10/15/2026
Sharing an email from the UNA that affects more than nonprofits like ourselves; this affects every citizen in Utah.
Should we be governed only by Utah's comparatively small Legislature, who has proven to not listen to our needs, or should the population, "We the People", have an equal say in how we are governed?
The November ballots are out; will this be the last time you have a meaningful vote regarding our state's constitution and other matters?
It's up to us all. PLEASE, VOTE!
________________________________________________________
Dear Utah Nonprofits Association Members,
UNA is sharing information about Constitutional Amendment B with our members because the amendment raises important questions about civic participation, nonprofit advocacy, and the ability of Utah communities to advance policy solutions through the citizen-initiative process.
For more than 125 years, Utah's Constitution has balanced legislative authority between elected officials and the people of Utah, declaring that "all political power is inherent in the people.” Our Utah Constitution vests legislative authority in both the Legislature and the people through the initiative process.
This November, Utah voters will decide whether to approve Amendment B, which would alter that longstanding framework for certain citizen initiatives involving taxes. The amendment requires that any initiative that creates a new tax, increases or expands an existing tax, or makes certain property-tax-related changes would need 60% voter approval, rather than a simple majority, to become law. This action will reduce the voice of the people as any 60% of the majority is rare. In contrast, the legislature, 29 senators and 75 representatives, is able to pass tax policies with simple majorities. In addition, the amendment would apply regardless of the size or fiscal impact of the proposed measure.
_____________________________________________________
Why This Matters to Nonprofits
At its heart, Amendment B is not a debate about taxes. It is a debate about whether citizens should face a higher bar than elected officials when proposing solutions to public challenges.
From affordable housing and healthcare to education and environmental protection, many of the issues nonprofits work on require public investment. Amendment B would require citizen initiatives that include a tax component to earn 60% voter approval, even when a majority of voters support the proposal.
