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We've heard it said "kids do the dumbest things." Today, we're inclined to substitute the word "legislators" for "kids."
In special session two weeks ago, Utah legislators stubbornly refused to even debate Governor Huntsman's request for a $2 million emergency appropriation to continue dental and vision benefits for some of Utah's most needy and vulnerable citizens.
On Monday, out of fear of retaliation from, guess who, legislators, the State Health Department declined to rearrange its budget to salvage the services, which expire June 30. Legislators, after all, cast a long, intimidating shadow.
"Shameful," "compassionless," "heartless" are words observers have used since the special session to describe legislators' actions. And frankly, the descriptive words are appropriate.
There's no valid excuse, no fiscal justification for such a lamentable lack of compassion.
The state has the money. The amount needed to fund the benefits is relatively small in terms of the overall budget. To compound their arrogance, in that same special session they appropriated $15 million to build a new underground parking lot on Capitol Hill. These are the same legislators who themselves can receive health and dental care through the state's generous benefit plan.
Yes, legislators do the dumbest things.
