Lawmakers Say Referendum Won't Work, Voucher Opponents Moving Ahead

None by KCPW

(KCPW New) Even if public school advocates collect enough signatures to put vouchers on the ballot, Republican lawmakers in the Utah Senate are confident the program will "stay on the books." That's because lawmakers passed two voucher-related bills, and the referendum addresses only one of those. But Utahns for Public Schools spokesperson Pat Rusk says they're still moving ahead with the referendum.

"We believe this is just another of the roadblocks they're throwing in our path," says Rusk. "Our attorneys say we're fine and we know the public support is out there because we can't supply petitions as fast as people are requesting them."

Rusk calls the wrinkle a "legal technicality." Opponents have until April 10th to collect 92,000 signatures, which they hope will put the voucher program on hold until a public vote in the 2008 General Election. However, since it's too late for opponents to file a referendum on the second voucher bill, state lawmakers say the bulk of the program remains unchallenged.

Furthermore, Senate Republicans suggest moving ahead with the referendum could backfire on public school advocates because it jeopardizes funding in the original bill designed to make sure schools don't lose money when students take vouchers and leave for private schools.

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