SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Gary Herbert issued a call for a special legislative session Wednesday, and his office stated the session would deal with opposing a national monument in Utah and restoring funding for education initiatives totaling nearly $4 million.
The press release from Herbert’s office states the special session relates to two separate issues:
• A concurrent resolution opposing the unilateral designation of a national monument in the state of Utah
• The restoration of funds for several items in S.B. 2, including $4.775 million for education initiatives
The special session will coincide with regularly scheduled interim meetings on May 18, according to the press release–which also included remarks from Gov. Herbert about the possibility of a national monument being designated in the Beehive State.
“It is absolutely irresponsible for the Obama Administration to consider a new national monument that is over two and a half times the size of Rhode Island without input from Utahns from across the state who will be significantly impacted by this decision,” Gov. Herbert stated. “As governor of the State of Utah, I have stated repeatedly that I oppose such a declaration. Today, I am asking every member of the Utah State Legislature to go on record and join me in expressing our opposition to another unilateral national monument within the state.”
The press release states cabinet members of the current administration, “have told Gov. Herbert that no national monument will be designated in Utah without an open, public process occurring first.”
Herbert said he calls on President Obama to uphold that promise and engage with Utah’s elected officials and the public regarding any proposed national monument designations in Utah.
The proclamation from the governor calling the special session is embedded below:
Gov. Herbert calls special legislative session for May 18, 2016
