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Show btyie is similar I - Arguments For Proposition 3 simply puts current practice into the constitution. The state's education systems have grown and changed, but the Education Article of the Utah Constitution has not been revised since it was written in 1898. It contains archaic language and practices. For example, the present constitution prohibits a State Textbook Commission, even though the state has had one since 1909. Also, the constitution now includes an agricultural college and a university in the public education system, which has not been the practice for many decades. Proposition 3 provides clear, simple constitutional language. The present constitution is filled with unclear, ; ' unnecessary language. It requires, for example, that the metric system be taught in the schools. Perhaps it should be taught, but why say so in the constitution? Such matters should be determined by law, not the constitution. Proposition 3 ends uncertainty about education governance. The Utah System of Higher Education' was J established by law in 1969. Even though the governance i structure has been very successful, there has been uncertainty 1 about the system's authority because of unclear constitutional ' j language. Proposition 3 clearly makes the public education system responsible for elementary and secondary education, and ' j the higher education system responsible for college and 1 university education. f Proposition 3 guarantees a free public education. The A present constitution states only that the common schools-- - . ; grades shall be free, but the state has furnished basic ' Q education free through grade 12 for many years. Proposition 3 If makes this practice constitutionally legitimate. It also gives the Legislature the right to authorize local boards to set fees. for A limited purposes in high schools. Fees in the early grades are 1 still prohibited. 5 Proposition 3 allows for laws to change as needs change. f l Because the Proposition is streamlined, it leaves many non- - V constitutional matters where they belong with the Legislature. ' A vote for Proposition 3 is a vote for education in Utah! 'A The State Board of Education and the State Board of Regents 4 agree that Proposition 3 makes necessary changes to improve ill education in Utah. Now is the time to revise the constitution so 3 the school boards can get on with the substantive issues of ifJy education. Senator Lyle W. Hillyard T 175 East First North A Logan, Utah 84321 nf ' Representative G. LaMont Richards '. P.O. Box 25717 j Salt Lake City, Utah 84125 ) Sale I Rebuttal to Arguments in Favor of Proposition No. 3 Proposition 3 changes the current relationship of church and state regarding aid to religious institutions by allowing the state to provide indirect aid. In the current constitution, the state may not make any appropriation in support of schools or institutions owned in whole or in part by any religious organization. Proposition 3 prohibits the state only from making any appropriation for direct aid, leaving the door open for appropriations of indirect aid to church facilities. If indirect aid is intended, what is meant by indirect aid should be clearly stated in the constitution and not left to state and federal courts to decide. The principles governing the separation of church and state must always be clear if both entities are to coexist in a friendly atmosphere. Representative Dale Warner 1761 Hillside Circle Ogden, Utah 84403 Page 18 |