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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Gov. Gary Herbert has signed legislation to use taxpayer money to save a commission that promotes lasting marriages, after the state agency that gave the panel $700,000 in federal dollars annually announced earlier this year that it would pull the funding.
Republican Rep. LaVar Christensen of Draper sponsored legislation to ensure the program keeps going, saying the state should promote lasting marriages because they're a fundamental institution for society.
The legislation would cement the 17-member commission in state law and create funding for it.
The commission would cost the state $8,800 a year, and lawmakers have set aside $95,000 for the commission in their budget proposal.
The governor's office announced his approval Monday evening.
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