TAKE ACTION FOR UTAH CHILDREN: Monday, May 2, 2011

Call Your Senator Today!

Dear Friend,

A Legislative Veto Override Session will be held on Friday, May 6 in an attempt to override the Governor’s veto of SB 229 – Transportation Revisions. SB 229 would earmark 30% of growth in sales tax revenues to road-building, beginning in FY 2013. Sales tax funds public safety, corrections, human services, health and a portion of higher education. This legislation means that highways are so important that they are automatically funded without any discussion or debate or consideration of other state needs.

Voices for Utah Children feels that it is poor public policy to tie the hands of elected officials who have a responsibility to make budget decisions.

There are several Senators who are undecided on this and might be persuaded not to override the veto. Please contact your Senator and urge them to vote NO on overriding the Governor’s veto.

Senator Gene Davis gdavis@utahsenate.org 801-484-9428
Senator Ben McAdams bmcadams@utahsenate.org 801-618-1946
Senator Karen Morgan kmorgan@utahsenate.org 801-943-0067
Senator Allen Christensen achristensen@utahsenate.org 801-782-5600
Senator David Hinkins dhinkins@utahsenate.org 435-748-2828
Senator Dan Liljenquist sliljenquist@utahsenate.org 801-294-2378
Senator Ralph Okerlund rokerlund@utahsenate.org 435-577-3370
Senator Aaron Osmond aosmond@utahsenate.org
Senator Daniel Thatcher dthatcher@utahsenate.org 801-759-4746
Senator Wayne Niederhauser wniederhauser@utahsenate.org

The following Senators either voted against the original legislation or have indicated they will vote against the override: Senator Pat Jones, Senator Luz Robles, Senator Ross Romero, Senator Scott Jenkins, and Senator John Valentine.

Many other organizations including the United Way of Salt Lake and the League of Women Voters oppose the override. Both the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News editorial boards have written editorials against an override.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/51696718-82/tax-state-sales-fuel.html.csp
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700130660/Dont-override-veto.html

Join United Way, Voices for Utah Children, the Family Investment Coalition, the Utah Education Association, and representatives from higher ed for a press conference at the State Capitol (south steps) on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. for a press conference.