President J. Stuart Adams and Speaker Mike Schultz release the following statement regarding the Utah Supreme Court’s decision:
“Utah has been recognized as the best-managed state in the nation, with a strong spirit of collaboration known for solving tough issues for the citizens of the state. This is one of the worst outcomes we’ve ever seen from the Utah Supreme Court. Rather than reaching the self-evident answer, today the Court punted and made a new law about the initiative power, creating chaos and striking at the very heart of our republic.
“This ruling will have profound and lasting ripple consequences that could negatively impact the state’s future. It mirrors how states like California are governed—by big money and outside interest groups that run initiatives to alter the government and push their own agendas. The Utah Supreme Court has gone a step further by creating “supreme laws” that could be tied up in lengthy disputes for years. This decision strips away the ability of state, county, and municipal authorities to enact policies and expose them to prolonged legal battles. As the ligation continues in the lower court, we believe the Utah Constitution’s text shows that the Legislature should ultimately prevail.
“Despite this inaccurate interpretation, we remain committed to crafting policies that strengthen statutes and protect Utahns. We extend our gratitude to our legal counsel for their relentless efforts in representing our Founding Fathers’ republic, the Legislature, the citizens of Utah and upholding the legislative process.”
Tags: President Adams and Speaker Schultz Respond to Utah Supreme Court Decision