"But we have not taken the project far enough to think we could" do it this legislative session, White said.

Senate Democrats are united in their opposition to MATRIX, seeing it as a potential violation of Utahns' privacy rights — and as a chance to make political hay.

"Matrix is an example of what happens when one political party rules the state for an entire generation," said Minority Whip Ron Allen, D-Stansbury Park. "They are making decisions, spending money and committing the state to programs the state and its citizens know nothing about."

"If we have any say about it, it is a dead project," added Senate Minority Leader Mike Dmitrich, D-Price. "It is a total waste of resources at this time."

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