Focus during chaos.
February 16, 2025
What a week this has been! We have to keep in mind that this flood of news is not normal. Focus is, and it is what the League does best.
While we encourage members to reach out on issues of concern, not every one demands action from LWV. Of course, we are concerned about the governor’s signing a bill to eliminate union rights. Talk to your representatives, and perhaps join the effort to collect signatures to override the bill.
But let’s talk major priorities. There are still bills waiting to take away the constitutional right of citizen initiatives. We are battling to preserve our highly regarded mailed ballot system. The House has already chosen, based on unfounded conspiracies, to get rid of the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), which ensures that our voter rolls are accurate. We should be talking about these issues every day.
Our Natural Resources committee is working to prevent HB355 (Critical Infrastructure Materials Amendments) from becoming law. The bill is not just about preventing gravel pits in Parley’s Canyon because there are 250 existing quarries around the state. Speak to your representatives.
Also SB277 will tip the scales of justice against the public's right to know by hiding public records and eliminating the State Records Committee, which reviews public records requests. Since 1984, the League has advocated for a citizen’s right to know. We shouldn’t stop now. You may want to join this Feb. 20 national webinar on the Freedom of Information Act. Link to register for the webinar.
We have just completed consensus on the “voucher” study – Utah Fits All, which is being released just as the legislature attempts to revise the plan and add funding to these scholarships. Please read the study and begin advocating for robust and meaningful public education in our state. Link to study and position.
On the national front, please know that our League is taking action to respond to the illegal executive orders and the current overreach of the executive branch. Read the letter, which Utah signed.
We are also joining a nationwide economic blackout on Feb. 28 to keep DEI front and center. Link for more information. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to League values.
Keep your eyes on the goal – democracy and voters rights.
Katharine Biele, LWV Utah President
