Week six of the Utah Legislature was full of lawmakers making curious decisions. KUER’s Brian Grimmett has the recap in this week’s View From the Gallery
Constitutional Convention
The Utah House thinks it’s time the states gather to alter the constitution. What will they change? Well, it depends on which state you ask. As for Utah they’d like to propose an amendment that would require the Federal Government to balance the budget.
Medicaid
Meanwhile it appears that the legislature finally has a Medicaid expansion plan that most everyone can agree on. Unfortunately, for the thousands of people who find themselves in the coverage gap hoping that it would help them gain health insurance, the plan is limited at best. It’s estimated that it will only help about 16 thousand Utahns among the poorest of the poor.
Death Penalty
In another surprising move, the typically ultra-conservative Utah Senate has approved a bill that would end the Death Penalty. The main argument, however, isn’t that it’s immoral, but rather that it’s expensive and takes too long, which hurts victims. The bill still needs to go before the House, but its sponsor is optimistic.
Hate Crimes
And finally the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has voted down a hate crimes bill. Wait, I mean, the Utah Senate, that’s it, The Utah Senate has voted down a hate crimes bill. But it’s likely not the last time the issue will be debated because there are already legislators saying they’ll run it again next year.
