Herbert calls for special session to pass anti-monument resolution, fund education

Gov. Gary Herbert is calling on for a special legislative session to address two separate issues for Utah. Herbert is concerned the President Obama may declare a national monument in Utah. He also wants to restore funds from a senate bill that didn't cross his desk intact with $4.8 million marked for education initiatives. "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 said. "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." Interior Secretary Sally Jewell plans to visit to Utah over summer to hear about proposals for conserving public lands. The Obama administration has told Herbert no national monument will be designated in Utah without an open, public process occurring first...more