Senator Kathleen Riebe: Incumbent voice of opposition to the supermajority

As a classroom teacher and state legislator, I've learned that the most valuable lessons often come from confronting difficult truths. After eight years in the Utah State Senate, I've witnessed a troubling transformation in our legislative process that demands our attention and action.

When I first took office, seasoned legislators assured me that the majority party traditionally respected due process and the will of the people. Today, that foundational principle of democratic governance is increasingly under threat and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have expressed dismay at the growing pattern of closed-door decision-making and diminished transparency.

My experience in the classroom taught me that every voice deserves to be heard. Yet when I proposed a simple resolution requiring all bills to receive a committee hearing and public comment – a basic tenet of democratic governance – it was quietly buried in rules committee. This tactic of "getting stuck in rules" has become a favorite tool of the supermajority to silence not just Democratic legislators, but the very citizens we all serve.

The impacts of this approach are not merely procedural in nature but often intercept vital initiatives that would directly benefit Utah families before they even make it to the legislative floor. The Equal Rights Amendment, essential education funding tools, and eviction expungement policies were all denied even the courtesy of a public hearing. At the same time, bills addressing wage discrimination, reasonable waiting periods for high-capacity rifles, and fuel tax relief to help working families were all killed in committee despite years of constituent support.

Former Governor Herbert once told me that the Democrats' role is to provide pushback. After six years in office, I fully grasp the weight of that responsibility. This is not about meaningless partisan opposition—it's about standing firm in the principles of transparent, ethical governance that serves all Utahns.

My dedication to public education isn't just professional—it's personal. As a teacher, I've seen firsthand how education is our most powerful tool against poverty and incarceration. It's the great equalizer, the path to opportunity, and the foundation of an informed citizenry capable of maintaining our democratic institutions.

Today's legislative supermajority seems to have forgotten that democracy thrives on debate, on the careful consideration of diverse viewpoints, in the light of public scrutiny. When bills are killed without discussion, when public comment is stifled, and when decisions are made behind closed doors, we all lose. Period.

The latest controversy over Constitutional Amendments D & A is just the latest example of why we need strong voices willing to oppose the current trend of legislative opacity. As your senator, I remain committed to fighting for transparency, education, working families, and the democratic principles that make our state strong. As both a public educator and your senator, I will continue to advocate for these fundamental values, teach by example, and tirelessly work for a more transparent, equitable, and prosperous Utah.
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The lessons I teach my students in the classroom remain relevant at the capitol: every voice matters, fairness is non-negotiable, and the future belongs to those willing to stand up for what's right.