POLITICS & ELECTIONS

Utah Education Association seeks to void Amendment A from Utah’s ballot, launches opposition campaign

Sep 19, 2024, 12:48 PM | Updated: Sep 23, 2024, 6:34 pm

UPDATE: On Sept. 23, the courts announced they will hear the case over Amendment A on Wednesday at 2 p.m. Both parties will be going over a timeline on the case’s future.


SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Education Association is asking a judge for an injunction to void Amendment A from being counted in the November election. On the same day, the UEA was part of a coalition of groups who launched a campaign for Utahns to vote against it — if it does stay on the ballot.

Amendment A is a proposed change to the Utah Constitution that would remove the requirement that income taxes fund public education.

If it passes, it would remove the state’s portion of sales tax on food — a move that UEA argues is an attempt by Utah lawmakers to have complete control over the state’s education funds in exchange for a grocery tax cut.

Voiding Amendment A

The petition for an injunction alleges the ballot language, like Amendment D, is misleading to voters and does not give them the information needed to make an informed decision.

Judge rules Amendment D be voided from Utah’s November ballot

“The ballot language is misleading because it misrepresents the substance and effect of Amendment A and because it fails to summarize legislation that would take effect upon its adoption,” it stated.

Further, the complaint argues that the Legislature had a constitutional duty to publish Amendment A in at least one newspaper in every county of the state where newspapers are published for two months immediately preceding the general election on Nov. 5 — something it failed to do.

The tax cut would take effect if Amendment A passes. It would remove the 1.75% state sales tax on food, but the local sales tax on food would remain. Kem C. Gardner Institute economist Phil Dean said the tax removal would save the average Utah family a little over $100 a year.

The lawsuit, which includes the injunction on Amendment D, names the Utah Legislature, Gov. Spencer Cox, Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes, Speaker of the House Mike Schultz, Senate President J. Stuart Adams, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson and Alliance for Choice in Education/Ace Scholarships.

UEA maintains the amendment threatens protected funding in exchange for the cut, and has said the amendment would move the funding to “private religious school vouchers and politician pet projects.”

The UEA joined with Voices for Utah Children, the Utah PTA, and others Wednesday to launch a kickoff campaign, urging Utahns to vote no on Amendment A if it does end up on the ballot.

“Amendment A would completely undo Utah’s long standing constitutional protection for public school funding in our current state constitution,” said Utah PTA President Corey Fairholme.

There is no word yet on whether a judge might hear the case.

 


Contributing: Lindsay Aerts and Daniel Woodruff, KSL TV

KSL 5 TV Live

Politics & Elections

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talk prior to a NATO ...

Jim Morris, Associated Press

Justin Trudeau reportedly says Trump’s talk of making Canada a US state is ‘a real thing’

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says President Donald Trump’s talk of making Canada the 51st state is “a real thing” and is linked to the country’s rich natural resources.

2 days ago

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, claps as Tesla and SpaceX CEO ...

Anthony Izaguirre associated press

19 states sue to stop DOGE from accessing Americans’ personal data

Nineteen Democratic attorneys general have sued President Donald Trump to stop Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing Treasury Department records.

2 days ago

FILE: On the same day the Utah’s Senate unanimously passed a resolution to bring an NHL franchise...

Daniella Rivera

‘You are inviting rapists to Utah’: Survivor urges lawmakers to consider consent bill

Year after year, Utah lawmakers have resisted or ignored efforts to close what experts and advocates say is a gap in the state’s sexual assault laws. The lawmaker behind those efforts hopes this year will be different.

2 days ago

Over a thousand people filled the state Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to vet...

Shara Park

Thousands gather at Capitol Hill to protest against controversial union bill

Over a thousand people filled the Utah State Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to veto HB267.

3 days ago

People stand at the Eielson Visitor Center with a view of North America's tallest peak, Denali, in ...

Associated Press

Alaska Legislature asks Trump to retain Denali’s name instead of change it to Mount McKinley

he Alaska Legislature has passed a resolution urging President Donald Trump to reverse course and retain the name of North America’s tallest peak as Denali rather than change it to Mount McKinley.

3 days ago

Utah's Capitol building...

The Deseret News Editorial Board

Opinion: Keep Utah government transparent

Through the years, Utah lawmakers have developed few things that work as well as the State Records Committee.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Utah Education Association seeks to void Amendment A from Utah’s ballot, launches opposition campaign