Poke a member of the Utah Legislature, and you’ll likely get a speech about how the states, not the faraway federal government, should be making more decisions. State officials are, after all, closer to the people and more likely to understand their needs.
That makes some sense. Until you see those same lawmakers fall all over themselves to interfere with the ability of local governments — counties, cities and school boards — to make decisions in the best interest of their communities.
Constitutionally, the state has a great deal of power over local governments. That doesn’t mean the state always knows best.
It does mean that the state has the duty to face problems, and fund programs, that are beyond the capacity of one city to face effectively.
Our legislators could help local governments do their jobs, serving the constituents they have in common, but the state lawmakers would clearly rather throw rocks instead.
Fund the governor’s program for facing homelessness
Gov. Spencer Cox sees that the severe shortage of affordable housing in Utah is a problem that affects many communities and requires attention, and funding, at a state level.
His program calls for appropriations of $193 million to create more emergency shelters, preserve existing housing stock, provide mental health care and other services. It’s a bold move.
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