SALT LAKE CITY -- An option for Utah taxpayers to give money to a political party when they file a return would end under a bill that has passed the Utah House.
Republican Rep. John Dougall of American Fork says public money should not be used for private groups, including political parties.
Currently, the state's income tax form allows people to choose whether to give $2 to the Democratic or Republican parties. The money comes from the state's general fund and not the individual's tax return.
Dougall says political donations from the state's coffers equates to the public financing of campaigns.
Last year, the state Republican Party received about $80,000 and the state Democratic Party received about $40,000.
The bill passed the House 51-20 Thursday and now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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