Vote Against Referendum 1, it's full of loopholes

Republican Links to NEA and MoveOn.org!

Utah Democratic Party uncovers Republican links to NEA and MoveOn.org!!

Want to Know the True Motivation Behind Utah's Flawed Voucher Law?

$472,000,000,000.00!

Yep!

That's Four Hundred and Seventy Two Billion Dollars

That's what the USA spent on public education in 2005

And that is the motivation driving vouchers in 2007

It isn't about helping kids

It's about Private Corporations tapping into our public tax dollars

Stop and Say "NO" to Vouchers

Utahns Need to Invest in Our Own Public Schools

96% of Utah's children attend public school.

Utah has the most overcrowded classrooms in the country.

Utah ranks last in the nation in spending per student.

Instead of diverting hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars for vouchers, Utahns should increase our investment in public schools.

Utah's Voucher Law is Fundamentally Flawed

The flawed voucher law contains too many loopholes, unanswered questions, and little accountability for private voucher academy's.

Private schools are not required to be accredited like public schools.

Unaccountable private voucher schools may hire teachers without a college degree or a state license.

Private voucher schools don't have to meet the same coursework or attendance standards that public schools must meet.

Deseret Morning News: Pro-voucher poll called 'despicable'

N.Y.-based surveyors tie referendum foes to gays

By Tiffany Erickson
Deseret Morning News
Published: Aug. 18, 2007 12:31 a.m. MDT

Education campaigns on both sides of the private school voucher issue are in full swing, with opponents and proponents racing to get their message out before the November referendum vote.

But some Utahns say the pro-voucher Parents for Choice in Education has gone too far and have digressed from the issue in a push poll conducted this week.

"Utahns will see through what amounts to despicable and desperate tactics," said Wayne Holland, chairman of the Utah Democratic Party in a statement released Thursday. "We urge both sides in the voucher debate to publicly renounce the use of push polling."

This week surveyors, who say they represent a New York City-based firm called Central Marketing, are calling Utahns and asking them to respond to such questions as: "If you knew that the same group that opposes vouchers, the liberal national teacher's union, aggressively supports same-sex unions, higher taxes and more government involvement, would you be very or somewhat more or less likely to vote for or against the Utah referendum?"

Leaders of Parents for Choice in Education said they use the polls to gauge public opinion for internal campaign purposes.

"It certainly does look like an attempt to change subject — I think they recognize that if the debate is about merit of voucher bill itself, then we win," said Lisa Johnson, spokesperson for Utahns for Public Schools and anti-voucher group made up of state leaders, the Utah Education Association and the PTA.

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Johnson said she has heard complaints about the surveys.

"When it comes down to it most people would rather see the money invested in public schools where 96 percent of the kids go and they really don't want this voucher program which is fundamentally flawed and really isn't going to help that many Utah families," she said.

But vouchers supporters say it is important for voters to understand the positions taken by they National Education Association, the entity that is driving the agenda of the UEA, said Elisa Clements Peterson, executive director of Parents for Choice in Education.

"Many Utahns would be shocked to know all the issues and positions that are promoted by the National Education Association, Peterson said.

"It's important for voters to understand that the UEA and the NEA take many position contrary to the average Utah voter such as promoting gay and lesbian rights, reproductive freedom or abortion rights and other things that many Utahns would be opposed to," she said.

For their part, voucher opponents say they want to stick to the real issue: vouchers. "We have one issue that we are concerned about, and that's vouchers, so questions that are tangential like that are not our concern," Johnson said.

The voucher program, which was approved by the Legislature this past spring, would provide Utah families with a private-school tuition voucher ranging from $500 to $3,000 per student based on the parents' income.

It also would appropriate $9.2 million for mitigation money to hold schools harmless for five years after a student leaves and goes to a private school.

The anti-voucher group Utahns for Public Schools successfully gathered enough signatures for a referendum that would allow Utahns to decide whether they want a voucher program. As a result, the law is now on hold pending a Nov. 6 vote that will determine if the measure will stay on the books.

E-mail: terickson@desnews.com

Vote Against...

Private Academy Vouchers

In defense of your neighborhood schools

Click image below to enlarge

Ralph Becker Fights for Public Education and Applauds Supreme Court Decision on Vouchers

Ralph Becker, a long-time opponent of vouchers in Utah, applauded the Utah Supreme Court’s decision Friday that recognizesd both the will of the people and the letter of the law.

As the Democratic leader in the House, Rep. Becker (D-Salt Lake City) led the fight against vouchers, which passed the House by a single vote in February. Along with Senator Dimitrich and the Legislative Democratic Caucuses, he also pushed hard for a special session to address the confusion of two voucher bills, forcefully urged the state board of education to stand up to the Utah Attorney General’s interpretation of the validity of the second voucher bill, and fought to clarify the language of the referendum for November’s vote.

“It is deeply wrong to underfund Utah public schools and at the same time even more in order to subsidize private education,” Becker said on Friday. “Our per-pupil spending is last in the nation, and the distance between Utah and the next lowest state has grown to more than $1000 per student. Our children deserve the opportunity, the gift, of public education that only society can give them.”

Becker has a blueprint for how Salt Lake City will play an active role in developing a top-tier education system for its children. “The mayor has a responsibility to promote the interest of public school students and parents, as well as the interest of taxpayers who help fund the schools. As mayor of Salt Lake City, I will work hard every day to make Salt Lake City’s public schools the best in the region.”

In the next two weeks, Ralph Becker will present his education platform to accomplish these ambitious goals.

Disclaimer: Any candidate for Salt Lake City Mayor can send articles, statements, or press releases to utahamicus@aol.com.

Just Say No

To Private Academy Vouchers!

From USDP Blog: Arrogance and Abuse of Power

Frustrated by his failed attempt to convince the Utah State Board of Education or their legal counsel that a bill entitled "Education Voucher Amendments" is really a stand alone bill that implements the nation's most extensive voucher program for private academies, Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff has finally gone too far. Today he fired Special Assistant Attorney Generals Jean Hill and Carol Lear for telling the State Board of Education a bill with "Amendments" in the title cannot be implemented when the bill it is amending is facing a referendum vote in November.

Republican leaders on the hill, Speaker Curtis and Senator Bramble in particular, have made it abundantly clear they will not abide by the will of the people if they don't get their voucher program. Now Attorney General Shurtleff, a man who has taken it upon himself to decide which laws will be enforced and which ones will not, has decided to begin firing anyone in his office that dares express a legal opinion that differs from his own. One wonders if Attorney General Shurtleff is now using Attorney General Gonzales' management style when it comes to the administration of justice in Utah.

In his May 11, 2007 letter to the Utah State Board of Education, Attorney General Shurtleff demanded the school board follow his instructions stating in bold print "I am the constitutionally designated sole legal advisor to both the Utah State Office of Education and the Utah State Board of Education." He went on to explain "All legislation is presumed valid until it is stayed or overturned by a court of competent jurisdiction or repealed by the legislature."

Not seven days passed before the same attorney general protecting the jurisdiction of the courts and the legislature when it comes to determining the validity of a law announced on KUTV more than two years had passed since he sent a letter to gas retailers in Utah informing them he would not enforce The Motor Fuel Marketing Act. "I sent a notice out, years ago to all the retailers out there. This is a law that I'm not going to enforce" he told KUTV.

Apparently our attorney general has determined that the courts, the legislature AND the attorney general can decide for themselves what laws are valid and which ones are not. Perhaps, being an attorney with an apparently unprecedented knowledge of the law, he can explain to Utahns exactly where in the Utah Constitution the attorney general is given the power to determine for his/herself what laws he/she will or will not enforce.

The time has come for elected officials willing not only to disregard the will of the people, but to boast about their plans to do so, to be shown the door. Utah Democrats will hold these officials accountable for their arrogance in 2008, of that they can be sure.

Read Senator Scott McCoy's

What the heck does that mean?

The Citizen's Voucher Referendum is On!

The Senate Site

Reflecting

It's an absolutely beautiful day here in Cedar City. I just finished delivering my last set of voucher packets to our PTA representative, who was instrumental in making this whole thing happen. Her early estimates are that we are going to meet a 15 percent benchmark - that is, we gathered more than our 10 percent goal. This is incredible and speaks volumes about how Iron County parents feel about our neighborhood schools.

As I was driving back home and through my neighborhood, I couldn't help but stop and reflect on some of the conversations I had with neighbors and friends. I have received criticism on this blog for my "pollyanna" viewpoint of Iron County's public schools. But I can tell you for certain that many of the people I have spoken to over the last several weeks agree with me - Iron County schools truly are wonderful.

All of the people involved in this effort have one thing in common - we want the very best for our children. For our opponents to say otherwise is wrong. I don't think I saw any "union thugs" out there, and I looked high and low. I agree with a post I read somewhere on the Amicus that the term "Union Thug" is getting kind of old... and it really does not apply to our Iron County effort. In my view, the UEA does not hold any political power here whatsoever. Parents are the involved and active voice - we have an excellent PTA, a fabulous school board, and many parents who are involved and participating in their children's education.

Am I a Pollyana? Perhaps. But I'll tell you, it was heartwarming to see so many Iron County parents advocating for public schools. And contrary to what advocates may tell you, this is NOT a partisan issue. Many many many registered Republicans put their names on the referendum to oppose vouchers. Many whom I spoke to feel that Utah schools do incredible things and achieve excellence in academics with limited resources. By putting their signature on the referendum, these good citizens were standing up for Utah's school children.

Now I'm going to go do something I have not done in a long time. I'm going to go work in my yard, plant some rose bushes, and enjoy this beautiful weather.

Voucher conclusions after a conversation with a "fed-up" Utah Republican

Today I met with a small business owner who told me he has voted as a Republican most of his life, that is until this last election cycle where he voted a straight Democratic ticket.

His conversation was not emotional, or angry, but he was very clear that he was "fed-up" with the Republican Party both nationally and locally.

When I told him that I was the vice chair of the Democratic Party he asked, "are you going to finally get rid of Greg Curtis?" I assured him that the Utah Democratic Party had ever intention in doing so.

His big issue?

How could the legislature and Governor Huntsman go forward with the Sandy/ReAL stadium deal after Mayor Corroon's wise and educated decision that was based on what was best for the common good?

When I said, "it really didn't matter if the stadium is a success or not, all that really mattered was those who would profit from building the stadium".

He agreed.

When I asked him about his opinion on school vouchers he explained that he had been a member of corporate America for many years and that he and his family had a great experience in the Pittsburgh Public School System.

"It changed my daughter's life", he explained. "When we returned to Utah my daughter asked if she could go back and finish school in Pittsburgh."

He then explained his belief that the citizens of Pittsburgh have built a system that leaves their students with three problems; whether to go to Harvard, Yale, or Columbia.

As we continued our conversation I explained two of my issues with vouchers. I told him how ironic it is that our Republican-dominated legislature has deliberately put a strangle-hold on public education funding over the last 20 years, and how they are unwilling to take any responsibility for their actions.

I also explained my belief that there is no room for vouchers until we build a public school system that allows every child the opportunity to have the very best educational expedience without their parents having to pay for a private education. To me, a private education is a choice, and that choice has a cost. That is why it is called "Private".

Private: 1 a : intended for or restricted to the use of a particular person, group, or class.

As we continued to talk we both agreed that the most important factor in a child's education is the involvement of that child's parent(s). Michelle and I could not be more pleased with Abby's public school teacher and experience. We know her teacher is doing a great job because we are involved with Abby's class, and because school doesn't end for Abby when when the bell rings.

Michelle reads to our children every night and we allow our children the opportunities to explore and discover their talents, as best we can.

Which brings me to this conclusion: Almost every issue that is used in politics to divide us are issues that will never be solved by the government as long as we look at the government as something evil, or incapable, or "failing". We are the government, and we are not only responsible for our own children, but for every child, whether they share our DNA or not.

I believe in the public school system, and I believe that it is privilege when my tax dollars not only help my children receive an education, but that my tax dollars will also help your children receive an education.

If Michelle and I decide for some reason that we do want to place our children in a private school then I still want my tax dollars to fund the public education system that educated my grandparents, my parents and me, even after my children are raised, and when we no longer have children attending school. You see, for me it is very simple; we all profit from the education provided by public schools.

The choice is there; it always has been there. Vouchers have never been about choice, or the lack of it.

If we really want to build our economy, if we truly want to reach for the stars, then let's build a public education system that is second to none anywhere on this planet. When we do so, we can truly say that we are each others keeper, and that we have achieved something truly great.

The Tribune get's it!

Here are some relevant quotes from today's Salt Lake Tribune opinion piece:

In Utah, where the Legislature prefers government "for the people" instead of "by the people," they can do it when pigs fly.

Our Legislature has made it nearly impossible to undo what they've done. Placing a repeal referendum on the ballot requires that organizers gather an enormous number of signatures, a figure equal to 10 percent of all the votes cast for governor in the previous general election. This year that means 92,000 signatures.

And, as if that's not enough, they add a double dose of discouragement: Those 92,000 signatures must represent 10 percent of the registered voters from at least 15 of Utah's 29 counties, and they must be gathered in just 40 days. Oh, and make sure the signers dot every "i" and cross every "t."

As you know, we're against public funding for private schools and the private soccer stadium, and polls have indicated the public shares our opinion. But that's not the issue here. We think the voters should have the right to make things right when they believe the Legislature has done wrong.

The referendum requirements are much too stringent. Petition organizers should have more time to gather fewer signatures, and they should be able to collect them anywhere in the state.

We prefer government "by the people." We want to see pigs fly.

Read The Salt Lake Tribune's: Referendum reform,Why not give the voters a chance?

Voucher Truths IV

The Method:

"Early voucher bills may move us only slowly toward separation. They may include provisions that temporarily prolong the power of unions, school boards, and other remnants of the socialist regime; limit the number of students who can participate; set voucher amounts too low; and place restrictions on qualifying schools. But once established, those programs will be broadened.

Vouchers offer a halfway house to wean the public from their addiction to government provision of education. By removing institutional barriers to privatization and setting in motion a dynamic that ensures further movement toward competition and choice, vouchers are a necessary step toward complete separation."

Joseph Bast
President, Heartland Institute

Voucher Truths III

The Method:

"Incrementalism is a different strategy. It consists of seeking passage of very limited or modest voucher plans with no provisions for later expansion. Supporters of an incrementalist strategy plan to introduce at a future date new legislation that would expand the program."

Design Guidelines for School Vouchers
The Heartland Institute

Wayne Holland Jr. says: Does KSL believe in the referendum process or not?

"KSL wrongly takes the position referenda are a waste of time rather than a valuable check on legislative power or an important means of fostering debate within our representative democracy. Referenda are a necessary check on legislative power, especially in a state that has seen considerable gerrymandering making it difficult for the people to truly hold their representatives accountable on Election Day."

Read Utah Democratic Chair, Wayne Holland Jr.'s, "Does KSL believe in the referendum process or not?