Earlier this week, Gov. Spencer Cox issued approved 22 issues to be discussed at Wednesday’s special session. Dilibrtly, Cox left the issues of critical race theory in schools and establishing Utah as a Second Amendment sanctuary state off the list.
He said these issues “would benefit from more time, thought, dialogue, and input.” Cox added, “I can’t remember these types of hot-button issues ever being put on a special session call. It’s not that I disagree with the desire to act, but doing it the right way — and at the right time — will lead to better legislation.”
MWEG Utah is calling for state legislators to “resist the pull to engage in partisan legislative theater and instead spend the next few months (as Governor Cox requested) engaging in meaningful dialogue with experts, citizens, and a wide range of parents — with particular sensitivity to those for whom these issues will have a direct impact,” as stated in the press release.
The full statement from MWEG can be read below:
“Today, Utah will be holding a special legislative session to consider “crucial budget issues” and other bills added at the request of legislators. On May 17, Governor Cox approved 22 issues to be discussed in the special session. Although he had been asked to add establishing Utah as a Second Amendment sanctuary state and banning critical race theory to the approved topics list, Governor Cox declined to do so.
Instead, he expressed support for delaying discussion of any legislation regarding establishing Utah as a Second Amendment sanctuary state or dealing with diversity, equity, and inclusion in education until those topics could be heard in a normal session. He said these issues “would benefit from more time, thought, dialogue, and input.” He added, “I can’t remember these types of hot-button issues ever being put on a special session call. It’s not that I disagree with the desire to act, but doing it the right way — and at the right time — will lead to better legislation.”
After Governor Cox released the approved topics list, the Utah House of Representatives and the Utah Senate stated they would instead consider passing resolutions relating to establishing Utah as a Second Amendment sanctuary state and banning critical race theory in education.
