"And I think it's healthy for the people to have that check on the Legislature because ultimately we do work for them."

I only hope they remember this in January. Bramble is already talking about people better not see his future actions as vindictive.

The public has spoken.

We want well funded, public, neighborhood schools with well paid teachers.

It is easy and simple.

I hope voucher supporters get the message loud and clear that Utahns strongly support Public Education. If this support is understood legislators should give serious support to taking all steps necessary to improve Public Education, K-12.

At least Urquhart seems to be humble about the defeat of vouchers. It seems other legislatures are threated and seemed to be taking the stance that the public shouldn't question anything they do. That's not a good stance for them to take unless they want to be on the outside looking in. The public is concerned about good education. They don't want someone making a profit from the such a basic responsibility of our society. I think the challenge legislatures have is to be able to seperate the will of the people from the will of their supporters. Their supports may finance their election but the people elect them. Offend the support you lose some money. Offend the people and you lose your position. The entire voucher debate has been very offensive to many of us because the people's will has always been known. Vouchers are not ahead of the curve, they would have taken us back in time to when only a priveged few would get what we now, with pubic schools, try to give to everyone. I hope Rep. Urquhart gets that message. Even Washington County wouldn't support his legislation.

Patrick Byrne called Utahns stupid for voting down vouchers. Steve Urquhart says "maybe (the legislature was) ahead of the public." It's a subtle difference. You can tell which one is the politician.

Republican arrogance cost them quit a few seats in the U.S. Legislature in the last election. It seems that some of those pushing vouchers in the Utah Legislature have so little fear of the Utah voters that their arrogance is causing them to threaten voucher opponents. If they turn talk into action in the 2008 session, the Utah voters may well react in Nov. 2008.

It's obvious from the vote that one in three is very unhappy with the public schools. That isn't a very good rating.

and 2 out of 3 are unhappy with vouchers, thats an even worse rating.

I think that maybe the next session should see what can be done to raise the bar of qualifications for educators. The anti-voucher ads really made me realize that we should expect a deeper, richer certification program for teachers - not just a light glossy covering.

Masters in Math, Science and English are a base line that we need to expect for all teachers in those areas. Our kids desrve qualified professionals.

You're kidding, right??!? We already have the lowest teacher pay in the nation coupled with the largest class sizes, too. Most teachers are doing an amazing job given the (lack of) support from the legislature and the public. Now, you want them to have a masters degree in their teaching area? Better plan on doubling their starting pay if you plan on anyone wanting that job.
Of course, that'll never happen. We have to increase the pay of our legislators, first. I've always found it interesting that a legislator, with absolutely no training or experience, can make more money per day than a teacher (early in their career), who is trained!
Oh, wait, most Utahn's think that they are education experts... after all, they went to school, right!?

Nice column, Mr. Benson. I respect Rep. Urqhart's positions, on referenda and on his bill. As a former school teacher I can tell you that no matter how much funding schools get, there will never be "enough money." Furthermore, everyone, even voucher supporters, support America's public school system. In this instance, some voters were willing to give a different method a try--not to weaken public schools but to strengthen.