that three out of four ballot initiatives passed last November. Medical cannabis, expanded Medicaid and redistricting measures were just too much for them to tolerate.
Our patriarchal lawmakers are threatened by the actions of the citizens and have decided to make the initiative process much more difficult. Requiring the names of people who have signed petitions to be posted online is meant to suppress citizen action and intimidate voters. Delaying the implementation of voter initiatives until after the legislative session gives lawmakers time to change them and, as we have seen them do since November, change them in ways that were not envisioned by the voters.
This is a power grab by the Legislature intended to take power away from the people.
Chelsea Taylor, Salt Lake City