House Republicans did not get the opinion from the Attorney General's office that they were hoping. They had hoped to sue to stop the "jobs bill" money from coming to Utah schools. Carl Wimmer, head of the conservative "Patrick Henry Caucus", said "I don't think enough information has been given to citizens how dangerous and unprecedented this is is. It takes away locally elected representatives' authority, it commandeers the state's legislature, and it nullifies their power and bypasses them by Congress' authority."
Read the entire article at www.deseretnews.com
Now, Republican leaders, Speaker Clark and President Waddoups are threatening to take half of the $101 million back to pay for the budget deficit. The money is earmarked for salary and benefits for classified, licensed and school administrators. Governor Herbert met with Utah Republicans to explain his reasons for applying (Sept. 9 is the deadline) for the Federal jobs money.
It shouldn't amaze me (after 25 years in Utah) to see the hypocricy of legislators. They continually usurp local controls and negotiations while crying about Federal intrusion.
Rick Palmer
Ogden Teachers Rally for Collective Bargaining
