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John Daley ReportingUtah lawmakers are just about at the halfway point of this legislative session, but missing for much of it has been one of the legislature's most prominent, and at times, controversial figures, Senator Chris Buttars.
He's been hospitalized for much of the session with an undisclosed illness. The conservative West Jordan Republican has made plenty of headlines this year, particularly with a pair of bills that have inspired a lot of controversy. One requires schools to teach that evolution isn't the only theory on the origins of man, the other bans gay clubs in schools.
While Senator Buttars' desk on the Senate floor is unoccupied, some of his fellow lawmakers have been visiting him daily in the hospital. The Salt Lake Tribune reported today, Senator Buttars is "said to be gravely ill", but his colleagues decline to reveal details, other than to say his illness is quiet serious.
Sen. Curtis Bramble, (R) Utah County: "He has a serious illness. The problem is they can't quite get a handle on exactly what it is. He's had a history of intestinal problems. Our thoughts and prayers are with him. We don't know what his prognosis is."
Sen. John Valentine, (R) Senate President: "We've been sort of sending a delegation to him daily to make certain that he knows we're concerned about him. At this point I can't release his medical condition, until he chooses to allow us to do so."
Sen. Scott McCoy, (D) Salt Lake City: "I just wish him the best and hope that he recovers as quickly as possible."
Sen. Mike Dmitrich, (D) Minority Leader: "My prayers are really with Senator Buttars."
As for the bills Senator Buttars has sponsored, they are continuing to make their way through the legislature. In some cases, lawmakers are carrying on with similar legislation of their own.
Also up on Capitol Hill today, the proposal for a flat tax is drawing some sharp criticism. It would eliminate tax credits for things like education, research, low-income families, renewable energy, and the preservation of historic buildings.
