Vouchers Spark More Capitol Hill Debate

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(KCPW News) School vouchers sparked more heated debate on Utah's Capitol Hill yesterday as lawmakers disagreed on how to respond to a pending voter referendum. Many who voted against vouchers want the Governor to call a special session so they can eliminate the legal loophole that would

"The vote itself is clouded a little and is not as clean," says Republican Representative Kay McIff, who opposes vouchers.

His request for a special session was quickly squelched by powerful House Republicans. Since the pending referendum only challenges one voucher bill passed by lawmakers, state attorneys say a second bill is enough to implement the voucher system. Voucher supporter and House Majority Leader Dave Clark says lawmakers should not be so eager to call for a do-over:

"The Legislature has already taken its positions. These two bills have been passed," says Clark. "Whether you're in favor of the referendum or not, I think that you should absolutely not be in favor of changing the rules in the middle of the stream."

Legislators also considered asking the Governor to put the referendum on the presidential primary ballot in February, rather than holding a special election. Huntsman has already said that's his preference. The move is likely to spark a lawsuit as voucher opponents try to have the program halted, pending the public vote. Republican leaders of both the House and Senate say they'd rather wait for the courts to act before re-opening voucher debate in special session.

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