Issues for 2010

Disclaimer--this does not come directly from the Independence Caucus

I recommend that you not support the ethics initiative

Reform is absolutely needed, but this is not the right way to do it for these reasons:

• The language in the initiative is vague and would allow too broad of interpretation. Even with good intent vague language too much license for future corruption
• Instead of having people "innocent until proven guilty", the opposite is true. The legislature has to prove their innocence instead of the accuser having to prove their guilt.
• The Initiative calls for an Independent "ethics commission" that is made up of self-appointed, unelected bodies. There is no judicial review of this committee, and with an opportunity to interpret the broad language of the initiative without oversight is giving too much power to too few people and could be easily abused.
• The commission would also have to be paid for by taxpayer money and would be an expensive addition to government--especially if you include the cost of paying for attorneys
• Here is an analysis of the initiative written by Rep. Lori Fowlke if you are interested in a more detailed analysis.

I recommend that you support this party resolution:

"Whereas, The Constitution of the United States does not grant to Congress the power to mandate citizenry to make any purchase; and

Whereas, What are commonly known as the ObamaCare Act and the Wyden-Bennett Act both impose individual mandates on the citizenry to purchase government-approved health insurance coverage and levies fines for non-compliance; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the State Party Chairman hereby instruct Utah’s Federal Delegation that it is the desires of the 2010 Utah Republican State Delegates they not Sponsor, Support or Vote in favor of any Act that will impose individual mandates on the citizenry of the United States of America."