In an interview on America Family Radio, state Rep. Ken Ivory said Republican leaders in Utah are aware of Trump’s unique plans to impact politics and the future of the country. That is why Ivory got an urgent call after Election Day, from House Speaker Mike Schultz, to understand the opportunity in front of them.
“He was just excited and said we have the opportunity of our lifetime to restore structure,” Ivory recalled, “and if we don't take that opportunity right now, we may never have this opportunity again.”
Before that phone called ended, Ivory recalled to told show host Walker Wildmon, Schultz and Ivory discussed the issue of federalism – the importance of states to act on issues that are delegated to state legislatures rather than to Congress.
Ivory began organizing a statewide movement for state and local leaders to discuss federalism, and what that means for Utah, as the Trump administration gets underway. The state rep is now organizing a nationwide movement, too, for all U.S. states to mirror what Utah is doing.
Rep. Ivory, an attorney, has also introduced HB 380, a bill that deals with federal jurisdictions versus the power of the states. The legislation cites the 9th Amendment, which addresses the basic rights of the people, and the 10th Amendment, which addresses power given to the states, in the U.S. Constitution.
As far as President Trump, Ivory said Utah’s legislators are urging the White House to reinstate a resolution, first introduced by Ronald Reagan, that defines and defends federalism.
Ivory is likely referring to a 1987 executive order, signed by Reagan, which AFN found online at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. “Federalism,” the executive order states, “is rooted in the knowledge that our political liberties are best assured by limiting the size and scope of the national government.”
The White House is considering Utah’s request to affirm federalism, Ivory said, but he told the AFR program it is up to the people to understand a state’s authority under the 10th Amendment and the federal government’s limited jurisdiction.
“It all starts right with us,” he said.
