SALT LAKE CITY –Gov. Gary Herbert signed a proclamation Friday calling the Utah Legislature to a special session to discuss the federal government shutdown’s impact on Utah and what lawmakers can do about it.
According to a press release from the governor’s office, the session is scheduled for Oct. 16 at 2:30 p.m. and will cover a variety of topics, which include:
• “Appropriating and/or authorizing the use of state funds to open and operate certain national parks, national monuments and/or national recreation areas.”
• “Appropriating and/or authorizing the use of state funds to offset obligations occasioned by delays in federal funding to the Child Nutrition Program.”
• “Appropriating and/or authorizing the use of state funds to cover the benefits of certain furloughed employees which are unpaid because of a lapse in federal funds.”
• “For the Senate to consent to appointments made by the Governor.”
Herbert said time is of the essence.
“Issues related to the federal shutdown necessitate immediate action by our State Legislature,” Herbert said in the press release. “We can no longer wait.”
