PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 4, 2018
CONTACT: Katie Matheson | Alliance for a Better Utah | katie@betterutah.org
BETTER UTAH CALLS ON CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO PROTECT STATES’ RIGHTS
Salt Lake City, UT – The good-government group, Alliance for a Better Utah, called on members of Utah’s Congressional delegation to protect states’ rights as they participate in their role as “laboratories of democracy.” This call came after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded Department of Justice guidances which protected those in states that had chosen to legalize marijuana.
“Almost every Utah politician, especially those in our Congressional delegation, place emphasis on federalism and the importance of states’ rights. Now is a time when they can put their words into actions,” said Chase Thomas, policy and advocacy counsel with Alliance for a Better Utah.
Utah has not been exempt from the slow progression toward liberalization of marijuana policies. The Utah Legislature has passed limited reforms toward the study and provision of medical marijuana for patients who would benefit from its effects. Due to legislative inaction, signatures are currently being gathered to place expanded medical marijuana legislation before the voters on the 2018 ballot.
“Once again, the Trump administration is moving in the opposite direction of public opinion and it’s high-time our delegation push back as they represent Utah,” continued Thomas. “Utahns overwhelmingly support greater legalization, not further criminalization, of marijuana as the medical community has shown its benefits, especially in the face of our nation’s ongoing opioid crisis. We call on our representatives and senators to push for legislation protecting Utah and states across the nation as they continue in their vital role as the laboratories of democracy.”
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Alliance for a Better Utah is a good government advocacy and watchdog organization based in Salt Lake City. The organization works to improve the lives of all Utahns by ensuring balance, transparency, and accountability in Utah politics, policy, and government. More information at www.betterutah.org.