Cache Democrats

2012 Legislative Gala: One Party, Standing Together

2012-01-06T14:27:00.006-07:00

The Utah Democratic Partycordially invites you to its annual
Legislative Gala

Utah Democrats:One Party, Standing Together

Saturday, January 21, 2012The Grand America Hotel555 South Main, Salt Lake City

Keynote Speaker:Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA)

Featuring a jazz trio, brass quintet, and more, this event will be on a truly grand scale.

5:30 p.m. Reception6:30 p.m. Dinner

Formal and Business Attire
General Ticket: $300RSVP Online
Sponsorship Information Available Here RSVP Online
Contact Matt Lyon (matt@utdem.org) or (801) 328-1212 for for additional information.

Utah GOP leaders comfortable with failure

2012-01-06T14:13:00.004-07:00

Chairman Jim Dabakis has a must read Op-ed in the Salt Lake Tribune on the failure of the Republican approach to education funding in Utah. A snippet:

Two of the last three years, Republicans have not even funded growth. Their solution? Just stack more children in neighborhood schools with class sizes growing, books wanting and teachers left to fend for themselves. This year, with fanfare, the Republican legislative leaders announced their “commitment to education” as priority number one. Yet at the first opportunity, they voted unanimously not to include in the base budget growth — while the Democrats voted unanimously the other way.

Read the entire article, and share your thoughts in the comments.

Cache County Democrats Demand GOP Action on Air Pollution

2012-01-06T14:00:00.001-07:00

Cache County – The Cache County Democratic Party is teaming up with Democrats on the Logan City Council and Logan City School Board, demanding that the all-Republican Cache County Council start fixing the plague of horrible air pollution. “The Worst Air In The Nation.” That’s the new ranking of the air quality in Logan City. The air is currently so thick with smog that over 60% of local residents are now susceptible to the effects, including children and seniors.

“To think that our beautiful county is being bogged down in this much pollution is horrible,” says Cache County Democratic Chair Vincent Wickwar. “Our children aren’t even being let outside for recess at school. The Republicans are arguing for their special interests and pushing to keep the status-quo. Our special interests are the children, the students and the citizens of Cache County.”

Democrats on the Logan City Council are demanding that the all-Republican Cache County Council take immediate action. “We have to do something now,” says Logan City Council Chairman Herm Olsen (D).

“There are any number of smart, efficient programs which they can put in place,” continued Wickwar. “At the very least, we can begin using the emissions-testing program that has already been implemented in Salt Lake and Davis Counties.”

Follow Cache Democrats

2010-06-16T14:03:00.002-06:00

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And don't forget, Morgan Bowen is looking for 100 new donors on ActBlue by the end of the week. Please give if you can, and share this with your social networks.

Read Peter Corroon's Plan for Jobs and Economic Growth in Utah

2010-06-16T13:54:00.002-06:00

Salt Lake County Mayor and Gubernatorial candidate Peter Corroon has released his plan for Jobs and Economic Growth in Utah.

Download it as a PDF.

For more information, visit the Corroon for Governor website. And don't forget to join the rest of Cache Valley on CorroonCountry.com and and Aggies for Corroon on Facebook.
Also, remember the Corroon phone banks are open for volunteers every Tues and Thurs nights at our office (232 S. Main).

This is an exciting campaign, and an excellent opportunity for Utah Democrats to reach out to voters disenfranchised with the extremist takeover of the GOP.

Be a part of it!

Press Release: Holding GOP Congressmen Accountable on Recovery Act

2010-02-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

Contact: Wayne Holland
Utah State Democratic Party
Phone 801/328-1212×201
455 S 300 E Ste 301
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
www.utdemocrats.org
mail@utdemocrats.org

Press Release

Utahns will hold Congressional Republicans accountable for Obstruction

Salt Lake City, UT – Democratic State Party Chair Wayne Holland issued the following statement regarding the first anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009:

“Today we celebrate the one year anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). After just one year, the Recovery Act has saved and created an estimated 18,000 jobs in Utah; provided $500 million in tax cuts to 95% of Utah families; provided $74 million in one-time relief payments to Utah seniors, veterans and other high-need residents; provided $384 million to 125 transportation projects in Utah; given $413 million in 1,691 small business loans; provided more than 110,000 Utahns with expanded unemployment benefits; funded 1,900 education positions with $350 million in State Fiscal Stabilization Funds; provided $206 million to help provide Medicaid in Utah; $51 million for food stamps and other nutrition programs; and helped to fund dozens of other critical projects that would have been beyond our means during the recent fiscal crisis. Without a doubt, we are back on track to building a strong and vibrant economy.

Because of this crucial action our schools are far better off than they would have been. Just two of the top recipients in Utah are the Granite and Jordan School Districts that received more than $100 million to keep our schools afloat. The University of Utah has received $44 million, $13.8 million to BYU; $13.7 million to Utah State University; and $8.2 million to Utah Valley University. And this is just some of the good news. All in all, we have been able to fund over 1,800 projects in Utah with the help of the Recovery Act. Other key projects and benefits of the Recovery act include tax credits for first-time home-buyers, $108 million to remove uranium tailings near the Colorado River in Moab, and $13.5 million to reconstruct the Dinosaur National Monument Visitor Center in Vernal, and $5 million for construction of a Bureau of Reclamation pipeline in Daggett County.

ARRA has been a resounding success for Utah and for all Americans, and there’s still more to come. In fact, there are still almost 200 projects that have yet to begin, and 363 that are still less than 50% complete. The state has spent nearly 60% or $1.1 billion of its $1.9 billion total funds designated for Utah. So the Recovery Act will continue to revitalize our economy and put Utahns back on their feet.

But while Democrats are working hard to rebuild the nation’s economy, unfortunately Utah’s Republicans like Sen. Bob Bennet and Rep. Jason Chaffetz squandered their chance to work together to repair the economy — and what’s worse is that they’re attempting to take credit for something they voted against. All four of Utah’s Republicans in Washington vote against the Recovery Act but still sent letters requesting federal money for projects proving that they care more about scoring political points than putting Utahns back to work.

This November we expect Utah voters to send a clear message that they will hold our Congressional Republicans accountable for their obstruction in helping Utahns keep or get jobs, pay for their homes, improve their communities, and provide for their families.”

Here is what others are saying:

Jeff Thredgold, economist for Utah-based Zions Bank: “It’s helped Utah. Has it saved us from going into a recession? No. Has it saved us a few jobs? Clearly it has, and that’s been the case around the country.”

William Sederburg, Utah Higher Education Commissioner: “Without question the stimulus has helped. While the state’s colleges and universities still eliminated 940 positions, Utah hung on to 955 that would have been lost.”

John Njord, Director, Utah Department of Transportation, whose contractors and subcontractors said their payrolls would have been slashed if not for the money: “What they’re telling me, is that we would have laid off a lot more if those projects had not come through.”

Utah Republican Party Chairman Dave Hansen: “Has it helped on some jobs? Yeah, it has helped.”

# # #

Following the Utah Legislature 5/20/09

2009-05-20T10:31:00.002-06:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Interim meetings begin today. Legislators will review bills they passed last session, and decide which issues to focus on in preparation for action next January. Today committees meet from 8:30 to 10:30 and from 10:45 to 12:30. A Special Session to correct glitches from last session will be at 2:00 PM.

In 8:30 - 10:30 COMMITTEES

EDUCATION will consider recommendations from 2 audits: elementary class size and criminal background check procedures for school employees. The Utah Education Network will explain how Internet access is restricted in public schools.

The ETHICS interim committee has an important first meeting. They’ll hear the history of current House and Senate Ethics Committees and consider a process and timeline for the new committee. How Ethics Committees and Commissions work in other states and the Legislature’s current Code of Official Conduct will be discussed, too.

PUBLIC UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY will be updated on BLM pull-backs of gas well drilling leases in Nine Mile Canyon. They’ll discuss the status of current uranium mining and proposed new mines plus Federal cap and trade proposals to limit carbon dioxide emissions.

In 10:45 – 12:30 COMMITTEES

The HEALTH SYSTEM REFORM TASK FORCE will review: 2008 legislation, a recent Congressional hearing on health reform, laws scheduled to be passed in 2009, proposed working groups and additional study topics. The Office of Consumer Health Services and the Insurance Department will report on implementation of recently passed health reform legislation.

NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT will hear how Federal stimulus money is being used from the State Planning Coordinator, and from the departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Quality, and Agriculture and Food. Recommended administrative rules for carbon capture and sequestration will be followed by Sunset reviews of the Hazardous Substances Mitigation Act, the Waste Tire Recycling Act and the Agricultural and Wildlife Damage Prevention Account appropriation.

TRANSPORTATION will hear an overview of where transportation funding comes from and how it’s used, plus a report on the use of Federal stimulus funds by the Department of Transportation and UTA. An update on projects to be funded by $2.207 billion in bonds authorized last session will be followed by a UTA paratransit services report.

*****************************************************************

MORE 8:30 - 10:30 COMMITTEES

BUSINESS AND LABOR After reviewing items to be studied in interim, the committee will review a Special Session draft bill: "Conditions for Requesting and Disclosing Information Under Employment Selection Procedures Act." Also on the agenda are a discussion of automobile franchise issues, Sunset Review of Insurance Department comparison tables, and implementation of SB 211 “Building Code Amendments.” (210 Senate Building)
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS will consider two special Session bills: SB 1002 – Legal Notice Amendments and HB 1001 – Subdivision Approval Amendments. An overview of the committee’s subject areas and Open and Public Meeting training will be followed by a look at the master plan for state building projects and State Capitol Complex projects. Then they’ll discuss what the committee should study over the interim. (30 House Building)

In HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES the directors of the Health, Human Services, and Insurance departments will suggest timely topics for interim study. A briefing on Utah’s response to H1N1 Swine flu and pandemic preparedness will be followed by consideration of draft legislation that would develop age-appropriate materials and services to prevent and address family and dating violence. (250 State Capitol)

MORE 10:45 – 12:30 COMMITTEES

In JUDICIARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT & CRIMINAL JUSTICE committee members will list their top 5 study item preferences and hear updates from the departments of Corrections and Public Safety and from the Administrative Office of the Courts. Court fees and the statute of limitations on bad checks will be discussed. (30 House Building)

REVENUE & TAXATION will create working groups on local option transportation sales taxes, the property tax, and tax penalties and discuss future action in those areas. They’ll discuss state economic trends and revenue collection and get an update on recent Federal tax law changes and their impact on state revenues. (445 State Capitol)

WORKFORCE SERVICES & COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT will hear recommendations for interim study from the Departments of Community and Culture and Workforce Services and from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. A Sunset review of the Recycling Market Development Zone Act is also on the agenda, plus Committee member recommendations for interim study. (450 State Capitol)

2009 Jefferson Jackson Dinner

2009-04-24T21:11:00.003-06:00

Video from last Friday's Jefferson Jackson Dinner with Sen. Pat Jones (introduction by Morgan Bowen):

Intro:

And
Sen. Pat Jones (Part I)
Sen. Pat Jones (Part II)
Sen. Pat Jones (Part III)

(Thanks to Jason of KVNU's For the Peopl e for the links.)

Hey Utah Democrats, your county convention is just around the corner!

2009-04-04T09:17:00.000-06:00

From Utah Amicus and the Utah Democrats Blog.

Sanpete County – Tuesday, April 14 @ 7:00 pm. Mayor Corroon keynote speaker
Location:Sanpete County Courthouse 160 North Main, Manti, UT 84642

Cache County Jefferson/Jackson Dinner – Friday, April 17 @ 6:00 pm. Senator Pat Jones keynote speaker
Location:Hamilton's Loft 155 Church Ave., Logan, UT 84321

Salt Lake County Politisauce Dinner – Friday, April 17 @ 6:00 pm
Location:Teamsters Union Hall 2641 S 3270 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84119

Salt Lake County Convention – Saturday, April 18 @ 9:00 am
Location:Cottonwood High School 5715 S 1300 E, Murray, UT 84121

Washington County Convention – Saturday, April 18 @ 10:00 am
Location: Hilton Garden Inn 1731 Convention Center Dr., St. George, UT 84790

Davis County Convention – Saturday, April 18 @ 11:00 am
Location:Centerville Jr. High 625 S Main, Centerville, UT 84014

Carbon County Convention – Tuesday, April 21 @ 6:00 pm - Chairman Holland keynote speaker
Location:TBA TBA, TBA, UT 84501

Grand County Convention – Wednesday, April 22 @ 6:00 pm
Location: Grand Center in the Convention Room, 182 N. 500 W. Moab, UT 84532

Emery County Convention - Thursday, April 23, 2009 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location:Huntington Senior Center 176 W 100 N, Huntington, UT 84528

Wasatch County Convention – Friday, April 24 @ 7:00 pm
Location:Huntington Senior Center 176 W 100 N, Huntington, UT 84528

Emery County Convention - Thursday, April 23, 2009 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location:Huntington Senior Center 176 W 100 N, Huntington, UT 84528

Weber County Sawbucks Dinner – Friday, April 24 @ 7:00 pm – Senator Pat Jones keynote speaker
Location: The Timbermine Restaurant

Cache County Convention – Saturday, April 25 @ 9:00 am
Location: Logan High School - Little Theater

Weber County Convention – Saturday, April 25 @ 9:00am (tentative) – Chairman Wayne Holland keynote speaker
Location: Union Station 2501 Wall Ave, Ogden, UT 84401

Wayne County Convention – Saturday, April 25 @ 1:00 pm - Representative David Litvack keynote – Craig Axford guest speaker
Location: Wayne Performing Arts Center 79 North 100 West, Bicknell, UT 84715

Utah County Convention – Saturday, May 2 @ 9:00 am
Tooele County Convention – Saturday, May 2 @ 5:00 pm
Location:Tooele County Bldg. auditorium 47 S. Main Street, Tooele, UT 84074

Morgan County Convention - May 5, 2009 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location:Morgan Middle School 115 E Young Street, Morgan, UT 84050

Summit County Convention – Saturday, May 16 @ 4:00 pm
Location: Legacy Lodge, Park City, Utah

This is the current list of County Conventions that have been scheduled to date. To view updates, or to view other events clickhere!

Following the Utah Legislature 3/12/09

2009-03-12T09:31:00.000-06:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Thursday, March 12, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Today is the very last day of the 2009 general session of the legislature. It ends at midnight. Floor debate began at 8 AM and will go until midnight if necessary. Lunch will be from 12 to 2 and the dinner break is from 6 to 7 this evening. The House has set a time certain at 9 am for HCR 10, a Concurrent Resolution Honoring the Life and Contributions of Larry H. Miller.

IN THE HOUSE

Nine bills are on the Concurrence calendar awaiting HOUSE approval of changes made in the Senate yesterday.
One interesting one is Substitute HB 444. The Senate added $500,000 for the Department of Health’s tobacco cessation program, plus money for children’s museums at the Leonardo and Thanksgiving Point, and assistance for the Shakespeare Festival, all to be funded by tobacco settlement money.

Still circled on the House’s Senate bill calendar are SB 28, Prohibited Activities of Gang Offenders: Substitute SB 199, Equal Recognition of School Parent Groups such as the PTA: and SB 64, which would give the legislature’s Administrative Rules Review Committee a new power: checking to see whether state agencies were spending appropriations as the legislature intended.
However HJR 23, a Joint Rules Resolution, is on the Board as well. It would allow Executive Appropriations to consider citizen and legislator complaints about whether appropriations were being spent as the legislature intended.

IN THE SENATE

The Second Reading list is long. Under Substitute HB 290, a person who texted or emailed on a handheld device while driving a moving vehicle would be guilty of careless driving, a class C misdemeanor.

Also on the Board are HB 392, which would authorize the PSC to allow a subsidized rate for natural gas vehicle fuel, and Second substitute HB 272, Utah Scenic Byway Designation Amendments. SB 61, favoring Home School and Private School Students’ Participation in Extracurricular Activities, SB 164, allowing In Person Voter Registration outside the clerk’s office, and Second Substitute HB 141, Billboard Amendments, still sit circled on the Third Reading calendar.

Throughout this long last day, bills will come and go on the boards, between House and Senate, and in and out of the Rules Committees, in the rush to get everyone’s priority bill passed.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

HB2, the huge Minimum School Program budget bill, traveled back and forth between the House and Senate yesterday and ended up on the House Concurrence Calendar today for consideration of the Senate’s amendments. A provision that would have gradually shifted funding of charter schools from the state to local school districts was removed. That means the state would continue to pay 75 percent of charter school costs.
$400,000 for teacher performance pay was restored, and teachers at the state School for the Deaf and Blind will get a raise. The WPU, Weighted Pupil Unit, will not increase. It’s set at $2,577 per pupil and 13,000 new students are expected next year. The education budget overall has been cut by 6 percent.

The Senate also made a small but interesting change in HB 412, Energy Policy Amendments, yesterday. They had a long discussion of whether HB 412 meant taxpayers would have to pay twice to study the economic impacts of “legislation, including a bill or resolution, or an executive action, including an executive order” that addresses climate change.
Yesterday’s amendment simply took out the “legislative action, including a bill or resolution” part, since legislative fiscal analysts already analyze the economic impact of proposed legislation. The economic effect on Utah industry business and consumers would still need to be determined before climate change action by the executive branch could be adopted.

SB 48, Teacher Licensing by Competency, sponsored by Senator Buttars, did not get a warm reception in the House. The bill failed very definitely, 17-49. It would have allowed individuals to apply for a competency-based teaching license to teach in middle school or high school if they held a bachelor’s degree, and had demonstrated a high level of competency in an academic subject.
Rep Menlove thought the bill was unnecessary. Programs to increase teacher competency already exist. Former AP English teacher Moss, said good teaching is 20 percent inspiration and 80 percent preparation. Teachers need skills such as how to prepare sequential lessons, time management and knowledge of adolescent psychology.

The immigration bill HB 64 has now passed both House and Senate but with some changes. It sets up a multi-agency strike force to combat violent and other major felony crimes associated with illegal immigration and human trafficking. Legislators found an interesting source for the $891,000 that will be given to the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice instead of the Attorney General’s office for administering the program. Money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, aka the federal stimulus package, will be used.

Yesterday the Senate unanimously passed HB 120 - Snake Valley Aquifer Research Team and Advisory Council. The bill is designed to be sure groundwater now shared by Utah and Nevada is used on a sound scientific basis. Imagine! What a concept! HB 120 now goes to the Governor for his signature

Following the Utah Legislature 3/11/09

2009-03-11T10:05:00.003-06:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

Today the House and Senate will start off with 76 bills scheduled for floor debate. And there are many more waiting in House and Senate Rules Committees if they run short. Debate will be from 8AM to noon and from 2 PM to “as needed.” At 7:30AM the Senate Education Confirmation Committee meets to confirm Brent L. Brown as a member of the Board of Regents. At 5 PM Executive Appropriations is scheduled to meet in Room 30 House Building.

IN THE HOUSE

On the CONCURRENCE calendar, three House bills amended by the Senate are waiting for House approval. The bills are HB 122, which reduces public access to some government records; HB 129, Alcoholic Beverage Amendments Related to Minors who submit a false proof of age; and Third Substitute HB 346, Campaign and Financial Reporting Requirements for candidates who receive campaign contributions in cash or in kind.

ON THE HOUSE SENATE BILL CALENDAR:
SB 28 says individuals convicted of a gang-related crime can not possess a dangerous weapon for five years. Substitute SB 184 increases several court filing fees for civil (not criminal) cases to bring in $11.3 million beginning in fiscal year 2010. The revenue will help prevent severe gaps in court services. Substitute SB 199 addresses the issue of equal recognition of all school parent groups by the schools their children attend.

ON THE SENATE SECOND READING CALENDAR
HB 430 offers a state economic development tax credit and local property tax rebates to businesses that invest in alternative energy projects. Its purpose is to increase renewable energy generation and create high paying jobs. The original bill stated that another purpose is to assure the health and welfare of Utah citizens, but the House amended that out.
Substitute HB 439 would allow Salt Lake and Davis County to raise the Botanical, Cultural, Recreational, and Zoological facilities sales tax to pay for transit improvements, including a line between Salt Lake and Davis counties and a North Temple viaduct do-over.

IN THE SENATE ON THIRD READING
One of the bills awaiting one more vote in the Senate is HB 302. It changes the amount of money that will go from the Tobacco Settlement Account to programs in the Departments of Health and Human Services. CHIP will get more for children’s health care. Media messages that discourage smoking will get less, but Drug Courts that divert drug offenders from incarceration will get more. The Tobacco Settlement money came from a lawsuit against tobacco companies brought by several states including Utah to compensate for Medicaid costs caused by smoking.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

The SENATE passed several House bills from Second to Third Reading yesterday without much discussion. They need one more vote before going to the Governor:

Second Substitute HB 120 creates a Snake Valley Aquifer Research Team and Advisory Council to protect Utah against a Nevada water grab. HB 345 would prohibit elected state officials from acting as lobbyists for one year after leaving office. Substitute HB 132 allows rape victims to get emergency contraceptives and information from more hospitals. HB 198 would permit marriage license applicants to pay an extra ten dollars to fund domestic violence shelters.

HB 412 – Energy Policy Amendments – passed from Second to Third, too, but only after considerable debate. HB 412 amends State energy policy to determine the economic impacts of a proposed legislative or executive action involving climate change. It also says state policy should advocate for fair and consistent Federal climate change regulation. Senator Jones asked who would pay to study the economic effect of a bill, resolution or action by the governor before the action was even proposed.
A discussion of that point including Senator McCoy pointed out that the legislature’s fiscal analyst examines those costs when a bill is written, but not beforehand. And who would look at the cost of a proposed action by the Governor? An extra economic impact study would be a waste of taxpayer money, and picks on just one area, climate change, said Senator Jones, calling the bill ridiculous. Senate sponsor Jenkins tried to explain that the bill is more about what energy policy should be than about energy legislation and called for a vote. HB 412 passed to Third Reading 17-9. Senator Valentine joined the Democrats in opposition.

After a long debate, the HOUSE passed Substitute SJR 16, a non-binding resolution supporting nuclear power. It “encourages new nuclear power development in Utah due to its beneficial impact on the economy, fuel diversification and the environment, and its impressive operational safety and security record.” The vote was 56 to 17.
Rep Biskupski said new nuclear plants will not be available for decades and would not be cost effective in Utah where power rates are lower; Rocky Mountain Power is not planning to build one.
Rep Noel thought prices would be more competitive if plant construction costs were not factored in. He said Utah needs baseload 24-hr power from coal or nuclear because wind and solar are available only intermittently.
Rep Allen’s proposed amendment would have considered the need for and adequacy of water resources. Rep Riesen’s amendment said nuclear development should be pursued only after a safe disposal site for the waste has been developed. After both amendments failed, Rep Daw pointed out that 20 percent of U.S. electric power is already nuclear. He said those plants seem to have a handle on their by-products. Rep Watkins predicted that the current price of electricity will go up, making cost a less important consideration.

Following the Utah Legislature 3/10/09

2009-03-10T09:29:00.000-06:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

Three days to go on Capitol Hill. There will be three bouts of floor debate, from 8 AM to noon, from 2 to 4 PM and from 5 PM to as needed. Looking at the 83 bills on the calendar, it appears that the House will concentrate on Senate bills and the Senate will debate House bills. But under suspension of the rules, legislators move from list to list quite easily

IN THE HOUSE
The House will likely start out with the Concurrence calendar. That’s where bills that were amended in the Senate have been returned to the House for their action. They can agree, or concur, with the amendments or refuse to concur and ask the Senate to recede from those amendments. Sometimes it takes a special conference committee from both houses to settle the matter. On that calendar are Second Substitute House Bill 126, which requires voter ID at the polls, and HB 122, which makes public access to some government records more difficult.

The House’s Senate bill list starts with SB 2, the New Fiscal Year Appropriations Act. This is a very large bill that appropriates $1.8 billion from the General Fund, $127 million from the Uniform School Fund, $334 million from the Education Fund, and $6.1 billion from “various sources.” All the details of where the money will be spent are in SB 2. Budget bills will be going back and forth for amendments today and tomorrow.

OTHER BILLS IN THE HOUSE

SB 134, Transportation Funding Amendments says transportation money from Congress must be spent on projects included in the statewide transportation improvement program. Substitute SJR 16, a joint resolution supporting nuclear power; SCR 2, a concurrent resolution calling for civility in the legislature and Substitute SCR 4, a resolution supporting obesity awareness are also on the board.

IN THE SENATE
The Senate will likely start out with 11 bills on the Consent Calendar. These are bills that are so non-controversial that they will be presented, but not debated, on the floor, then quickly agreed to unless one legislator wants to vote no.

The Senate’s House bill list includes some of the ethics bills that have passed the House. HB 345 prohibits elected state officials from acting as lobbyists for one year after leaving office. HB 346 requires candidates to report campaign contributions within 5 days after they’re received. HB 410 reduces legislators’ daily pay by 10 percent to $117 a day through 2010, and HJR 14 sets up an ethics training course for legislators.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

Third Substitute SB 79 passed the Senate. It sets a standard of proof a higher standard of proof, clear and convincing evidence in malpractice suits for a narrow class of health care providers, those who are on call to staff hospital ERs. Sponsors said the medical community had agreed not to try to expand it to other ER providers. A section of the original bill that set rules for expert medical witnesses was dropped. The new law sunsets after four years if not renewed.

The HOUSE voted on health care, too. They passed HB 171, removing the 5-year ban on Medicaid for 800 legal immigrant children by a vote of 50 to 23. Sponsor Rep Holdaway quoted a $390,000 fiscal note but he expects reduced use of the ER to offset that.

But the HOUSE failed 25-47 to approve HB 372, requiring prison inmates to use their private health insurance instead of prison health services while incarcerated. Proponents wanted to save the state money, but opponents didn’t want to increase the burden on small employers who pay insurance premiums. Rep Dunnigan pointed out that insurance contracts already say an incarcerated person is not covered.

The Senate passed two voter ID bills. Second Substitute HB 126, sponsored by Rep Daw, will require ID when voting. Senator McCoy added two provisions to help voters who arrive at the polls without it: signs in polling places reminding voters in line that ID is now required, so voters could go home and get it, and reminders when casting their provisional ballots that they must show ID at the clerk’s office within 5 business days. The vote was 26-3. McCoy, Robles and Romero voted no.

Late yesterday afternoon Substitute SB 69, which calls for proof of citizenship, not just ID, when registering or voting, passed both Second and Third Reading under suspension of the rules. Sponsor Sen Madsen added an amendment to allow people with disabilities to confirm their citizenship with a letter from the Social Security Administration--which Sen Robles said she appreciated. The vote was 22-7. SB 69 now heads to the House.

The HOUSE tried yet again to strike a balance between private property and access to Utah streams, but 3^rd substitute HB 87 failed 34-41. Rep. Fowlke cautioned that hundreds of letters – not form letters – protesting the bill signal litigation to come. She said the bill was based on the false premise that all water is private; the Utah Constitution says water is public. Rep Biskupski said that randomly designating some rivers as public without criteria was begging for lawsuits and Rep King suggested working with existing trespass laws first.

But the HOUSE passed HB 379, 52 to 22. Anyone asking the Departments of Environmental Quality, Natural Resources or Transportation to delay an environmental action through a preliminary injunction or administrative stay would have to post a bond. And if unsuccessful they would have to pay damages to defendants harmed by the delay. Rep Biskupski reported that Legislative Research found constitutional problems of limiting the right to petition for redress of grievances and denying access to the courts. She proposed to allow the court to ask for a bond or damages but not to require it. That amendment failed. Rep McIff, a former judge, said a court rule 65A already allows what HB 379 proposes. HB 379 now goes to the Senate.

Following the Utah Legislature 3/09/09

2009-03-09T10:25:00.002-06:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Monday, March 9, 2009

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

This week it’s floor time all the time on Capitol Hill until the legislative session ends at midnight on Thursday. Today floor time will be from 8 to noon and from 2 to 5, or as late as needed, with a caucus lunch break at noon and an Executive Appropriations meeting from 4 to 5 PM if needed. Legislators want to get budget bills into final form soon.

BILLS TO BE DEBATED

Several bills in both HOUSE and SENATE are circled, which means sponsors are working on compromise wording. They could come to a vote today, or negotiations might continue.

CIRCLED IN THE HOUSE
are 3^rd substitute HB 187, which would regulate recreation on public streams on private property, and HB 347, which would do away with private clubs and require ID scanning for patrons under 30.
One issue regarding HB 187 is which streams should be public and who should choose them--a special board or the legislature.
HB 372 would require prison inmates to use their private health insurance instead of prison health services while incarcerated.

ALSO IN THE HOUSE - Substitute HB 370 would increase the fine for drivers who illegally park in disabled parking spots and send the proceeds to state programs that employ people with disabilities.

HB 198 would require county clerks to ask for an extra $10 fee on marriage licenses, although applicants could decline to pay it. The proceeds would go to domestic violence shelters.

At the bottom of the list is HB 379 Environmental Litigation Bond. It requires litigants who want to challenge an environmental action by a stay or preliminary injunction to post a bond. If unsuccessful, they would also pay damages to defendants harmed by the delay. Concerns include Constitutional questions such as free speech and the right to petition the government. Only those citizens or organizations who could afford the bond could challenge a proposal, for example the Petcoke plant.

CIRCLED IN THE SENATE ON THIRD READING: SB 164 allows county clerks to register voters in locations other than the clerk’s office.
Second Substitute SB 79, proposes a higher standard of proof, clear and convincing evidence, for malpractice suits against emergency room on call health care providers.
HB 122 would change the rules for public access to government records. The intent of the original law was to favor release of information to the public when their need to know appeared equal to government’s need to protect. The question is whether it is really necessary to limit public access in some cases as proposed by HB 122.

CIRCLED IN THE SENATE ON SECOND READING are Substitute SB 69, requiring proof of citizenship to register or vote, and SB 225, making legal immigrant children eligible for health care.

WHAT HAPPENED FRIDAY

IN THE HOUSE

THE HOUSE passed HB 101, a pilot program that provides assertive community treatment services to people with a severe mental disorder who are not receiving mental health services or are transitioning out of other programs such as prison programs. Sponsor Rep Carol Moss said a similar jail diversion outreach team in Salt Lake City gives wraparound services 24 hours a day for released inmates. It has been 100 percent successful in preventing patients from returning to jail.
Rep Wimmer complained that this was just a new mandate on the back of taxpayers for a small minority who can’t afford the services.
Rep Edwards said it was the right thing to do and would cut hospital and jail costs. Rep Moss called it a lifesaver for families who find it next to impossible to get services unless they have very good insurance. HB 101 passed 40-34.

SB 87, Preferred Drug List Revisions, was approved by the House 63-9. The list of medications for Medicaid patients includes less costly generic drugs. The bill provides that prescription of unlisted drugs by health care providers will require Health Department preauthorization. Rep Dunnigan said the private sector already saves millions by using PDLs, as do CHIP, Medicare and Utah’s Public Employee Health Plan.

THE SENATE approved 2^nd Substitute SB 208 by an 18 to 8 vote. Beginning January 1, 2011, public notices now in newspapers would be posted only on the Utah Public Notice Website in first and second class counties. Smaller counties could publish in both places. Sponsor Sen Urquhart said this would reach more people and cost less.
Eighty-two percent of Utahns have Internet connectivity, (which of course means 18 per cent do not – another one of those pesky minorities). Senator Jones spoke up for older people, who tend to read, not surf the Internet. She said we read the paper differently and see things in the paper we wouldn’t think to look for on line. Several Senators said the choice should be optional and the same for all counties. The bill is now on Third Reading in the Senate.

Substitute HJR 8, a “Joint Resolution Regarding the Secret Ballot,” was approved by the Senate Friday. It was lifted from Rules and voted on for the second and third time without being on the board for 24 hours, a rushed process that Senator Romero said was an abuse of authority by the majority Republicans. The Utah Constitution already says “all elections shall be by secret ballot.” HJR 8 adds: “including elections under state or federal law for public office, on an initiative or referendum, or to designate or authorize employee representation or individual representation.”
Bill sponsors said they aim to protect union workers from predicted federal legislation that they think will take away the secret ballot. However, in a Constitutional Revision Commission meeting at noon on Friday, Rep Menlove reported hysteria in her community because backers are giving the impression that the secret ballot will be taken away from all voters in all elections. The CRC did not oppose or endorse HJR 8, saying they had not studied it enough. And Utah law does not allow CRC study after a constitutional amendment has passed both houses. Guess we will have to study it ourselves between now and the 2010 election.

Following the Utah Legislature 3/06/09

2009-03-06T09:29:00.001-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Friday March 6, 2009

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

Legislators will debate bills in the House and Senate this morning from 9 to noon in the House and from 8 to noon in the Senate. Afternoon floor time is from 2 to 5. Legislators take occasional breaks during floor time to discuss in party meetings how to approach upcoming bills. In the House they call it caucusing. In the Senate they move to “saunter” for 15 minutes or so. Members of the Rules Committee also leave the floor periodically to decide which bills to send out for a floor vote next. The 12 to 2 caucus lunch break is another chance to make a plan of action for upcoming floor debates.

Towards the end of the session, as budget plans firm up, special attention is paid to how much bills and services will cost. In fact the main budget committee, Executive Appropriations, meets today at 4:00 in Room 30, House Building.

At noon, the Constitutional Revision Commission meets in Capitol Room 450 to review Constitutional amendments proposed for this year. Amendment sponsors discuss their proposals with the Commission, which may or may not express an opinion on their constitutionality. CRC members include legislators, attorneys and judges.

Today they review Substitute HJR 8, a “Joint Resolution Regarding the Secret Ballot,” approved by the House Wednesday. The Utah Constitution already says “all elections shall be by secret ballot.” HJR 8 adds specifics: “including elections under state or federal law for public office, on an initiative or referendum, or to designate or authorize employee representation or individual representation.” Sponsors are particularly concerned that labor unions elections won’t be by secret ballot.
SJR 8, “Joint Resolution Regarding Eligibility for Legislative Office,” requires a person who is appointed to the legislature to fill a mid-term vacancy to have been a resident of the state for three years and a resident of the district for which the person is appointed for six consecutive months prior to the appointment. The Constitution already sets these residency requirements for elected legislators.

BILLS TO WATCH IN THE SENATE TODAY On Third Reading:

SB 61 would allow Home School and Private School Student Participation in Extracurricular Activities. SB 164 allows In-Person Voter Registration in places other than the county clerk’s office. Second Substitute SB 79 sets a higher standard of proof, clear and convincing evidence, for Medical Malpractice Claims Based on Emergency Room Care. The standard would apply only to care by on-call health care providers. HB 122 would increase the amount of evidence the public must present to show it needs information about pending government investigations or litigation. Substitute HB 126 would require voter ID on Election Day.

IN THE HOUSE WATCH FOR: Second Substitute HB 187, which tries to balance recreational use of public waters with private property rights. HB 347 would change liquor laws, eliminating private clubs and requiring ID scans. HB 101 sets up an assertive community mental health treatment pilot program. And HB 171 would provide medical care for legal immigrant children without a 5-year waiting period.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

Yesterday morning the SENATE RETIREMENT AND INDEPENDENT ENTITIES COMMITTEE approved Third Substitute SB 76, which would create an independent state agency called the Utah Generated Renewable Energy Electricity Network Authority. Quite a mouthful. Its main purpose would be to prioritize electrical transmission projects. The authority’s board would review the location and availability of renewable energy sources serving electrical loads in the state, then see if there were adequate transmission lines and capacity to bring those renewable energy sources to market.

They would prioritize transmission projects based on location, whether they would support potential renewable energy development, and economic development factors. The renewable energy source project could be existing, under construction, planned or even “foreseeable.” The Authority could issue bonds to finance the construction and operation of the transmission projects.

The Senate held a lengthy discussion of an HB 100 proposal to switch funding for prison education programs from the Board of Regents to the Department of Corrections. The second substitute version of the bill, however, will make development of “recidivism reduction” plans a joint effort of Corrections, the Board of Regents that oversees higher ed, and the State Board of Education.

Senator Goodfellow praised the current system, saying Utah’s model program is respected for its skill training throughout the country. He said higher ed had already invested in buildings and equipment for the program. (Although not mentioned in the Senate, the question of how practical the training is in preparing for work after release seemed to be an issue on the House floor.).

The bill requires inmates to pay half the cost of their postsecondary education. Inmates unable to pay right away could repay 5 years after they’re released and only if they had $200,000 in assets. The second half of program costs comes from a surcharge on long distance inmate telephone calls.

The Senate talked more about health care reform yesterday, focusing on “Netcare,” a planned mandate-light insurance policy for employees who lose their health care when they lose their jobs. The plan is in Second Substitute HB 188.

Several senators wondered whether the coverage for things like diabetes management would be as good under Netcare as under the lost insurance. Senator Bell said Netcare would have fewer options, but it would cover preventive and primary care and prescriptions, and it would be cheaper than COBRA. Diabetes management is generally recognized to save higher health costs down the road.
Under COBRA former employees can continue to get the same coverage they had at work but must pay the full premiums, which are often unaffordable. Senator Davis asked if Utah would coordinate with the federal stimulus plan, which has COBRA assistance. Senator Bell said we could look into that. The bill passed the Senate 27 to 0.

Following the Utah Legislature 3/05/09

2009-03-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Thursday, March 5, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Just one more week to go in the session. Committee meetings are over, with a couple of exceptions. So today House floor time will be 8 AM to noon and 2 to 5 PM. Senate sessions are from 9 AM to noon and from 2 to 5 PM.

TWO COMMITTEES meetiat 7:30 THIS MORNING in Room 20:

The RETIREMENT AND INDEPENDENT ENTITIES INTERIM COMMITTEE meets to review a proposal to create a new independent entity: the Utah-Generated Renewable Energy Electricity Network Authority.
The SENATE RETIREMENT AND INDEPENDENT ENTITIES COMMITTEE will consider Second Substitute SB 76 and Substitute HB 211. SB 76 amends definitions and provisions regarding energy production in the Public Utilities section of Utah law.
HB 211 requires an annual report of investment of Utah retirement funds in Iran’s petroleum sector. Some of those companies are subject to sanctions under the federal Iran Action Act of 1996.

ON THE FLOOR: On Thursdays, to start off, the House works on Senate bills while the Senate works on House Bills.

IN THE HOUSE
Two circled bills are on its Senate list. SB 64 would give the Administrative Rules Committee new power, in addition to its oversight of state agencies to be sure that the rules they make to administer a law comply with the intent of the law. Under SB 64 it could also review any legislative appropriation to see if the state agency that received the money was spending it as the Legislature intended.
Substitute SCR 3 is a resolution expressing support for the work of the Utah Council on Financial and Economic Education towards increasing financial literacy of the citizens of the state.

Later the HOUSE may continue debate on two bills they voted down once but decided to reconsider. One is Second Substitute HB 187 which is about use of streams on private property by fishermen and other sportsmen. Substitute HB 145, concerning the accuracy of workplace drug testing programs, was also recalled for reconsideration.

IN THE SENATE
The Senate votes twice on every bill. House Bills it approved once yesterday are on what’s called Third Reading for another vote today. On the list are HB 222 ,the Unborn Child Pain Prevention Act ,and HB 122. HB 122 is a GRAMA bill that requires requests for access to public records to show by a "preponderance of the evidence" that the public interest favoring access outweighs the interest in favoring restriction of access, a much more difficult standard for citizens to meet than simply balancing the interests of the two sides.
When the Senate turns to the Second Reading calendar, they’ll find HB 140, which would increase vehicle registration fees by $2 to avoid losing Highway Patrol troopers to budget cuts, and Substitute HB 126, requiring voter ID on Election Day.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

IN HOUSE WORKFORCE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, Rep Garn presented HB 430, which creates Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) with the approval of local government, which would provide property tax incentives, and the state, which would provide tax credits. The projects must generate Utah jobs and tax revenue. All tax credits must be based on performance.
Derrick Miller, Managing Director of Corporate Recruitment and State Incentives in the Governor's Office of Economic Development, explained that the bill is important to maintain Utah's competitiveness. The focus is on manufacturing within the growing renewable energy (RE) sector, including manufacture of wind turbines, solar panels, etc. Companies would have to be approved by the Governor’s office.
He said our current incentive program is not competitive with other states. We've been losing jobs to Colorado and Oregon. There are companies at the door waiting for Utah to pass this bill. HB 430 passed unanimously and is # 20 on the House debate calendar.

HOUSE REVENUE AND TAXATION gave unanimous approval to HB 378, a bill that increases the property tax “circuitbreaker.” That’s the sliding scale property tax credit available to renters and homeowners with household incomes below $26,941. People who claim the credit could increase it by subtracting from their household income $1000 for each of two dependents. The cost to the General Fund would be about $121,300 in 2010.

IN THE HOUSE and SENATE

The House added their approval to two Senate ethics bills. SB 156 by Senator Bell will increase the number of gifts to legislators worth more than $25, including meals and sporting events, that lobbyists will have to report, making them more transparent to public view. SB 162 by Senator Valentine will disallow personal use of leftover campaign funds by elected officials after they leave office.

To return the favor, the SENATE approved three House Health Care Reform bills, Substitute House Bills 165, 188, and 331. Senators highly praised them as a first step that increases flexibility and transparency in the health insurance market, with more choice for consumers including portable, lower cost policies that cover less. They said the next steps should be to make provider costs and outcomes transparent in order to put consumers in the driver’s seat. Cost control and integrating Medicaid, Medicare and self-insured large companies into the reforms were on their “to do” list as well.

Following the Utah Legislature 3/04/09

2009-03-04T11:55:00.001-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

Final standing committee meetings of the session meet from 8 to 9 a.m. today. Floor debate will be from 9 to noon and from 2 to 5 PM.

THIS MORNING

HOUSE REVENUE AND TAXATION will consider HB 378, a bill that increases the property tax “circuitbreaker.” That’s the sliding scale property tax credit available to renters and homeowners with household incomes below $26,941.

People who claim the credit could increase their credit by subtracting from their household income $1000 for each dependent. Income could be decreased by a limit of 2 dependents, or $2000 per household. And the claimant or the claimant’s spouse could not qualify as a dependent. The cost to the General Fund would be about $121,300 in 2010.

HOUSE WORKFORCE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT will debate HB 430. It offers an economic development tax credit to businesses that invest in alternative energy projects. Its purpose is to increase generation of renewable energy and create high paying jobs in the renewable energy industry.

Projects would be located in renewable energy development zones created by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development in conformity with community master plans and approved by the local government. Local government would offer incentives as well, such as abatement of all or part of property taxes for up to 30 years.
Qualifying projects would have to include significant capital investment, high paying jobs, or significant purchases from Utah vendors; and generate new state revenues. Credits are expected to cost the General Fund about $2.4 million and the Education Fund $187,000 the first year. The cost in subsequent years would be $9.6 million from the General Fund and $412,000 from the Education Fund.

HOUSE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS will look at HB 362, which sets penalties for destroying or mutilating the record copy of a government record. HB 362 also allows a government to charge a fee for researching and responding to a records request if the requester has already submitted 12 requests within the year. The fee would not apply to requests made for a story or report for general publication.

IN SENATE COMMITTEES

SENATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES will discuss Substitute HB 64, authorizing a strike force to combat violent and other major felony crimes associated with illegal immigration and human trafficking. Officers of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement plus state and local law enforcement personnel could participate voluntarily.

It also provides for a Fraudulent Documents Identification Unit and appropriates $891,000 to the Office of the Attorney General to help run it.
Another immigration bill, HJR 25, urges Utah employers to hire only individuals who are authorized to work in the United States.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

The HOUSE concentrated on the great outdoors yesterday. In the morning they honored Don Peay with a concurrent resolution HCR 9 for his contributions to conserving Utah’s natural resources, including habitat restoration and watershed and stream bed improvements.
Then they spent most of the afternoon floor session discussing 2^nd Substitute HB 187, sponsored by Rep Ferry, trying to strike a balance between private property rights and access to Utah streams by fishermen and other sportsman.

A recent Supreme Court decision said the public does have a public easement right to streambeds but did not spell out details of how to balance that right with trespassing protection for homes and ranches that, as Rep McIff said, existed before Utah even became a state.

Rep Noel also favored protecting those he said Thomas Jefferson referred to as virtuous cultivators of the earth. He mentioned that two-thirds of the state is public land with full access for sportsmen. After an exhausting discussion, Reps King and Bird recommended sending the matter to interim study, and the bill failed on a vote of 34-41.

The SENATE discussed SB 79 – Health Reform – Medical Malpractice Amendments at great length.
One part of SB 79 proposed that expert witnesses from out of state at malpractice trials be temporarily licensed. Then they could be disciplined if their testimony was found unprofessional. Senator Hillyard said it’s hard to get Utah doctors to testify because they are sometimes harassed by other doctors afterward. Local doctors and juries make convictions difficult.

The other part of SB 79 proposes a higher standard, clear and convincing evidence instead of preponderance of evidence, to convict Emergency Room physicians of malpractice. The reasoning is that emergency room patients come without their medical histories, sometimes unconscious, making good decisions harder, with problems outside an on-call physician’s specialty. Sponsor Senator Knudson said emergency rooms are losing personnel over the issues. Senator McCoy thought the higher standard of evidence was not needed, because knowledge of the patient, not perfect knowledge, is taken into consideration.

A major concern is that doctors involved in malpractice suits see the premiums for malpractice insurance increase by as much as $50,000 a year as reported by Senator Liljenquist.
Senator Jones brought up the issue of whether this increases the practice of defensive medicine - ordering too many tests that raise the cost of health care. Senator Robles questioned whether the higher evidence standard would bring down the costs of malpractice premiums, and said the AARP thinks the bill is unnecessary. Senator Romero added that very few malpractice cases go to trial or are awarded, and best practices training is needed to reduce health care costs instead.

SB 79 passed it from second to third reading – but just barely by 16-12-1. A bill takes 16 votes to pass the 29 member Senate.

Following the Utah Legislature 3/03/09

2009-03-03T10:01:00.002-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

This morning legislative standing committees meet from 8 to 9 – except House Business and Labor begins at 7:30 - and from 4 to 5 this afternoon. The last committee hearings of the session will be tomorrow morning. Floor debate is scheduled for 9 to noon and 2 to 3:50 today. All lunches this week are caucus lunches.

THIS MORNING

HOUSE BUSINESS AND LABOR will consider HB 171. A new provision of the federal Children's Health Insurance Program allows states to lift the 5-year waiting period on Medicaid and CHIP eligibility for legal immigrant children. A significant number of these children lack coverage because their parents work one or more jobs that do not offer employer-based coverage. HB171 and a similar Senate Bill, SB225, would implement the new option in Utah. Around 800 uninsured children could be covered for preventive diagnosis and care, immunizations and other services at a cost of up to $487,000.

HB 454, Small Group Reinsurance, is also in committee. It creates the Utah Reinsurance Pool as a non-profit entity within the State Department of Insurance for small employer group health insurers and defined contribution health plans. As explained by the Commonwealth Fund, reinsurance – insurance for insurance companies - can relieve health insurers of the risk of "adverse selection" (that is, disproportionate enrollments of individuals with extraordinarily high medical costs). Then insurers may be able to significantly lower premiums, making health coverage affordable for more people.

SENATE TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY WILL continue to discuss Second Substitute SB 41, which is about deciding where to put high voltage power lines. More lines will be needed to distribute electricity generated by new sources, including wind power.

THIS AFTERNOON

SENATE REVENUE AND TAXATION takes on SB 5, which describes ways for state agencies and universities to fund capital facilities. They include: Revenue bonds (borrowing that is paid back by revenue generated by the facility after it’s built instead of by taxpayers); using agency, institutional or donated funds; or leasing or disposing of real property.
Property in Salt Lake for an alcoholic beverage control warehouse, a University of Utah south campus housing project, a Utah Valley University Business Resource Center, and expansion of the University Neuropsychiatric Institute are some of the projects that need funding.

SENATE WORKFORCE SERVICES WILL HEAR HB 412, an energy policy bill that discusses what energy sources should be used in the future and how they would affect economic development in Utah.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

SENATE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS passed SB 248 on a 4-2 vote. It would allow first and second-class cities with airports to impose a sales tax of .7% or less beginning October 1, 2009. Its purpose would be to fund a public transit systemm a local highway of regional significance or other infrastructure that benefits city residents or people traveling to the city. One project that backers have in mind is a Salt Lake City – Davis county streetcar or light rail system.

Jim Olsen of the retailers association said the tax would put Salt Lake City retailers at a disadvantage. Lincoln Shurtz of the Utah League of Cities and Towns explained that the resort community tax allows tourists who don’t pay property taxes to help pay for the daytime services they use. Salt Lake City’s daytime population is twice its nighttime population. Salt Lake City government spokesmen assured the committee that the city is committed to hearings and transparency on the decision.

SB 223 also passed 4-2. It allows cities and counties to seek and sell carbon credits when they capture carbon by converting their waste and garbage to charcoal or biochar (a soil improver). Senator Jenkins was strongly opposed. He said that human-caused CO2 isn’t close to being proven. Sponsor Senator Romero pointed out that regardless of the science, communities would benefit by saving landfill space and restoring the soil while earning carbon tax credits if the market develops. A member of the public, Jerold McDonough, has been studying carbon dioxide emissions. He said the many decaying trees from the pine bark beetle infestation that release carbon into the air could instead be converted to charcoal or biochar.

SHB 126, requiring voter ID on Election Day passed 4-2 as well. Cost questions were raised, such as the need to train election judges to recognize various forms of ID. Utah County elections director Scott Hogenson thought that could be incorporated into the regular training. Jason Yocum of Salt Lake County Elections said Indiana and Georgia needed costly voter education campaigns to help meet the new ID requirements, and Utah voters would need help, too. Sponsor Daw said that information would be in the State Elections Voter Information pamphlet.

SENATE EDUCATION voted down SB 113 on a 3-3 tie vote. SB 113 would delay the effective date of SB 81, last year’s immigration bill, by one year until July 1, 2010. Sponsor Senator Jones said the timing was right. Immigration has been reduced by the slowing economy and the $1.8 million fiscal note could be used in a more positive way. Other bills already address costs and criminal behavior related to illegal immigration.

Several urged a comprehensive federal solution instead of a piecemeal approach. Senator Jenkins said he hadn’t heard President Obama mention immigration reform since 6 weeks before the election. But an immigration lawyer cited statements by Obama in February saying reform is a priority. He intends to introduce a bill by summer and pass it by fall. Other opponents said identity theft, competition for jobs, and human trafficking are urgent problems. Senators Goodfellow, Morgan and Stephenson voted aye. Senators Bramble, Dayton and Jenkins voted no. Senator Hillyard was absent.

Following the Utah Legislature 3/02/09

2009-03-02T08:44:00.002-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Monday, March 2, 2009

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

THIS MORNING

SENATE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS considers SB 248. It would allow first and second-class cities with airports to impose a sales tax of .70% or less beginning October 1, 2009. The purpose of the tax would be to fund a system for public transit, a local highway of regional significance or other infrastructure that benefits city residents or people traveling to the city. Presumably the TRAX line to the Salt Lake Airport could benefit.
Also in committee, Substitute HB 126 would require voters to present ID when they vote on Election Day. The purpose of the bill is to head off voter fraud although no fraud, including voting by non-citizens, has occurred in Utah. Voters least likely to have ID are seniors and people with disabilities – especially those not living in their own homes, African-Americans, Native Americans, and people with low incomes.
The committee also will consider SB223. It would allow cities and counties to seek and sell carbon credits when they capture carbon by converting their waste and garbage to charcoal or biochar (a soil improver).

SENATE REVENUE AND TAXATION will hear a recycling bill also. SB 224 would allow the Department of Transportation to reuse industrial by-products in their projects. By-products could include construction debris, residuals from processing ores or minerals, flue gas emission residuals, fly ash, slag, and cement kiln dust. Material that causes a public nuisance or health hazard and hazardous wastes could not be used.

HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT may discuss HB 379 – Environmental Litigation Bond. Anyone asking for the government to delay an environmental action through a preliminary injunction or administrative stay would have to post a bond. And if unsuccessful they would have to pay damages to defendants harmed by the delay. Similar bills proposed in the past have raised questions of requiring money (the bond) to petition the government and singling out environmental actions.

IN THE AFTERNOON

SENATE EDUCATION will consider SB 113. It would delay the effective date of SB 81, last year’s immigration bill, by one year until July 1, 2010.
SB 74 requires local school board or charter schools to enact detailed gang prevention and intervention policies. Faculty and personnel would report gang activities to the administrator. Students who participated would be excluded from extracurricular activities, including interscholastic athletics, and restitution would be required for gang-related graffiti or damage to school property.

Monday, March 2, 2009

WHAT HAPPENED FRIDAY

Friday lunchtime committees were busy last week.

The HOUSE RETIREMENT COMMITTEE approved a bill to cut legislators’ daily pay by 10 percent to $117 a day through 2010. The reduction would apply to general and special sessions and authorized legislative meetings, HB 410 passed by a vote of 4-2. HB 96, giving a charter school that had opted out of participation in the state retirement system a one-time opportunity to opt back in, was also approved.

The HOUSE ETHICS COMMITTEE made some progress. It passed SB 162, prohibiting the personal use of leftover campaign funds by elected officials after they leave office. Candidates and incumbents already must use campaign funds only for political purposes. SB 156 also passed. It increases the reporting of gifts by lobbyists to public officials, adding meals that cost more than $25 and admission to sporting, recreational or artistic events. HB 213, a bill banning gifts worth more than $5 from lobbyists to public officials and their immediate families, with some exceptions, was approved as well.

A bill to allow direct nonpartisan election of State Board of Education members was squashed in the SENATE EDUCATION committee. HB 150 would have repealed the current system whereby a committee made up of education and business representatives choose three candidates who have filed for the office in each district. The list goes to the Governor, who then picks two to go on the ballot. This system grew out of concern on the part of business that our schools were not educating in ways that would contribute to Utah’s growing and changing economy. But it does allow the voices of special interests to limit choices for all parents and voters.
When HB 150 passed the House, it was opposed by many Republicans who thought direct election was a good idea but the election should be on a partisan basis. Rep Sumsion said if candidates had to work with convention delegates throughout their large districts they would become better known. And partisan backing would be a source of funding for candidates, giving them a way to make themselves known to the voters. Also voters could be assured that candidates represented the philosophy of their parties, (particularly about sex education apparently since that was the subject of the examples given.)
Opponents argued that Board members should focus on education issues, and not be distracted by the many non-education issues political parties are concerned with.
On the subject of candidates making themselves known to voters (so that voters don't have to resort to voting for whoever is listed first on the ballot, mentioned by Rep Hughes), I should say that the League of Women Voters e-Voter Guide on lwvutah.org last election received excellent responses from school board candidates answering questions about education, in higher percentages than from Congressional or legislative candidates. And it was free. No campaign contributions required.

Following the Utah Legislature 2/27/09

2009-02-27T08:42:00.001-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Friday, February 27, 2009

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

Today standing committees will meet this morning from 8 to 9 and again from 4 to 6 this afternoon. Floor debate will be from 9 to noon and from 2 to 4. The House Ethics and House Retirement Committees meet at noon, and the Senate Retirement Committee meets at 1 PM.

SENATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES has scheduled HJR 3, expressing the Legislature’s support for public and private efforts to increase and improve cancer treatment, screening and research. It recognizes the importance of cancer prevention, early detection and survivorship programs, as well as public and private funding for research. Utah has some of the lowest cancer screening rates in the nation, thus some of the highest rates of cancer diagnosed at late stages.

Another resolution, Substitute HJR 5, encourages Congress to include the Navajo Nation in a federal web access pilot program that provides information needed to collect child support, establish paternity and enforce child and medical support obligations. Over half the Navajo Nation population lives below poverty level and over 40% are unemployed.

SENATE EDUCATION will consider Substitute HB 150. It requires direct, nonpartisan election of members of the State Board of Education, repealing the current selection by the governor and a nominating committee. HB 150 has passed the House, where a substitute bill to make the election partisan was voted down 31-42.

AT NOON

The HOUSE RETIREMENT COMMITTEE will consider HB 410. It reduces legislators’ daily pay by 10 percent to $117 a day through 2010 for general and special sessions and authorized legislative meetings. HB 96 would give a charter school that had opted out of participation in the state retirement system a one-time opportunity to opt back in.

HOUSE ETHICS will debate SB 162, prohibiting the personal use of leftover campaign funds by elected officials after they leave office. Also on the agenda: SB 156, which increases the reporting by lobbyists of gifts to public officials, adding meals that cost more than $25 and admission to sporting, recreational or artistic events. HB 213, would ban gifts over $5, with some exceptions, to public officials and their immediate families

At 1:00 The SENATE RETIREMENT COMMITTEE will hear SB 195, suspending for a year, beginning July 1st, the 1.5% employer defined contribution made on behalf of some state employees in the Public Employee’s Noncontributory Retirement System.

IN THE AFTERNOON at 4:10

SB 41, Siting of High Voltage Power Lines, heads the SENATE TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY agenda. The Public Service Commission would conduct hearings and designate sites for power lines that cross more than one local government’s jurisdiction.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

In Committee action

HOUSE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE moved along Substitute HB 64, authorizing a multi-agency strike force to combat violent and other major felony crimes associated with illegal immigration and human trafficking. It also provides for a Fraudulent Documents Identification Unit.

Officers of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement plus state and local law enforcement personnel could participate voluntarily in the effort. HB 64 appropriates $891,000 to the Office of the Attorney General to help run it.

HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT approved HJR 16, a proposed Constitutional amendment that changes the article on municipal water rights. The amendment would allow municipalities to lease their water, but only if the leased water rights were for use within the state of Utah. The lease could not be longer than seven years, but it could be renewed one or more times.

IN THE HOUSE

The House passed HB 184, which restores an income tax credit for a dependent adult with a disability or dependent child with a disability. Sponsor Rep Dougall said he wanted to help taxpayers who offer loving care at home for those who depend on them.

This new exemption to the flat tax (no, said Rep Dougall –it’s a single rate tax, not flat) provoked some criticism. Rep. Mascaro said the pure flat tax just doesn’t work in a community with a variety of needs. Rep. Harper on the other hand , a fan of the flat tax, said the credit served a great, great, great purpose but was bad, bad, bad policy. Rep Duckworth reported she is getting email critical of the flat tax from constituents on fixed incomes.

HB 390, which eliminates absentee balloting in election clerk’s offices on the Monday before the election, was debated yesterday. Sponsor Mathis of Vernal said his county clerk asked for help, citing limited staff and being busy preparing for the election on Monday. He said all county clerks were in favor with the exception of Salt Lake County.
Rep Bird tried to amend HB 390 to let 1^st and 2^nd class counties continue Monday voting. He estimated 5800 voters would be denied the opportunity to vote in Salt Lake, enough to turn an election.

Rep Mathis replied that he had been advised that different rules for different counties is probably not constitutional. He also said that emergency voting would still be allowed and early voting is now giving voters more options. Rep Hansen indignantly asked where the spirit of public service was on the part of the clerks. Salt Lake has 700 precincts and many headaches but manages to handle Monday voting. But the bill passed 49-26.

Following the Utah Legislature 2/26/09

2009-02-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Thursday, February 26, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Today standing committees will meet only in the morning, from 8 to 10. But there will be two floor sessions, from 10 to noon and from 2 to 5 PM. Legislators are anxious to move as many of the 174 bills on the boards as possible before Friday, when House boards are likely to be wiped clean. The bills will then be reprioritized and sent back to the floor by the Rules Committee.

THIS MORNING

HB 64 heads the HOUSE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE agenda. It authorizes a multi-agency strike force to combat violent and other major crimes associated with illegal immigration and human trafficking. Officers of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement plus state and local law enforcement personnel could participate voluntarily. HB 64 appropriates $1 million to the Department.

HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT will consider HB 429. It expands the legal definition of “renewable energy source” to include energy from methane gas in abandoned coal mines. Other renewable sources listed in the current law include wind, solar; wave, tidal and ocean thermal; organic waste, woody debris from thinning forests and rangeland, agricultural waste, dedicated energy crops, gas from landfills, geothermal energy located outside the state, captured waste gas and waste heat, and efficiency upgrades to hydroelectric facilities.

Also before the committee is HJR 16, a proposed Constitutional amendment that changes the article on municipal water rights. Currently, the Constitution (Article XI, Section 6) doesn’t allow a municipality to lease or sell waterworks, water rights or, or sources of water supply that it owns or controls. It does allow water rights to be exchanged, but only if the water is used for the public supply of the municipality’s inhabitants. The proposed amendment would allow the municipality to lease its water, but only so long as the leased water rights are for use within the state of Utah. The lease could not be longer than seven years, but it could be renewed one or more times.

In HOUSE JUDICIARY, HB 401 – Custody and Parent Time Amendments for Service Members – addresses custody and parent-time issues that arise when a National Guard or Reserve member is away temporarily for training or on a noncombat mission. During the absence, parent-time rights could be delegated by a custodial service member to family members with a close and substantial relationship to the minor children if the non-custodial parent were unwilling or unable to provide care.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

Some interesting bills were debated on the House and Senate floors yesterday.

The SENATE moved two ethics bills to the top of their list and quickly passed them. SB 156 by Senator Bell will increase the number of gifts to legislators over $25 that lobbyists will have to report, making them more transparent to public view. SB 162 by Senator Valentine will disallow personal use of leftover campaign funds by elected officials after they leave office.

The HOUSE passed HB 328, creating a pilot program of two-year grants to school districts and charter schools who want to develop performance-based compensation plans for elementary school teachers. Guidelines say that student learning gains (not test scores, though) should account for 40 percent of the compensation. The teacher’s instructional quality as measured by classroom observation or “other instruments” would account for 40 percent, and the remaining 20 percent should include a measure of parent, student or community satisfaction.
Some questions were raised about what “other instruments” might measure instructional quality and whether we can afford even the $300,000 to fund the grants. Rep Holdaway also wanted to be sure that teachers’ base salaries would not be diminished, that the compensation would be an add-on. The bill passed 65-7.

The HOUSE defeated HB 208, on a 34-40 vote, including a call of the House to be sure everyone voted. The bill would have required undocumented children of undocumented immigrants to sign an affidavit saying that they are not employed or earning income in the U.S. Otherwise, they would permanently lose the in-state tuition rate at state funded universities and colleges.

The sponsor, Rep Greenwood, a professional law enforcement officer, said students could not be working without a Social Security card (although that may not be correct, depending on the employer) so they are likely guilty of showing a false card, perjury on the I-9 employment form they fill out, or identity theft. He feared students were not aware that the penalty for these felonies could prevent their qualifying for citizenship or for some jobs, such as security jobs, in the future.

Representatives Litvack. Beck and Mascaro shared stories about undocumented students who have been here for years and struggle to attend college and improve themselves. They said becoming citizens can take 10 or 20 years.

Representative McIff regretted that whatever the purpose of the bill it would “narrow the opening of the school house door,” as happened with Governor George Wallace in 1963 in Alabama, and asked if any country had ever benefited from that.

Second substitute HB 120 passed easily without debate. It creates a Snake Valley Aquifer research team to compile scientific data and an advisory council to advocate for Utah’s interest in the “Las Vegas Water Grab,” a plan to pump and transport Snake Valley water to Las Vegas to support its urban growth

Following the Utah Legislature 2/25/09

2009-02-25T10:12:00.001-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Wednesday, February 25, 2009

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

Today morning and afternoon standing committees meet from 8 to 10 AM and 4 to 6 PM. Floor debate with be from 10 to noon and from 2 to 4 PM.

THIS MORNING

SENATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES considers SB 225, which would provide Medicaid and health insurance to a legal immigrant child regardless of how long the child has been in the United States. Currently there is a five-year residency requirement.
HB 144 is also before the committee. It says that people who act as interpreters between English-speaking health care providers and their patients who speak Spanish, Russian, Bosnian Somali, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese or Navajo can become certified medical language interpreters. It would be a misdemeanor to falsely claim to be certified.
The three health care reform task force bills that passed the House last week, Substitute House Bills 165, 188, and 331, are on the agenda as well.

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE will debate SB 240, sending a $10 million appropriation to the Governing Authority of USTAR. USTAR (Utah Science Technology and Research) aims to stimulate economic development by bringing outstanding scientists to Utah colleges and universities. Part of the money will fund science and technology research teams.

THIS AFTERNOON

SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT will hear SB 41 – Siting of High Voltage Power Lines. It authorizes the Public Service Commission to conduct hearings and designate sites for lines that cross more than one local government’s jurisdiction. A corporation proposing the line would need to conduct public workshops, distribute information to the public and file for local land use permits. Local land-use conditions that were unreasonable or not economical could be overruled by the PSC.

A new tobacco tax bill, HB 219, is in HOUSE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. New revenue from a $1-per-pack increase, estimated at over $41 million next year, would go to the state General Fund.
HB 189, also before the committee, requires sex education in public schools to be age-appropriate and medically accurate. Components of instruction would include abstinence to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease; family communication about sexuality; and information about the health benefits and proper use of contraceptives. The influence of drugs and alcohol on decision-making, life skills such as goal-setting and relationship skills, and biological changes of adolescence would be covered as well.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

In SENATE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Tuesday morning, the committee voted to pass out an as-yet-unfinalized substitute for HB 122, the bill that makes access to GRAMA records more difficult.

The substitute, according to Rep. Aagard, the bill's sponsor, is the result of consultation and compromise with interested individuals and groups.
He said it would leave in place the provision prohibiting access to information about "anticipated litigation," which opens up a pretty big window for keeping information confidential. GRAMA now lists simply "litigation."
As for the provision that certain records (nine categories, including audit, disciplinary, licensing, certification and registration matters) would be further restricted, only information that might endanger someone's life would now require "clear and convincing evidence" that the public interest would be served (a very difficult standard to prove) by its release. The other eight categories will require the lesser standard of "preponderance of the evidence." A simple balancing test is the current GRAMA standard.

HB 412, amending Utah’s state energy policy, received a favorable recommendation by a vote of 11 - 0 in HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE, AND ENVIRONMENT.
The bill sponsor, Rep Barrus, presented it as an additional foundation to Utah’s energy policy to ensure that policy develops in a stable way.

The legislation provides a method to assure Climate Change policies don't result in undue economic impact on industry, business and consumers and won’t impair the ability to attract industry to rural or urban areas.

In the case of federal law, Utah would look at compliance alternatives that temper the negative impacts on the state, and advocate for fair regional methodology, so there wouldn’t be dramatic disparities for energy producers in different states. The idea is to prevent federal legislation from locking us into one path prematurely.

He said that Cap & Trade (proposed last night by President Obama) is a type of carbon tax that removes industry's capital. He wants to be sure our energy providers with existing long term contracts will not be required to bear all of the new costs.

Some comments from the public:
Worry that cap and trade is making financing of power plants hard to get. (Utah Rural Electric Cooperative)
Climate change is based on ungrounded and erroneous assumptions (Sutherland Institute)
Agriculture is very energy intensive (Utah Farm Bureau)
Sarah Wright, Utah Clean Energy, said we should not wait for all the answers to act.

Buildings use 50 percent of all energy consumed (75% of all electricity). The potential energy efficiency is tremendous, could be done soon, and would save money for consumers.

Following the Utah Legislature 2/24/09

2009-02-24T08:42:00.001-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Tuesday, February 24 2009

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY

TODAY standing committees will meet from 9 to 10. There will be lots of floor debate, from 10 to noon and from 2 to 4, with a break for caucus lunch at noon.

HOUSE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE will hear Substitute HB 248, which prohibits using a handheld wireless communication device while operating a moving vehicle unless it allows hands-free talking and listening and is used that way. This infraction would be secondary when a vehicle was stopped for another offense. It would not be a reportable violation, so no points would be assessed.
HB 64 is also in committee. It authorizes the Department of Public Safety to coordinate a multi-agency strike force to combat violent and other major crimes associated with illegal immigration and human trafficking. Officers of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement plus state and local law enforcement personnel could participate voluntarily. HB 64 appropriates $1 million to the Department.

HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT will discuss HB 412. It amends the state energy policy to require determination of the economic impacts of legislative or executive action involving climate change, including impacts on Utah’s ability to attract industry to rural and urban Utah. HB 412 also calls for climate change regulation by the federal government that is fair and consistent throughout the state and based on commercially successful technology.

In SENATE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, HB 122 is #6 on the agenda. It deals with conditions under which public records can be protected from disclosure in anticipation of litigation. House amendments clarified that a record could not be released unless it is determined by clear and convincing evidence that the public interest favoring access to the record outweighs the interest favoring restriction of access.

HOUSE TRANSPORTATION will discuss HB 337, which creates a Choose Life Adoption Support Special Group License Plate and special account for adoption support programs, to be administered through the state Division of Child and Family Services. Applicants for the license plate would donate $25 annually. Legislative appropriations, private contributions and public or private donations or grants could also go into the account. Funds would then be distributed to charitable organizations that have adoption programs as part of their primary mission, to be used for production and distribution of educational and promotional material and for courses on adoption.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

In committee action yesterday

HOUSE POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS gave a helping hand to cities in Salt Lake County. It passed HB 439, repealing current sales tax law that prevents cities in Salt Lake County only from levying the sales tax used for Botanical, Cultural, Recreational, and Zoological facilities. The change could increase revenues in the county by up to $10.4 million. The vote was 8-3-1.

SENATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES unanimously approved SB 17, which prohibits health or accident insurance policies from charging a cancer patient more for chemotherapy that's taken orally than for intravenous chemotherapy.

Under HB 132, victims of sexual assault could be provided with information about emergency contraception and with emergency contraception itself, if they requested it, at urgent care centers and general acute hospitals. HOUSE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES approved HB 132 by a 7-0 vote.

ON THE HOUSE FLOOR

Bills passed and failed at a good clip yesterday as representatives debated from 10 to noon and from 2 to well past 4 p.m.

Second Substitute HB 126, Voter ID for Elections, passed 51-22. It requires voters to present ID when they vote on Election Day. The original bill was overly restrictive because it required photo ID – which many among the elderly, minorities and low income voters do not have. It also required photocopies of ID to be sent in with absentee ballots – which seemed an invitation to identity theft.
Representative Daw corrected these flaws, so that the substitute allows a lengthy list of IDs to prove you are who you say you are and absentee ballots can continue to be sent in without photocopies. Two amendments were added. One eliminated a requirement that election judges write down which form of ID is presented by each voter at the polls. This should help prevent delays. The second amendment by Representative Watkins was inspired by her Native American constituents. She was concerned that they would travel long distances without bringing ID. Her amendment allows those without ID who vote a provisional ballot to bring in their ID within 5 business days after Election Day.
Even with these changes, the ID requirement will still limit access for some voters and may discourage turnout in general, which is unfortunate because the bill isn’t really needed to prevent fraud – the reason being that voter fraud of this kind is very rare all over the country. Meanwhile, more time and money will be needed to educate and remind voters not to leave their ID at home.

Following the Utah Legislature 2/23/09

2009-02-23T08:08:00.003-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Monday, February 23, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Today at the legislature, standing committees meet from 8 to 10 and from 4 to 6 PM.
Floor sessions will be from 10 to noon and from 2 to 4 PM.

This morning SENATE EDUCATION will consider SB 185, regarding the state and local costs of implementing education programs that are mandated by the U.S. Department of Education. Currently, a federal education agreement that costs more than $100,000, excluding capital costs, can be rejected or voided by the governor or the Legislative Management Committee. It's up to local school officials to estimate those costs and submit proposals to the governor and legislature. The law grew out of resistance to No Child Left Behind mandates. SB 185 raises the $100,000 trigger to $500,000, which would challenge fewer projects, and specifies that Executive Appropriations instead of Legislative Management would approve or deny.

In SENATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, SB 17 prohibits health or accident insurance policies from charging a cancer patient more for chemotherapy that's taken orally than for intravenous chemotherapy. The prohibition bars higher co-pays, higher deductibles and dollar limits on the treatment, common ways that insurers shift costs to patients.

HOUSE REVENUE AND TAXATION will hear HB 380. It would earmark $400,000 worth of sales tax revenue from restaurant food to promote tourism (78%) and to promote use by restaurants of products grown and produced in a variety of Utah counties (22%).

HOUSE POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS will consider HB 439. It repeals the current sales tax law that prevents cities in Salt Lake County from levying the sales tax used for Botanical, Cultural, Recreational, and Zoological facilities. The change could increase revenues in the county by up to $10.4 million.

THIS AFTERNOON

HOUSE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES will hear Substitute HB 132 requiring victims of sexual assault to be provided with information about emergency contraception and with emergency contraception itself, if requested by the victim, at urgent care centers and general acute hospitals. HJR 22 recommends an interim study of whether to repeal a Medicaid eligibility asset test and how to help Utah low-income families not have to
rely on public assistance.

HOUSE BUSINESS AND LABOR will consider HB 347, which would change liquor laws to require electronic age verification. A new social on-premise license would take the place of private club and restaurant liquor licenses.

WHAT HAPPENED FRIDAY

A study of the economic impact of illegal aliens in Utah, Substitute HB 107, was approved by HOUSE BUSINESS AND LABOR on Friday morning. The legislative research office will issue a request for a proposal to conduct the study. The fiscal note for the study is not posted on the website but will probably be $150,000. Costs of services provided by State and local government, as well as revenues received from illegal aliens through taxes and fees, will be identified and summarized, including projections for 5, 10, and 25 years ahead. Findings will be reported to Executive Appropriations before the 2010 session.
Public comments noted that the interim Immigration Task Force has lacked accurate information, which will be useful when Congress passes new federal immigration laws. Some wanted to include all economic costs and benefits, such as job losses and identity theft, not just government. The original HB 107 would have delayed the July 1 effective date for SB 81, an immigration bill passed last year. Representative King said the cost of
enforcing SB 81 is likely to be much higher than the $1.8 million projected. He said a key enforcement issue is the many employers willing to hire illegal aliens.

IN THE HOUSE

The SENATE, preoccupied with the removal of Senator Buttars from the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee and Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee, addressed only three bills on Friday.

The HOUSE passed HB 140 by a vote of 48-27. It would increase fees on vehicles by $2. The increased revenue of $5.24 million a year for three years will go towards retaining 61 Highway Patrol troopers who would otherwise be victims of budgets cuts. Sponsor Rep Frank projected fewer DUI arrests, 30,000 fewer traffic stops and 58,000 fewer calls from
motorists could be handled if the cuts were not restored.

The SENATE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS COMMITTEE passed two bills on issues that have been debated over many years and which the public is very interested in: regulation of gifts and meals received by public officials (SB 156) and personal use of campaign funds (SB 162). SB 156 broadened the category of "gift," (which equals real or tangible person property received for less than fair and adequate consideration) to include admission to a sporting, recreational or artistic event whether as a spectator or participant. Translation: more events such as Jazz games,
golf games and rodeos would be reported now. More gifts will have to be reported by lobbyists, including food or beverages worth more than $25 a day, instead of the current $50 a day trigger. The law makes an exception for cases where all members of a legislative body committee, task force or party caucus are invited and for meetings of regional or national state legislative organizations.

SB 162 prohibits the use of campaign and officeholder funds by former state officeholders and candidates for a purpose that would result in the candidate or officeholder recognizing the funds as taxable income under federal tax law. State law says money in campaign accounts can be used only for political purposes.

Following the Utah Legislature 2/18/09

2009-02-18T09:32:00.004-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Legislators are starting off with standing committee meetings from 8 to 10 today, followed by two floor sessions from 10 to noon and from 2 to 4 PM, and Executive Appropriations at 4.

THIS MORNING

At 9:15 HOUSE JUDICIARY will consider HB 160. It provides legal guidelines for the creation of a Declaration of Joint Support, which would be available to two people who share a common residence and have commingled assets and shared liabilities. They would have to be at least 18 and not incapacitated. One party to a Declaration of Joint Support could inherit from the other party and make health-related decisions if the other party were incapacitated. The Declaration of Support would be ended by the death or marriage of either person or by filing with the county recorder a notarized statement that the Declaration was terminated.

HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT will look at HB 283, which lays out penalties for off-highway vehicle operators who violate restrictions on public or private land, including tearing down signs and previous convictions for harassing wildlife or livestock. A bill to create a Snake Valley Aquifer Research Team and Advisory Council, Substitute HB 120, is also on the agenda. They would look at the impact of water use in this aquifer shared by Utah and Nevada, including impact on vegetation, agriculture, soils, air quality, wildlife, geologic integrity and socioeconomic conditions.
HB393 authorizes the state Air Quality Board to regulate siting of electric power plants that burn fuels such as petroleum coke, proposed by Consolidated Energy Utah in Davis County, and loudly opposed by citizens. Consolidated Energy announced just yesterday that it will put the project on hold while they design a cleaner system.

SB 69, requiring proof of citizenship to register or vote is #4 on the agenda of the SENATE GOVERNMENT OPERTIONS AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS COMMITTEE. Voters registering in Utah for the first time would need to show a valid drivers license, birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers or documentation of membership in a Native American tribe either when registering or when voting.

THIS AFTERNOON

At 4 the Executive Appropriations Committee will begin hearing reports from subcommittees. Capital Facilities and Government Operation, Natural Resources, Economic Development and Revenue, and Executive Offices and Criminal Justice will be heard today.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

The HOUSE BUSINESS AND LABOR COMMITTEE defeated Substitute HB 267. It would prohibit discrimination in housing and employment that is related to sexual orientation and gender expression or identity. The vote was 5-8. Voting for the bill: Biskupski, Duckworth, Hansen, King, and Wallis. Voting against: Dunnigan, Froerer, Garn, Gibson, Kiser, Morley, Painter, and Webb. According to the Deseret News, sponsor Rep. Chris Johnson cited public polls that favor protection against being fired or denied housing because of sexual orientation. Public testimony against the bill came from Eagle Forum president Gayle Ruzicka who said "sexual choice" should not be protected in the law. LaVar Christensen, a leader against same sex marriage, used the argument that Utah's "at-will" employment status which gives employer's discretion in hiring would be threatened. Public testimony in favor of the bill came from victims of discrimination. Rep. Johnson said she would continue to sponsor needed legislation.

HR 4 passed the HOUSE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE. This was a resolution opposed to implementing a national identification card, as embodied in Title II of the federal REAL ID Act. That title requires uniform information on every state's driver license in a machine readable format to be required for any federal purpose, including air travel. The resolution says this will create a massive public sector database accessible to every state and federal law enforcement officer, making the personal information of all Americans, including name, date of birth, gender, driver license or identification card number, digital photograph, address, and signature accessible from tens of thousands of locations. HR 4 urges the repeal of Title II. It says the campaign against terrorism should not be waged at the expense of essential civil rights and liberties protected in the US Constitution, including the Bill of Rights.

SJR16, a Joint Resolution Supporting Nuclear Power, passed the SENATE TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE. A substitute was made to remove appreciation to nuclear power industry developers for "not requesting taxpayer subsidies" and references to "highly subsidized" renewable resources, since all forms of power are subsidized. Aaron Tilton, former legislator and president of Transition Power, which is developing plans for a nuclear power plant near Green River Utah, spoke debunking myths about nuclear power, such as high cost, radiation hazards and waste disposal. Public testimony was taken, with at least 15 testifying, only 3 in favor. Those testifying against brought many facts to contradict Mr Tilton's 'myth' debunking. The vote: Yeas - 4 (Hinkins, Killpack, Knudson, Urquhart) Nays - 2 (Goodfellow, Van Tassell,) Absent - 1 (Mayne).

Sen Van Tassell says he's not opposed to nuclear, but wants to see a business plan.

Following the Utah Legislature 2/13/09

2009-02-13T08:49:00.004-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Friday, February 13 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Lots of new bills will be heard in committee today from 8 to 10 and from 2 to 4. Floor time is from 10 to noon.

THIS MORNING

HOUSE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES will consider some bills that came out of the Health Care Reform Task Force. HB 188, Health System Reform-Insurance Market, is designed to expand access to the health insurance market,increase market flexibility, and provide greater market transparency. HB 165 Health System Reform-Administrative Simplification sets standards for the exchange of payment information between health care providers, insurers and patients. HB 331 says some state departments, including DEQ and the Department of Transportation, would have to require contractors to offer health care to the contractors' employees and their families. The policy would apply only
if the contract was for $500,000 or more.

HOUSE EDUCATION will consider HB 150, which requires the direct, nonpartisan election of members of the State Board of Education. It repeals the current involvement of the Governor and the nominating and recruiting committee in candidate selection . In case of a primary election, the primary winner would be listed first on the general election ballot. Without a primary, the order of names on the ballot would be determined by a lottery conducted by the Lt. Governor.

AT HIGH NOON

the new HOUSE ETHICS STANDING COMMITTEE meets in Capitol room 250 to consider HB 345, which prohibits elected state officials from acting as lobbyists for one year after leaving office. The prohibition would apply to the governor, lieutenant governor, state auditor, state treasurer, attorney general and members of the Legislature. The restriction doesn't apply if the person is lobbying for himself or a business he's associated with, unless the primary activity of the business is lobbying or governmental
relations.

HB 346 is in the Ethics Committee also. It requires state office candidates to report contributions within 5 business days after they are received.

IN THE AFTERNOON

SENATE REVENUE AND TAXATION will consider a school property tax bill, SB46. By eliminating a county-wide pool of capital outlay property tax revenues, this bill could increase or decrease the amount of capital outlay property tax revenues a school district in Salt Lake County, such as Salt Lake City or Jordan, receives.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

A substitute version of HB 126 - Voter Identification for Elections passed the HOUSE WORKFORCE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Committee yesterday. The original bill would have required voters to present valid photo ID at the polls instead of the two proofs of name and address now required for all except first-time voters. The photo ID would have to be a drivers license, an ID card issued by the state or the United States, a concealed carry permit, a US passport or a tribal identification card. When bill critics pointed out that 12 per cent or more of seniors, people of color, people with disabilities, low-income voters and students do not have a photo ID, Rep Daw responded by restoring some 16 alternatives now in the law, such as utility bills, that can be used to identify a voter's name and address. Andrew Riggle of the Disability Law Center testified that people with disabilities who live in institutions or under guardianship would have trouble presenting even these secondary forms of ID.
Substitute HB 126 also eliminated the requirement that absentee voters return a photocopy of their picture ID with their ballots. It was recognized that signatures on the application and on the ballot can be compared under current law, and that photocopies would present a danger of identity theft. However if the substitute bill passed ,all voters would still have to present some form of ID, so discussion by the committee and the public
continued.

The main arguments against requiring any ID at all were that it encourages an undemocratic atmosphere of mistrust, based only on anecdotes, not on proven fraud - which is almost nonexistent in the U.S.-that would discourage voter participation. Supporters of the substitute advocated a trust, but verify attitude. They cited the common use of photo ID overseas and a Carter-Baker Commission recommendation that every voter have a (free) voter ID card. The committee vote was 7-3, with Herrod, Lockhart, Sumsion and Mascaro voting aye and Litvack, Seegmiller and Watkins voting no.

HOUSE REVENUE AND TAXATION passed HB 133 yesterday, which enacts a state refundable earned income tax credit that would be equal to 10 percent of the existing Federal earned income credit.

HOUSE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS passed HB 141, which could change billboard placement policy along interstates and limited access highways like the Legacy Highway. And needless to say, they also approved SJR 11, urging a national college football playoff instead of the BCS bowl series. President Barack Obama will be receiving his copy of the resolution soon.

Following the Utah Legislature 2/12/09

2009-02-12T08:11:00.002-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Thursday, February 12, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Standing committees meet from 8 until 10 today, Appropriations Subcommittees meet from 2 to 4, floor time is from 10 to 12, and Caucus lunch is at noon.

THIS MORNING

HB 126 - Voter Identification for Elections, is in HOUSE WORKFORCE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT at 9:00. It would require voters to present valid photo ID at the polls instead of the two proofs of name and address such as utility bills now required for all except first-time voters. The photo ID could be a drivers license, an ID card issued by the state or the United States, a concealed carry permit, a US passport or a tribal identification card. Absentee voters voting by mail would need to
enclose a copy of their photo ID when they mail in their ballots if requested.
The sponsor is working with county election clerks, who believe the bill is unnecessary. Only a handful of voter impersonation fraud cases have occurred in the U.S. Other groups, such as the ACLU, League of Women Voters, AARP and Disability Law Center, agree and are concerned that as many as 12% of eligible voters do not have photo ID. That percentage is even higher for seniors, people of color, people with disabilities, low-income voters and students. A major concern is that undocumented residents will be able to vote.
However, driver license or state identification card numbers, or 4 digits of social security numbers are required and checked electronically on a state database when voters register. The penalty for fraudulent voter registration is up to one year in jail with a fine of up to $2,500.

HOUSE REVENUE AND TAXATION will discuss Substitute HB 246, which would reduce the amount of the property tax residential exemption for some properties that are worth $1.5 million or more. HB 133 enacts a state refundable earned income tax credit that would be equal to 10 percent of the existing Federal earned income credit. Non Utah
residents or part-year residents could claim only part of the credit, though.

HOUSE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS will debate HB 141, which could change billboard placement policy along interstates and limited access highways like the Legacy Highway.
SJR 11, urging a national college football playoff, is also before the committee. It urges abandonment of the Bowl Championship Series, which many feel was unfair to the undefeated University of Utah team and does not lead to crowning a true national champion. A copy of SJR 11 would be sent to the NCAA, the BCS, the U football team, and (as amended on the Senate floor) to President Barack Obama. The president has spoken in favor of a playoff.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

Two bills that had been discussed and discussed and substituted and substituted and tabled in committee were acted on yesterday.

Sen Jones' Renewable Energy System Resolution Second Substitute SJR 1, directing the State Energy Program to assess the need for local government solar and geothermal ordinancesand report to the Legislature, sat at the end of the House Natural Resources, Agriculture & Environment Committee agenda. Rep Barrus went to some length to explain the procedure for a tabled bill. If not lifted, it went to Rules to be filed (dead) if a motion was made to lift, proponents and opponents would have 5 min each to make their arguments, then the bill's sponsor would have 1 minute to sum. A lifted bill can be heard at a subsequent meeting. Rep Brown moved to lift, and Rep Draxler spoke in support, saying that the reworked language had implied traditional energy sources were somehow objectionable, expensive, and polluting. Rep Noel said Sen Jones had worked with him, and the new language was no longer disparaging of traditional energy. The vote was unanimous, 13-0. Rep Barrus implied that it would be heard at the next (Friday) NRAE meeting.

A second tabled Bill, Second Substitute SB 144, which would raise the cigarette tax to $1.30 a pack to raise money for smoking prevention, cancer research and medical education at the University of Utah, was not lifted from the table in SENATE REVENUE AND TAXATION. Now it will be up to the House to decide whether to raise the tax by advancing a similar bill.

ON THE SENATE FLOOR

SB 87, Senator Christensen's bill that is expected to save Medicaid $2 million by using a preferred drug list of less costly medications, passed unanimously. The effect of the law had been diluted by physicians being able to automatically prescribe a costlier drug. Now they will need to get prior authorization from the health department. An amendment spelled out how to do that by phone or fax.

HB 27, which provides that "agricultural operations are not nuisances and removes the protective language "substantial adverse effect on the public health and safety" was debated. Senator McCoy wondered whether the bill is needed. Had any operation been closed because of a substantial adverse effect on public health? Was agriculture under siege? He thought the law already says sound agricultural practices are presumed not to be a nuisance. And the language guarding against substantial adverse health effects struck a good balance and should stay in. Senator Valentine noted that the bill might be a "sacred cow" but he had questions of how to define normal agricultural practices. Floor sponsor Senator Dayton, exasperated by questions from attorneys "on both sides of the aisle" finally gave up and decided to circle the bill and return to it at a later date.

Following the Utah Legislature 2/11/09

2009-02-11T09:07:00.002-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Today standing committees will consider bills from 8 to 10 am and appropriations subcommittees will consider budgets from 2 to 5 pm. Floor debate will be from 10 to noon.

THIS MORNING

HOUSE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE will debate HB 140, which increases motor vehicle registration fees by $2 on cars, trucks, motorcycles and trailers. The fees will go into a Public Safety account to pay part of the costs of employing highway patrol officers. The new total fees would range from $10.50 to $51.50. HB 100 would require prison inmates to pay for medical, dental and postsecondary education services. Payment could be deferred but would have to be paid by the time of release for parole. Only inmates who are legal residents of the US could participate in the postsecondary education services. HB 220 and HB 221, two bills concerning the way the state reimburses county correctional facilities for housing state prisoners, are also in committee today. The question of fair reimbursement comes up every year.

HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT will consider HB 205. It limits the requirement to adopt a water source protection ordinance to counties of the first and second class and municipalities within those larger counties. The ordinances are meant to keep hazardous materials out of groundwater that supplies drinking water. Substitute SJR 1 was tabled by the committee last time. But it has been reworded and could be reconsidered today. It directs the State Energy Program to assess the need for local government solar and geothermal ordinances, then report to the Legislature.

SENATE REVENUE AND TAXATION also has a tabled bill. Second Substitute SB 114 would raise the cigarette tax to $1.30 a pack to raise money for smoking prevention, cancer research and medical education at the University of Utah.

THIS AFTERNOON

The ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REVENUE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE plans to discuss the budget for USTAR. USTAR aims to draw outstanding science and technology programs to Utah institutions of higher learning as a way to increase economic development. Budgets for the Leonardo and Thanksgiving Point are also on the agenda.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

HR 3 a Resolution on Energy Policy that urges Utah to withdraw from the Western Climate Initiative WCI, was not presented by sponsor Rep Noel in HOUSE PUBLIC UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY yesterday. The WCI enables Utah, Western States and Canadian provinces to participate in decisions to reduce climate change emissions. The WCI consists of Manitoba, Quebec, Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia.

Legislators' objections to Utah's participation in WCI seem to be based mostly on a desire to continue the use of Utah coal as an electric power source for economic reasons, and an irritation with Governor Huntsman for joining WCI without their approval. More bills addressing those issues, such as HB 90 and HB 91, will be coming along.

IN THE HOUSE

The House passed Substitute HB 49, sponsored by Rep Hansen by a vote of 42-31. It deals with challenging the right to vote. The most frequent challenge is that the voter has moved out of his or her old precinct. Many voters don't realize they need to re-register after they move. The impetus for HB 49, however, was an Ogden incident where 300 were challenged a week before the election with no time to respond, in an organized effort to elect a particular candidate. Under HB 49, challengers will have to sign an affidavit and back up their challenge with evidence.

HB 76, an income tax credit of up to $500 for retired military personnel passed. Sponsor Mascaro calmed budget worries by pointing out that the $7.25 million fiscal note will not kick in until July of 2011. By that time the economy should have improved - we hope. Rep Dougall commented the bill addressed two of his passions - honoring the military and letting citizens keep their own money and prioritize how they spend it.

HB 278 passed the House 53-20. It would allow up to 30 percent of class B, C and D secondary road construction funds to be used to pay for lawsuits over who owns R.S. 2477 roads in wilderness study areas. Rep Noel says the roads are needed to develop oil and gas and water. Rep Allen wanted to know whether transportation funds had been used for litigation before and was told that the Utah Department of Transportation had done so when the Legacy Highway was built near the Great Salt Lake. Opponents of the bill have two objections: 1) The funds were allocated to counties and municipalities for road maintenance and repair. They should not be used for litigation. 2) A large percent of the taxpayers of Utah are not in agreement with the rural counties that want to fight for unreasonable R.S. 2477 designation in order to prevent creation of more wilderness areas in Utah. They should not be asked to finance this legal campaign.

Following the Utah Legislature 2/10/09

2009-02-10T10:10:00.002-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Legislators will debate on the floor twice today, from 10 to noon and from 2 to 3 pm. There are 146 bills on the boards awaiting debate. Standing committees will meet both morning and afternoon, and today is a Caucus Lunch day.

THIS MORNING

HOUSE WORKFORCE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE will hear two general briefings on the economy. The Department of Workforce Services will talk about Historical Economic Trends. The Governor's Office of Economic Development will report on growth of "New Business in Utah."

SENATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES will consider SB 175. It requires signs warning against leaving children or pets in parked cars to be posted at state facilities, public schools and child care facilities. The sign would warn that extreme temperatures in parked vehicles can lead to death. Also before the committee is SB 173, which would remove emotional support animals and psychiatric therapy animals from the definition of service animals trained to do work for persons with disabilities.

THIS AFTERNOON

HOUSE EDUCATION will look at HB 146. It would allow School Land Trust Program money to be used to buy and install solar or geothermal systems for installation on school property.

HOUSE PUBLIC UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY will consider HR 3, Resolution on Energy Policy. It urges Utah to withdraw from the Western Climate Initiative, a regional effort that enables Utah, other Western States and Canadian Provinces to participate in decisions to reduce climate change emissions. HR 3 objects that the Western Climate Initiative requires Utah to reduce carbon dioxide emissions without legislative consultation or public input. It also alleges that the Governor's Blue Ribbon Advisory Council on Climate Change (BRAC) lacked balance and did not provide full debate of global warming issues and the economic costs to Utah associated with their policy options. The resolution says costs to business and consumers will increase while carbon emissions decrease very little, especially since China, Russia, Mexico and India are expanding their carbon footprints. HR 3 also objects to the emissions cap and trade option and says carbon capture and sequestration are new, unproven technologies.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

Energy bills votes, for and against renewable energy, seem to be popping up all over the place.

SENATE WORKFORCE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT passed Senator Stowell's SJR 10, which supports establishing and certifying an Alternative Energy Training Center in Beaver County. The county is already developing the Blundell Geothermal Plant, Thermo Hot Springs Plant, and First Wind Project. And the Milford High School Technology Department is preparing students for careers in the renewable energy industry. SJR 10 notes that the bulk of renewable energy sites identified by the Utah Renewable Energy Zones Task Force are located in rural Utah.

On the other hand, HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT tabled on an 8-4-2 vote Senator Jones' bill Substitute Senate Joint Resolution 1, encouraging renewable energy development. A tabled bill can be brought back later. SJR 1 directs the State Energy Program to assess the need for local government solar and geothermal ordinances, then to report to the Legislature on how it assesses that need. Reps Noel, Barrus, Winn, and Gibson had many concerns about messages in the resolution, including implications that our current energy mix is polluting, an implication that the Legislature doesn't support balanced energy development, a question as to why biomass isn't included with solar and geothermal, and whether it's really a state goal to "develop renewable energy while preserving farmlands & agricultural enterprises"

WORKFORCE SERVICES also approved SB 14, modifying state incentives for movie and television companies to film in Utah. Cash rebates for small budget productions and refundable tax credits for larger budget state-approved productions would be offered.

HOUSE JUDICIARY decided to hold HB 294, which expands the general damages, in addition to special damages such as income loss, that can be awarded to the heirs of a person injured by a wrongful act. General damages would include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other not easily quantifiable damages suffered by the person until the person's death.

SENATE REVENUE AND TAXATION decided not to lift from the table (reconsider) Second Substitute S.B 114, which raises the cigarette tax. However, a similar House bill is being sponsored by Rep Ray, HB 219. If it were to pass the House late enough in the session, after standing committees were no longer meeting, it could go directly to the Senate floor for a vote--but only if the Senate Rules Committee decided to let it out.

Following the Utah Legislature 2/09/09

2009-02-09T09:38:00.002-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Monday, February 9, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

THIS MORNING week 3 of the session begins with morning standing committees from 8 to 10, floor time from 10 to noon, and appropriations committees from 2 to 5.

HOUSE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE will debate an open government records bill, HB 122. It allows a government record, including government
strategy, to be classified as protected if it involves anticipated or pending litigation. The GRAMA law already lists reasons- including a pending lawsuit- to keep government records secret. The question is what additional records would be protected if a lawsuit were not immediately pending, only anticipated in the future, and why protection from public view is needed.

SENATE WORKFORCE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT will consider SB 14, modifying state incentives for movie and television
companies to film in Utah. Cash rebates for small budget productions and refundable tax credits for larger budget state-approved productions would be offered. They'll also hear SJR 10, which supports establishing and certifying an Alternative Energy Training Center in Beaver County. The county is already developing the Blundell Geothermal Plant, Thermo Hot Springs Plant, and First Wind Project. And the Milford High School Technology Department is preparing students for careers in the renewable energy industry. SJR 10 notes that the bulk of renewable energy sites identified by the Utah Renewable Energy Zones Task Force are located in rural Utah.

In HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT Substitute Senate Joint Resolution 1, encouraging renewable energy development, will be discussed It directs the State Energy Program to assess the need for local government solar and geothermal ordinances, then to report to the Legislature on how it assesses that need. This would help local governments who want to develop renewable energy call on the expertise of the State Energy Program.

HOUSE JUDICIARY is considering HB 294, which expands the general damages, in addition to special damages such as income loss, that can be awarded to the heirs of a person injured by a wrongful act. General damages would include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other not easily quantifiable damages suffered by the person until the person's death.

SENATE REVENUE AND TAXATION will look at property tax and income tax credit changes. They may also reconsider Second Substitute S.B 114, raising the cigarette tax, which they tabled last Friday.

WHAT PASSED COMMITTEE ON FRIDAY:

SB 158 passed to provide more medical care for kids. It requires that in child support cases, a court must include in its orders a cash medical support provision--that is an obligation for both parents to equally share all reasonable and necessary medical and dental expenses of children. Substitute HB 90, approving increasing the criminal penalty for those who perform illegal abortions to a second degree felony, also passed and will
now go to Senate floor debate.

SB 149, prohibiting text messaging or e-mail communication while driving, passed committee unanimously. Violations could lead to a 3-month suspension of the driver's license. The license of a person convicted of automobile homicide while texting or emailing would be revoked immediately.

HB 27 passed Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture and Energy. It says "activities conducted in the normal and ordinary course of agricultural operations or conducted in accordance with sound agricultural practices are presumed to be reasonable and do not constitute a nuisance." An amendment by the sponsor took out the word "do", making "not a nuisance" only a presumption, so a person could go to court to challenge that presumption. Sponsor Rep Morley emphasized that his purpose was to protect existing
agricultural operations that are being encroached on by urban expansion, creating conflicts. The committee, especially Senator Dayton, was glad to hear this consideration for our "producers of food and fiber. "

But it was not this part of the bill that disturbed clean air advocates. The language "unless the agricultural operation has a substantial adverse effect on the public health and safety" is being taken out of the law. Agricultural operations can include large factory animal farms which are linked to respiratory distress and death in infants. These effects would
seem to be "substantial adverse effects" on public health, not "nuisances." The discussion brought some suggestions: A cap on the number of animals could be added to the bill. Or, as Senator Stowell suggested, local county ordinances limiting numbers of animals and distance of factory farms from homes, as in Iron County, are an alternative.

WHAT FAILED COMMITTEE

SB 123, sponsored by Senator Hillyard, failed a second time in SENATE EDUCATION. It would have changed the way a new school district is created. Voters in the entire existing district, rather than just voters who live in the proposed district, would have to approve. SB 123 failed by one vote. Goodfellow, Hillyard and Stephenson voted aye. Bramble, Dayton, Jenkins and Morgan voted no.

HOUSE EDUCATION failed to pass HB 131, which would have prohibited school course fees, rental and use fees, some charges for student supplies and textbook fees. The split vote of 4-8-3 indicated some sympathy for the bill, but a $13.1 million price tag to compensate school districts and charter schools for the loss of fees seemed to be a low priority in this tight budget year, since there are waivers for economic hardship.

Following the Utah Legislature 2/06/09

2009-02-06T10:39:00.003-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Friday, February 6, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Today legislators will finish off a busy week with standing committee meetings from 8 to 10 AM and from 2 to 4 PM. Floor debate is from 10 to noon. The House has a "time certain" at 11 to debate HCR 2, a Healthy Family Partnership Concurrent Resolution against family violence.

THIS MORNING

SENATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES will discuss SB 158. It requires that in child support cases, a court must include in its orders a cash medical support provision, that is an obligation for both parents to equally share all reasonable and necessary medical and dental expenses of children. Substitute HB 90, which increases the criminal penalty for those who perform illegal abortions to a second degree felony, is # 6 on the committee agenda.

In SENATE EDUCATION, SB 123, which changes the way a new school district is created, is back for a second hearing. It says voters in the entire existing district, rather than just those who live in the proposed district, would have to approve. Supporters cite taxation without representation. Opponents say allowing all to vote would make any change unlikely.

THIS AFTERNOON

HOUSE EDUCATION considers HB 131, which would prohibit course fees, rental and use fees, some charges for student supplies and textbook fees in public schools. Some extracurricular fees would be allowed. The state could appropriate $13.1 million to compensate school districts and charter schools for the loss of fees. Currently local school boards that charge fees must grant waivers based on ability to pay. Installment payments, school and community service and work projects for students are alternatives. HB 131 states that it is the public policy of this state that public education shall be free.

The SENATE TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY agenda includes SB 149, prohibiting text messaging or e-mail communication while driving. Violations could lead to a 3-month suspension of the driver's license. The license of a person convicted of automobile homicide while texting or emailing would be revoked immediately.

SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT WILL DISCUSS HB 27, which provides that "agricultural operations are not nuisances and removes the protective language "substantial adverse effect on the public health and safety." Opponents are worried that the bill applies not only to conflicts in areas between residences and family farms, but could be applied to large factory farms, which do present health hazards that need regulation.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

The HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE voted unanimously twice yesterday, sending two resolutions, HJR 12 and HCR 6, to the House floor:

HJR 12, supports gasified coal as a power source, producing hydrogen from coal with carbon capture and underground sequestration technology, called CCS. The resolution says the technology would reduce emission of carbon dioxide, use Utah's abundant coal resources, create high paying jobs, and put Utah businesses at the forefront of new hydrogen and carbon economies. HJR 12 also urges the Public Service Commission to consider allowing power companies to recover the costs of prudent investment in coal with CCS.

Investment incentives are a big issue in developing new energy sources, be it solar, wind, nuclear or coal. Often overlooked, according to clean energy advocates, is investment in conservation. Making homes and buildings more energy efficient even by simple weatherization can save a lot of energy for many years into the future and people can be trained to do the work quickly, providing new jobs and putting builders back to work. The federal stimulus plan now in Congress includes funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.

The other resolution, HCR 6, expresses strong opposition to any federal legislation that would expand the reach and scope of the Clean Water Act. The resolution says if federal jurisdiction was expanded from just "navigable" waters to cover "waters of the United States," it would inappropriately give the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction over all wet areas, or areas that had been wet at some time, including groundwater, ditches, pipes, streets, gutters, desert features, and even pools and puddles."
However a student of water law history pointed out to us that this isn't "AN EXPANSION; it's a RESTORATION OF THE SCOPE OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT OF 1972; absolutely critical for our wetlands and "puddles" (the seemingly isolated playas that serve our migratory bird populations)." The federal legislation referred to is HR 2421, sponsored by Congressman Jim Oberstar. The Senate version is S 1870, sponsored by Senator Russ Feingold - just in case you want to look it up.

IN THE HOUSE

SCR 1, a concurrent resolution requesting a federal waiver to establish a two-year employer-sponsored work program for foreign workers, passed 66-6. The bill was amended to take out references to undocumented immigrants currently residing in the state, adding "while ensuring that all available local workers are given ample opportunity to meet" Utah's need for both unskilled and skilled laborers.

Following the Utah Legislature 2/05/09

2009-02-05T10:41:00.004-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Thursday, January 29, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Today's order of business is morning Standing Committee meetings and floor time, then caucus lunch and Appropriations Committees from 2 to 5 p.m.

THIS MORNING

HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT will hear resolutions on energy and water. HJR 12 Is a joint resolution in support of gasified coal as a power source. It supports producing hydrogen from coal with carbon capture and sequestration technology, called CCS. CCS would store carbon underground, and the resolution says Utah's geology makes it a safe and ideal place. HJR 12 also urges the Public Service Commission to consider allowing power companies to recover the costs of prudent investment in coal with CCS. The cited benefits from adopting the technology include: reducing emission of carbon dioxide, using Utah's abundant coal resources, creating high paying jobs, and placing Utah businesses at the forefront of new hydrogen and carbon economies.

Another resolution, HCR 6, expresses strong opposition to any federal legislation that would expand the reach and scope of the Clean Water Act. The resolution says if federal jurisdiction was expanded from just "navigable" waters to cover "waters of the United States," it would inappropriately give the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction over all wet areas, or areas that had been wet at some time, including groundwater, ditches, pipes, streets, gutters, desert features, and even pools and puddles." The expansion could interfere with local government plans for land use, watershed, storm water, and flood plains management, as well as responsibilities such as mosquito abatement and waste treatment. And it might be unconstitutional since non-navigable waters probably wouldn't fall under the interstate commerce clause. HCR 6 says the Clean Water Act currently strikes a proper balance between clean water and state, local and federal authority.

THIS AFTERNOON

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES APPROPRIATIONS will discuss Medicaid, including an overview of the department, health care provider input, testimony from child care facilities and an audit report on DORA, the program that sends drug offenders to Drug Court with a chance for to avoid incarceration through rehabilitation. I

Thursday, January 29 2009

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

Yesterday, the SENATE TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE passed HB 216, which would remove the cap on prices for current Qwest telephone customers who use only basic residential service. Following telecommunications deregulation, competitive services from several telecommunications companies became available for those who want lots of features. But those who want or can afford only basic service have no choice other than Qwest, their original phone company. Other choices would require a computer and high speed internet service or are
prohibitively expensive or allow limited service (wireless).

HOUSE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES passed HB 114, defining an Abortion Litigation Trust Account. Funds could be deposited into the account by the legislature or private entities. The money would be used to defend in court any law challenging the concept that a woman has the right to an abortion, even when she is not threatened with the loss of her life or substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function, rape or incest

THIS MORNING

HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT will hear resolutions on energy and water. HJR 12 Is a joint resolution in support of gasified coal as a power source. It supports producing hydrogen from coal with carbon capture and sequestration technology, called CCS. CCS would store carbon underground, and the resolution says Utah's geology makes it a safe and ideal place. HJR 12 also urges the Public Service Commission to consider allowing power companies to recover the costs of prudent investment in coal with CCS. The cited benefits from adopting the technology include: reducing emission of carbon dioxide, using Utah's abundant coal resources, creating high paying jobs, and placing Utah businesses at the forefront of new hydrogen and carbon economies.

Another resolution, HCR 6, expresses strong opposition to any federal legislation that would expand the reach and scope of the Clean Water Act. The resolution says if federal jurisdiction was expanded from just "navigable" waters to cover "waters of the United States," it would inappropriately give the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction over all wet areas, or areas that had been wet at some time, including groundwater, ditches, pipes, streets, gutters, desert features, and even pools and puddles."
The expansion could interfere with local government plans for land use, watershed, storm water, and flood plains management, as well as responsibilities such as mosquito abatement and waste treatment. And it might be unconstitutional since non-navigable waters probably wouldn't fall under the interstate commerce clause. HCR 6 says the Clean Water Act currently strikes a proper balance between clean water and state, local and federal authority and shouldn't be changed.

Following the Utah Legislature 2/04/09

2009-02-04T13:26:00.003-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

After a morning of standing committees and floor debate, legislators will be in Appropriations Subcommittees from 2 to 5 this afternoon working on the coming 2010 budget.

THIS MORNING

SENATE TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE may consider HB 216, which would remove the cap on prices for current Qwest telephone customers who use only basic residential service. Since deregulation, competitive services from several telecommunications companies are available for those who want lots of features. But those who want or can afford only basic service have no choice other than Qwest, their original supplier. Other choices require a computer and high speed internet service or are much more expensive or allow limited service (wireless), which low income households can't afford.

SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT will discuss SB 128, Rainwater Harvesting. Utah water law requires a person to apply to the state and put to beneficial use any water that hasn't already been appropriated. This could even apply to the rainwater running off a roof collected in a barrel. SB 128 makes an exception. If the storage container holds less than 2500 gallons the water would be considered already appropriated to good use without applying.

HOUSE EDUCATION will hear HB 264, which requires each local school board to develop a program that identifies and encourages quality instruction by teachers in order to improve student achievement. The State School Board would supply criteria for the program, and provisional educators would be helped by trained mentors.

HOUSE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES HB 128 requires doctors to offer their patients the chance to have their prescriptions issued electronically. The system would have to be secure, and pharmacies who couldn't afford it would be exempt. The system might make it easier to detect unsafe medication combinations and multiple prescriptions for addictive drugs.

THIS AFTERNOON

CAPITOL FACILITIES AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE hears requests for "other-funded" capital projects on the University of Utah and Utah Valley campuses. Such projects funded in part by private funds have been mentioned by the Governor as economic development projects that the state could fund by issuing bonds.

COMMITTEE ACTION YESTERDAY

Yesterday morning the SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT committee passed unanimously Senate Joint Resolution 4, which urges a study of how to dispose of 240 million pounds of electronic waste discarded in Utah this year. Besides depleting landfills, computers, monitors, televisions, cell phones, and audio video products contain hazardous lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium and brominated flame retardants, which cause health problems in humans, fish, and wildlife. SJR 4 says recycling businesses can disassemble most waste safely and economically, providing jobs as well as reusable computer resources for education.

The resolution urges the Department of Environmental Quality to work with the Recycling Coalition of Utah's Electronic Scrap Steering Committee to study the issue, including what other states are doing, and to make recommendations to the interim Natural Resources, Agriculture and Energy Committee next October.

The HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE once again scheduled HB 229, a comprehensive tax bill that would reduce reliance on property taxes and increase sales taxes to fund education, sponsored by Representative Wayne Harper. He said the bill would strengthen the three-legged stool of funding (income, sales and property taxes), create equalization across districts and protect property owners. The bill would replace property tax with an increased sales tax, combine 11 different levies into one and eliminate the Capital
Foundation Program.

The Utah State Office of Education protested that the sales tax is too volatile, and the Capital Foundation Program is needed by small school districts for building projects. They said property taxes are not onerous. Utah ranks 15th highest in the nation in sales tax burden, 15th in income tax, and only 28th in property tax. Utah Taxpayers and Retail Merchants associations said sales tax revenue depends too much on the economy. The Utah Education Association thanked Harper for trying to improve education funding, but recommended keeping the property tax and adding some sales tax. The committee did not vote on the bill but voted to move to the next agenda item.

ON THE SENATE FLOOR Senate Joint Resolution 1, sponsored by Senator Pat Jones, encouraging renewable energy development, passed the Senate yesterday It directs the State Energy Program to assess the need for local government solar and geothermal ordinances, then to report to the Legislature on how it assesses that need. Senator Buttars wanted to amend the bill to include nuclear energy, which presented some problems. The State Energy Program deals only with renewables, not nuclear, said Senator Jones. Unfriendly amendment, Senator Buttars, because you didn't warn the sponsor, said Senator Romero. Senator Hinkins opined that geothermal wells that go cold aren't renewable either. Senator Madsen felt radiation in the earth's crust and mantle prove that
nuclear is indeed renewable. Senator Buttars complained that the State Energy Program was discriminating by not callling nuclear a renewable and called the question. Amendment failed 11-14. Bill passed 27-1.

Following the Utah Legislature 2/03/09

2009-02-03T15:06:00.002-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Standing committees consider bills this morning at 8:00 and again his afternoon at 2:00 and 3:30. Floor debate is from 10 to 12 and caucus lunch is at noon.

THIS MORNING

SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT will discuss Senate Joint Resolution 4, which urges a study of how to dispose of 240 million pounds of electronic waste discarded in Utah this year. Besides depleting landfills, computers, monitors, televisions, cell phones, and audio video products contain hazardous lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium and brominated flame retardants, which cause health problems in humans, fish, and wildlife. SJR 4 says recycling businesses can disassemble most waste safely and economically, providing jobs as well as reusable computer
resources for education. The resolution urges the Department of Environmental Quality to work with the Recycling Coalition of Utah's Electronic Scrap Steering Committee to
study the issue, including what other states are doing, and to make recommendations to the interim Natural Resources, Agriculture and Energy Committee next October.

First on the HOUSE EDUCATION agenda is HB 229, a comprehensive tax bill that would reduce reliance on property taxes and increase sales taxes to fund education. The issue is what mix of the three main taxes that fund education - sales, income and property taxes - would be fairest and yield the most revenue from year to year.

THIS AFTERNOON

At 2 o'clock HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT considers HB 278. It allows a county or town to use 30 percent of the class B and C road funds that they receive from the state for the purpose of asserting, defending and litigating state and local government rights under R.S. 2477. R.S. 2477 concerns the use of roads in wilderness study areas. Local governments could continue to use B and C funds to draw federal matches to build secondary roads.

HB 94 would give a break to senior citizens by letting a senior resident aged 70 or older and one passenger enter state parks free.

HOUSE WORKFORCE SERVICES at 3:30 will hear Senate Concurrent Resolution 1, urging Congress to allow Utah to implement an employer-sponsored work program for immigrants, and allow Utah to withhold Social Security and Medicare revenue to pay for health insurance and other administrative costs of the program.

WHAT HAPPENED IN COMMITTEE YESTERDAY

Yesterday morning HOUSE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS did a splendid job of rewriting and passing Substitute HB 49, sponsored by Rep Hansen, which sets out proper procedures for challenging a voter's right to vote in a particular precinct. Written challenges must be made in writing under oath with clear and convincing evidence before early voting begins. Challenges at the polls on Election Day must be recorded, give grounds for the challenge and can be made only by residents of that precinct or poll workers. The rewrite was the result of a very thoughtful discussion by the committee in a previous meeting.

The HOUSE REVENUE AND TAXATION COMMITTEE passed a tax break for students. Substitute HB 35 offers a nonrefundable income tax credit for tuition and mandatory fees at a state higher education institution, worth up to 5 percent of their tax liability. The committee added a provision in the substitute bill that allows residents or nonresidents to contribute their tax refunds to the Utah Education Savings Plan, a state fund that allows
taxpayers to invest in students' future college education.

SENATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES passed SB 87, Sponsored by Senator Christensen, a bill to strengthen the use of medications on the Medicaid preferred drug list. The list is based on both medical necessity and cost factors. The bill said health care providers could no longer override the list and choose more expensive medications by writing "medically necessary- dispense as written" automatically on a prescription. The bill was amended to immediately implement a way for providers to get pre-authorization to use a non-preferred drug.

SENATE EDUCATION debated SB 123, sponsored by Senator Lyle Hillyard which would have changed the way a new school district is created. Voters in the entire existing district, rather than just voters who live in the proposed district, would have to approve. However, SB 123 failed to pass committee by one vote. Goodfellow, Hillyard and Stephenson voted aye. Bramble, Dayton, Jenkins and Morgan voted no. The bill was in response to a recent split in the Jordan School District in Salt Lake County. Voters outside the new district who may have to pay more taxes because of the split did not get to vote.

The committee did pass SB 48, with Republicans voting aye and Democrats opposed. SB 48 changes the way a person applies for a competency-based license from the State Board of Education to teach in public schools. A local school board or charter school request would no longer be required, allowing a person to apply directly to the State Board. The license could cover to just one subject and need not be in a core academic subject like
math or reading.

Following the Utah Legislature 2/02/09

2009-02-03T15:00:00.003-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Monday, February 2, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Legislators attend standing committees and House and Senate floor debates. Appropriations Subcommittees will meet after lunch from 2 to 5 PM.

HOUSE REVENUE AND TAXATION has a tax break for students. HB 35 offers a nonrefundable income tax credit for tuition and mandatory fees at a state higher education institution, worth up to 5 percent of their tax liability.

SENATE EDUCATION will hear SB 123, which changes the way a new school district is created. Voters in the entire existing district, rather than just those who would live in the proposed district, would have to approve. The bill is in response to a recent split in the Jordan School District. Also in Senate Education, SB 109 creates a task force of legislators to explore alternative ways to fund local schools. And SB 48 changes the way a person applies for a competency-based license from the State Board of Education to teach in public schools. A local school board or charter school request would not longer be required, allowing a person to apply directly to the State Board. The license could cover to just one subject and need not be in a core academic subject like math or reading.

SENATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES begins at 8:30 with SB 87, a bill to strengthen the use of the Medicaid preferred drug list, which is based on both medical necessity and cost factors. Health care providers could no longer override the list by writing "medically necessary - dispense as written" on the prescription. SB 129 would repeal the Mental Health Therapist Grant and Scholarship Program.

HOUSE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS will take another look at HB 49. It requires most challenges to a person's right to vote to be in writing and be made under oath before Election Day, giving the voter and county clerks time to respond. On Election Day, name and grounds of the challenger would be recorded, and the voter could still vote a provisional ballot. The idea is to protect legitimate challenges at the polls, but to discourage undocumented accusations and organized group challenges on behalf of
particular candidates.

AT 2 PM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REVENUE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE reviews budgets for Indian Affairs, Zoos, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake County Homeless Coordinating Council and the Utah Housing Coalition.

WHAT HAPPENED FRIDAY

On Friday afternoon the state budget for this year was cut less than expected. The Executive Appropriations Committee took $175 mllion from road bonding and other funds to reduce cuts for public education, higher education and human services.

HOUSE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES met in a larger room than usual because two abortion bills were on the agenda. Both passed and are now on the board for debate in the House. Substitute HB 90 raises the penalty for killing an unborn child from a third degree to a second degree felony. Exceptions would be made to avert the death or serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function of the mother. Or when
two physicians who practice maternal fetal medicine concur in writing that the fetus is not viable because of a defect that is uniformly diagnosable and uniformly lethal. A severability clause in the bill would allow the rest of the bill to stand in case one part of it was judged unconstitutional. Representative Ray, the bill's sponsor, agreed with Rep. Riesen that we need to do better on contraception to prevent unwanted abortions, but meanwhile we must defend unborn children. Representatives Menlove and Ray noted the progress of medical technology that allows mothers to know what to expect before a child is born and that allow some defects to be corrected. They noted the contributions to society that can be made by people with birth defects.

HB 222 also passed. It requires doctors who perform an abortion after 20 weeks to administer an anesthetic or analgesic to prevent pain to the unborn child. Exceptions would be made if the doctor did not perform that service, the mother did not consent, or in case of a medical emergency.

SENATE REVENUE AND TAXATION debated SB 114, which would increase the tobacco tax by $2 a pack to pay for health programs (including Medicaid), tobacco cessation, and cancer research. Supporters said they wanted to bring in $60 million to offset healthcare costs and as a disincentive to stop 6,000 kids and 20,000 adults from smoking. In fact Senator Christensen, sponsor of the bill, said because of the health issue a $5 increase would be okay; he was willing to "excuse me - tax the hell out of it." Opponents said the high price would send smokers to neighboring states and Indian reservations where the price is lower. Senator Goodfellow opposed the bill and wanted to move on to the next agenda item. Senator Valentine, seeking a compromise, asked to discuss the bill at the next meeting and amend the $2.00 to a $1.30 increase, which would make the tax equal to the national average of other states.

Following the Utah Legislature 1/30/09

2009-01-30T10:21:00.002-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Friday, January 30, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Today legislators will study bills in committee from 8 to 10 this morning and from 2 to 4 this afternoon. Floor debate is from 10 to noon. An Executive Appropriations meeting postponed from yesterday will be at 3:30 today.

MORNING COMMITTEES

This morning, HOUSE EDUCATION will consider HB 229, a comprehensive tax bill that would reduce reliance on property tax and rely more on sales tax to fund education. Of the three main taxes - property, sales and income - property tax is considered the most stable.

HOUSE EDUCATION will consider HB 229, a comprehensive tax bill that would reduce reliance on property tax and rely more on sales tax to fund education. Of the three main taxes - property, sales and income - property tax is considered the most stable. HB 242 would require children to be 5 years old by July 1 to enter kindergarten. The current cutoff date is September 1.

HOUSE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES will meet in a larger room than usual because two abortion bills are on the agenda. Substitute HB 90 would make killing an unborn child a second degree felony. Exceptions would be made to avert the death or irreversible impairment of the mother, or when a medical condition made it highly unlikely that the child would survive 24 hours after birth. A severability clause in the bill would allow the rest of the bill to stand in case one part of it was judged unconstitutional.

HB 222 requires doctors who perform an abortion after 20 weeks to administer an anesthetic or analgesic to prevent pain to the unborn child. Exceptions would be made if the doctor did not perform that service, the mother did not consent, or in case of a medical emergency.

SENATE JUDICIARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE will consider SB 98, which creates the offense of theft of motor vehicle fuel from a retail business if the fuel is removed with the intent to deprive the business of payment. Conviction would result in a driver license suspension of 60 days for the first offense, 6 months for the second, and one year for the third.

THIS AFTERNOON

SENATE REVENUE AND TAXATION will hear SB 114 which would increase the tobacco tax by $2 a pack. Revenue would go to health programs (including Medicaid), tobacco cessation, and cancer research.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

Budget battles continued yesterday but at a measured pace. None of the scheduled appropriations subcommittees met except Health and Human Services and an Executive Appropriations meeting was postponed until 3:30 today. The hope is to find more money for education, health and human services. Cuts were discussed over caucus lunch. There was Republican support for a 10 percent pay cut for the legislators themselves beginning in March. Democrats had met Wednesday night to decide their budget priorities.

In committee yesterday SB 119 passed. It creates a Hospital Emergency Room Task Force to study the appropriate use of emergency rooms, which could save health care dollars, and to insure that specialists are available. Also approved was HB 80, a study of adding a taxpayer advocate to the State Tax Commission.

SB 100, which asks public schools to give to parents and guardians of kindergarten students financial and economic literacy information was approved. The information would include how to open a Utah Educational Savings Account and begin putting aside money for their kindergartner's college education

Following the Utah Legislature 1/29/09

2009-01-29T09:47:00.003-07:00

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Thursday, January 29, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Today Legislators will debate bills in committee from 8 to 10 AM, and on the floor from 10 to noon. Then they'll work on budgets rather than bills during caucus lunch. Senator Lyle Hillyard reported yesterday that legislators and the Governor are close to agreement on the current 2009 budget. The Executive Appropriations Committee will meet this afternoon at 2:30 in Capitol Room 445 to make discuss it further. So the afternoon Appropriations Subcommittees have been canceled. Next week their focus will shift to budgeting for the 2010 fiscal year that begins next July.

THIS MORNING

SENATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES will hear SB 87, a bill to encourage the use of less costly generic Medicaid prescriptions. Physicians could no longer handwrite "medically necessary" on prescriptions for more expensive drugs.

Also before the committee is SB 119, which creates a Hospital Emergency Room Task Force. They would study the appropriate use of emergency rooms and how to insure that staff, including specialists, is available. Inappropriate ER use increases the cost of health care.

HOUSE REVENUE AND TAXATION will consider HB 80. The bill proposes to study adding a taxpayer advocate to the State Tax Commission to assist taxpayers.

HB 65 would end the requirement that owners and purchasers of some machinery, equipment and parts and semiconductors that are exempt from sales tax report those purchases. The Revenue and Taxation Committee can use that information to determine how much sales tax revenue is being lost due to exemptions. Instead the State Tax Commission would estimate for the Committee the cost of exemptions for equipment, machinery and parts, but apparently the cost of the semiconductor exemption would not have to be estimated.

SB 100 will be heard in SENATE EDUCATION. SB 100 asks public schools to give the parents or guardians of kindergarten students financial and economic literacy information, including how to open a Utah Educational Savings Account that puts aside money for their student's college education.

SB 109 would create a task force to look for efficiencies in school funding, more local control of education resources and how to implement a local funding pilot project for school districts.

You can watch, listen in, or contact your legislator on line at Utah's award winning legislative website le.utah.gov/ And for more information, visit the League of Women Voters at lwvutah.org/

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

On the Senate floor yesterday, Executive Appropriations Co-Chair Senator Lyle Hillyard gave a progress report on the budget for the current 2009 fiscal year. He said that legislators and Governor Huntsman were close to an agreement, and he would continue to meet with Appropriations Subcommittee Chairs, then present the consensus at caucus lunch today. This could be good news since the Governor has proposed fewer cuts and use of alternatives such as the rainy day fund and bonding to increase revenue.

An Executive Appropriations Committee meeting is scheduled for 2:30, and "final" decisions should be made by Monday. Then they can concentrate on the fiscal 2010 budget that would take effect in July. However, he said things could change when new revenue predictions come out in February, and the economy could change by May or June. He closed by saying rather wistfully, "We're like basketball refs. We have a bad job to do and we do a bad job."

It's worthwhile to listen in to an Appropriations Subcommittee meeting. In Health and Human Services yesterday, the discussion of the Department of Health budget was intense, but respectful. Committee members urged those testifying for the department to be very specific about their priorities - such as the epidemiologist and labs defended vigorously by Dr. Sundwall as core services. Then if more money turns up, the committee will know where to put it. They asked how cuts would affect county health departments,
healthcare providers, the department or drug companies. Department representatives explained the importance of competent, trained people to oversee and inspect services such as child care, nursing homes, and emergency preparedness. The committee probed for what could be combined or deferred to save money.

However, Linda Hilton and Steve Erickson of Crossroads Urban Center point out that federal help is on the way. "If a budget with many cuts to social welfare programs is passed, people at the least and probably whole programs will be dropped. Meanwhile it is almost guaranteed that the federal funds to rescue state programs will be allocated by Congress during the legislative session. Then programs will be reinstituted individuals can reapply. But at what cost in lost treatments, emotional turmoil, and the monetary expense of restarting, reapplying, etc? Why do we need to do this? We could not pass a base budget at all or we could pass a hold harmless budget knowing that even though the funds are not there, they will be soon. The check from the feds will be back-dated Oct. 1, 2008."

What do you think?

Following the Utah Legislature 1/28/09

2009-01-28T09:57:00.002-07:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

This morning Legislators are working on bills in committee from 8 to 10 AM, and debating on the floor from 10 to noon. This afternoon they will work on budgets in 10 Appropriations Subcommittees from 2 to 5.

MORNING COMMITTEES

The HOUSE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE will discuss HCR 1, which urges the EPA to encourage the use of vehicles fueled by natural gas and support the public and private partnerships that would increase the number of refueling stations. HB 73 requires drivers on 2-lane roads who travel at less than the speed of traffic with a line of 5 vehicles behind them to find a safe turn-out to permit the vehicles to pass. Drivers of commercial vehicles
would be exempt.

HOUSE JUDICIARY will debate HB 97. It amends the offense of sexual exploitation of a minor to include viewing child pornography. Under HB 13 suffocation or strangulation would be added to the definition of aggravated assault, which is a third degree felony

HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT is considering HB 34. The bill establishes the value of a bald eagle for purposes of setting a penalty for wanton destruction of protected wildlife and setting a minimum restitution value. House Resolution 1 urges Congress and the Bureau of Reclamation to support development of the Narrows Water Project in Sanpete County in central Utah.

SENATE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS will discuss SJR 2, a resolution that supports preserving the site of the World War II Internment Camp at Topaz, Utah. A museum and civil liberties learning center in Delta would educate citizens about Japanese American internment camp history.

APPROPRIATIONS THIS AFTERNOON

Ten appropriations committees, each specializing in a particular area, will meet at 2 PM.
PUBLIC EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS will discuss audits of school busing, adult education services, school construction, Carson Smith scholarships and school district internal controls.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES will concentrate on health budgets, including Medicaid and Community and Family Health services.

Watch, listen in, or contact your legislator on line at Utah's award
winning legislative website le.utah.gov/ And for more information, visit
the League of Women Voters at lwvutah.org/

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

Legislators were in committee both morning and afternoon yesterday.

Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment passed Substitute Senate Joint Resolution 1, encouraging renewable energy development. It directs the State Energy Program to assess the need for local government solar and geothermal ordinances, then to report to the Legislature on how it assesses that need. Senators Christensen, Davis, Morgan and Stowell voted for it and Senators Dayton and Okerlund voted no. Senator Dayton was disappointed that the bill didn't support coal and thought cities could do their own plans without State Energy's help.

The Senate Judiciary killed Substitute SB 32 yesterday. That bill that would have allowed inheritance in wrongful death settlements by individuals who had a supportive and dependent relationship with the person who died so long as they were named in a will or trust. The bill would have benefited gay and lesbian couples and was part of that community's Common Ground initiative. Voting aye were Senators McCoy and Romero. Buttars, Hillyard, Madsen and Waddoups voted no.

Most of the testimony was based on fears for marriage and the family, although the bill gave minor children priority over other heirs. Senator Waddoups objected to the LDS church support for gay civil rights being quoted by bill supporters because it might violate the separation of church and state. Senator Romero was disappointed that the right to go to court will remain limited and emphasized that a dependent relationship would have
to be proven.

Senator McCoy, sponsor of the bill, reminded the committee that three opinion polls have shown that the public supports gay rights other than marriage. He said this is not about marriage. Marriage is defined in the Utah Constitution and as a legislator he has sworn to protect the Constitution.

After a long day of committee meetings and floor action, legislators gathered in the House chamber to hear Governor Huntsman speak about the State of the State. His theme was "We Are One" He said that today's economic conditions make imperative a trust between people who call Utah home and their elected officials. The Governor also asked Utahns to unite in addressing basic state needs, remembering that government is the last safety net for our most vulnerable.

You can watch, listen in, or contact your legislator on line at Utah's
award winning legislative website le.utah.gov/ And for more information,
visit the League of Women Voters at lwvutah.org/

2009 Legislature: Bills to Watch

2009-01-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

Bills to watch by Blue in Red Zion (courtesy of utahlegislaturewatch.org):

I’ve been enjoying reading Curtis Haring’s “Bills to Watch Series” on his blog, Blue in Red Zion. He explains the issues in the bill pretty well and with humor, too. In case you’ve missed these, here are links to the past few for your reading convenience:

Bills to Watch: H.B. 222 Unborn Child Pain Prevention Act

Bills to Watch: H.B. 219 Tobacco Tax Increase

Bills to Watch: H.B. 115 County Conservation and Preservation Act

Bills to Watch: H.B. 248 Regulating the Use of a Wireless Communication Device While Operating a Motor Vehicle

Bills to Watch: H.B. 109 Modifications to Campaign Finance Provisions

Bills to Watch: S.B. 112 Obstruction of Justice Amendment

Following the Utah Legislature 1/27/09

2009-01-27T14:03:00.004-07:00

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY

Swearing in new legislators and other ceremonial business took up most of the floor time in the House and Senate yesterday, the first day of the session. But several bills were introduced and put on the calendar for discussion today. Caucusing on budget matters continued. In fact the House ended floor time at 3 o'clock for more caucuses. Before they
adjourned, they heard Supreme Court Justice Christine Durham in joint session. Her topic was the budget for the state judiciary.

The 7.5 percent cuts in the current budget alone mean employees will have to be furloughed for 26 days, which translates to a 20 percent pay cut.

Proposed cuts of 15 percent next fiscal year will mean 283 positions will be permanently eliminated. Trials of civil and juvenile delinquency cases will be delayed in deference to criminal justice and child welfare cases, which take take priority. Justice Durham suggested that more revenue could come from raising filing fees and possible tax refunds to the state under a Federal law.

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Today Legislators are working on bills in 15 standing committees from 8 to 10 a.m. and from 2 to 4 this afternoon. Floor debate is from 10 to noon, and Democrat and Republican caucuses will discuss bills and strategy over lunch from 12 to 2. At 6:30 they will gather in the House to hear Governor Huntsman's State of the State Address.

IN MORNING COMMITTEES

HB 35, a Nonrefundable Higher Education Tuition Credit is before House Revenue and Taxation. Students could claim an income tax credit for tuition and mandatory fees at a state higher education institution worth up to 5 percent of their tax liability.

House Government Operations will look at HB 49. It requires most challenges to a person's right to vote to be in writing and to be made under oath before Election Day so that the voter has time to respond. A voter could still be challenged on Election Day. But grounds of the challenge and the challenger would be recorded, and the voter could still
vote a provisional ballot to be counted after his or her eligibility was verified.

IN AFTERNOON COMMITTEES at 2 PM

Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice will consider SB 32 Wrongful Death Amendments. The definition of "heir" would include a person designated in a will or trust who had a supportive and dependent relationship with the decedent. Minor children would have priority over other heirs.

Senate Joint Resolution 1, encouraging renewable energy development, will be in Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment. It directs the State Energy Program to assess the need for local government solar and geothermal ordinances, then to report to the Legislature on how it assesses that need. The resolution also urges local governments to adopt a model ordinance for wind energy projects.

House Health and Human Services will examine HB 90, which defines a new 2nd degree felony of criminal homicide abortion. Exceptions would be made for the death or irreversible impairment of the mother and for medical conditions that make it unlikely that the child would survive beyond 24 hours after birth even with medical intervention. The person who performs the abortion, not the woman who seeks it, would be charged with the crime.

Watch, listen in, or contact your legislator on line at Utah's award winning legislative website le.utah.gov/ And for more information, visit the League of Women Voters at lwvutah.org/

Following the 2009 Utah Legislature

2009-01-26T15:39:00.003-07:00

Each day the League of Women Voters issues an update of the events at the Utah State Legislature. We will repost that update each day, with permission of LWV, to keep you informed of the activities of your elected officials.

Monday, January 26, 2009

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY

Today is the 4th Monday in January. That means the 2009 General Session of the Utah Legislature opens on Capitol Hill this morning. Both the Senate and the House will get right down to business. They will debate bills on the floor from 10 to 11:30 am and from 2 to 5 pm. Every proposed law must have a public committee hearing before becoming law and committees will not meet until tomorrow. However, legislators already met monthly from April to November in Interim Committees. There they approved many bills which are now ready for votes in the full House and Senate.

Legislators also got a head start on the budget by meeting in Appropriations Subcommittees before the Session. Because of the downturn in the global economy this year they are concentrating on budgets for fiscal years 2009 and 2010 even more than usual. They have already cut this fiscal year's budgets once in the face of declining tax revenues. They now propose to cut programs in the year that begins next July by as much as 15 percent, a figure that many fear will cause painful disruptions in state services.

An alternative to cutting services is to find more revenue to pay for them. Governor Jon Huntsman, whose budget proposal came out in December, is taking this approach, and proposes budget cuts of 7 percent instead of 15 percent. Drawing on a $410 million reserve "Rainy Day" fund, borrowing money by issuing bonds to pay for infrastructure such as roads and buildings, raising vehicle registration fees, gas and tobacco taxes, and
using expected federal economic stimulus funds are under consideration by the Governor and lawmakers.

Beyond the budget, important legislative action this year is expected on issues of public education, energy and clean air, ethics, public officials and the role of money in politics, health care reforms, protection of gay rights, and immigration.

You can watch, listen in, or contact your legislator on line at Utah's award winning legislative website http://le.utah.gov/ Or call your House member at 801.538.1029 or your Senator at 801.538.1035 And for more information, visit the League of Women Voters at http://lwvutah.org/

Morgan Bowen / Rob Bishop KUED Debate (w/ Video)

2008-10-27T09:29:00.000-06:00

Morgan Bowen squares off (and gets the best of!) Rob Bishop at the KUED "Utah Now" Debate.

Contribute to Morgan's campaign through ActBlue's online contribution tool.

"Utah Values, Democratic Values" Hits the Air

2008-10-24T15:38:00.000-06:00

Utah Democratic Party
455 South 300 East Suite 301 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 801-328-1212 www.utdemocrats.org

News Release

"Utah Values, Democratic Values" Hits the Air

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Democratic Party will hit the airwaves on Saturday mornings with "Utah Values, Democratic Values."

The hour-long program on KLO 1430 AM will have a call-in format moderated by radio and television personality Mark Van Wagoner. It will feature prominent Democrats and other concerned Utahns discussing issues that voters care about as they go to the polls. The program airs at noon, preceding the Weber State University football game. Then, on Nov. 1, the Saturday before Election Day, the show will air at 7 a.m.

"The Republican Party of Utah is no longer the party many Utahns believe it is," said Wayne Holland, Chair of the Utah Democratic Party. "Almost every day its leaders demonstrate how out of touch the party is with the values all Utahns share."

The program will offer Wasatch Front listeners a chance to examine what Democrats stand for.

"You won't hear rants or media bashing. No ideological tirades," Holland said. "I think listeners who tune in will discover that our lawmakers and candidates better represent their values."

The chairman added that the moderation of Jim Matheson, 2nd District congressman, the compassion of Peter Corroon, Salt Lake County mayor, and the courage of Phil Riesen, state House District 36, best express those values.

Like all other Democratic candidates and representatives, all three believe in fiscal responsibility, common sense solutions to seemingly intractable problems, and reaching across the partisan divide. All three believe strongly that public servants should conduct the people's business openly and should be held accountable to misconduct.

Who is Bob and why should I vote for him?

2008-10-24T15:32:00.003-06:00

From the Bob Springmeyer for Governor campaign:

Dear voter,

Who is Bob?

Bob Springmeyer is a native Utahn, born in Provo and raised in Ogden and Sugar House. He attended the University of Utah where he earned degrees in economics and political science, and did graduate work in business administration.

Bob has operated his own management consulting business for 30 years. Bonneville Research specializes in consulting to local governments in strategic planning, economic development, and grant writing.

Bob has a history of community leadership. He is the founder and past-chair of the Ronald McDonald House of Utah and has held leadership positions in numerous important civic and community organizations, including the Salt Lake Rotary Club, the Utah Wildlife and Conservation Foundation, the Salt Lake Redevelopment Advisory Committee, and the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Bob and his wife Gwen live in Salt Lake City. They have four children and five grandchildren.

________________________________________________________________________

Why should I vote for Bob

I Support:

Thorough review of government to cut out waste and eliminate abuses
Creation of Small Business Bureau in Lieutenant Governor's Office; make small businesses and in-state entrepreneurship the focus of economic development efforts

Health insurance for all Utah children

Expansion of health insurance opportunities for small businesses

Restore progressive income tax, with monies dedicated to education

Ethics reform in legislature, including creation of independent ethics and redistricting commissions

Active investigation into possible gasoline price gouging

Promote partnerships between parents and teachers to improve children's education

Restore incentives for green technology; further incentivize renewable energy

Encourage investment in clean coal technology

Improve sustainability and efficiency of State government operations, including State Fleet

Emergency foreclosure plan

Fund the Olene Walker Housing Trust fund to keep pace with growth, and take decisive action to find a home for the more than 8,000 homeless children in our state

Create a Utah for all Utahns

I Oppose:

Huntsman flat tax

Vouchers

Siphoning off education dollars for other uses

Cap and trade system for carbon dioxide

Exclusive focus on tax subsidies to out of state companies for economic development
Senate Bill 53:

Senate Bill 53 was passed during the 2008 legislative session. It would have prevented citizens from putting land use changes on the ballot, which has particular relevance for central Utah and proposed coal-fired power plants. Last week, the Utah Supreme Court declared SB53 unconstitutional. Bob has repeatedly declared his opposition to SB53 in public.

What Bob would do differently:

If elected Governor I will stand up to legislative leadership on issues crucial to our state, while leveraging partnerships with businesses and governments to pressure legislators. I will propose and organize support for a comprehensive ethics legislation package. I will prepare and submit a budget that will provide adequate funding-keeping pace with growth-for public and higher education. I will also initiate a thorough review of state government, to improve efficiency and combat abuses.

If elected Governor, I will direct an aggressive investigation into possible gasoline price gouging and similar predatory trade practices in the fuel industry. I will expand funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to cover the maximum number of Utah children. I will fund the Olene Walker Housing Trust fund to keep pace with growth, and take decisive action to find a home for the more than 8,000 homeless children in our state. Finally, I will focus Utah economic development efforts on supporting existing Utah businesses and entrepreneurs, as opposed to an exclusive focus on providing tax subsidies for large out of state businesses.

I think public office should be about saying what you mean, and meaning what you say. If elected Governor, you will know where I stand, and our state will move in a better direction.

Thank you,

Bob Springmeyer

New ad from Morgan Bowen

2008-10-24T07:24:00.001-06:00

Morgan's new ad goes after Rob Bishop for ES3 earmarks. Watch and then please, take a moment to make a secure online contribution to the campaign to elect Morgan Bowen. Even $10 could make the difference between more of Rob Bishop's failed leadership, and a representative who will stand up for Utahn's instead of corporate interests.

Unable to see the video? Click Here.

Gubinatorial Candidates Debate

2008-10-20T14:55:00.000-06:00

KSL TV Ch 5 is hosting a "Conversations with the Candidate"

Springmeyer/Huntsman Debate

Tuesday, October 21
6:30 -7:00 PM

Bruce Lindsay, Moderator

Please submit questions here:

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=4395819&nid=320

Ogden Standard-Examiner Endorses Jean Welch Hill for Attorney General

2008-10-20T14:52:00.001-06:00

From: Utah Democratic Party

News Update
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 20, 2008

Ogden Standard-Examiner Endorses Jean Welch Hill for Attorney General

The Ogden Standard-Examiner in its Sunday, Oct. 19, editions endorsed Jean Welch Hill for Utah Attorney General, finding her to be the "intelligent, well-informed choice for Utahns." The editorial board cited Hill's stance on three separate issues, and explained "[w]hat we like about Welch Hill's priorities are that they are designed not only to make communities safer, but they have the potential to help repair dysfunctions and crimes that afflict families."

For the full editorial, please visit http://www.standard.net/live/opinion/editorials/146176/

Last Presidential Debate Party

2008-10-11T12:45:00.002-06:00

The last Obama presidential debate party will be held at The Factory Pizzeria (119 S Main, Logan) next Wednesday, 15 October 2008 at 6:30 PM. Cache Valley for Obama will buy the pizzas and a few pitchers of Soda, but any other drinks are on your own. The debate will be on Domestic and Economic Policy and begins at 7 PM and will last 90 minutes. Hope you can join us.

Morgan Bowen v. Rob Bishop, Tonight on KUED

2008-10-10T16:40:00.003-06:00

Watch the Morgan Bowen take on Rob Bishop in a debate, tonight at 7:30 and KUED.

Also, be sure to watch Morgan's latest YouTube update on the future of the $700 billion bailout, and the economic crisis.

Be a part of Morgan's Campaign. Volunteer an hour of your time to make calls, help place a yard sign, or contribute via ActBlue. With 25 day's left, a donation of $25 (that's $1 a day!) from all of our supporters could make all of the difference.

Thou shalt not steal

2008-10-09T17:00:00.005-06:00

There has been a rash of political sign theft in Cache Valley lately, including one incident where yard signs were set on fire. In Mendon, these political signs have been stolen twice. After they were replaced the second time, the owner added the "Thou shalt not steal" sign as well. The signs are still standing.

New Vid from Morgan: "Imagine If We Had Privatized Social Security..."

2008-10-09T10:31:00.002-06:00

Morgan Bowen on YouTube:

More videos here.

Visit Bowen on ActBlue to be a part of the movement.

We Need Your Help!

2008-10-05T18:00:00.003-06:00

From Vince's Cache Democrat email update making the rounds today:

We thank all of you who have sent checks to the Cache County Democrats. They are very helpful, but there are still many more of you who want more Democrats in office, who want open government, who want a two-party government, etc., and have not yet had a chance to contribute. We need your help. As the election approaches, we need funds to support advertising. We need your contributions: $25, $50, $100, whatever you can afford. We are also looking for major supporters to help with the final round of ads.

Please take a minute to make an online contribution via ActBlue, or mail your contribution to the address listed in the left sidebar.

Thank You!

Joe Dulin on KVNU's For the People This Friday

2008-10-05T17:48:00.003-06:00

Joe Dulin will be live on KVNU's For the People (AM 610, 4 to 6 pm) this Friday, October 10th as part of their ongoing candidate spotlight series.

Then on Monday, October 20th, KVNU will host an on air debate between Dulin and incumbent Lyle Hillyard.

This is a call in show, so please show your support for Joe during these events by listening and/or calling in: 752-5141 or 753-KVNU (5868)

There is also a live webcam chat for the show available at www.kvnuforthepeople.com.

Morgan Bowen - The $700 Stick Up

2008-10-01T14:35:00.000-06:00

Bowen stands up when Rob Bishop wouldn't.

Help Morgan Fight!

Springmeyer Criticizes Special Session

2008-09-26T12:48:00.002-06:00

The latest message from gubernatorial candidate, Bob Springmeyer

September 25, 2008
Springmeyer Criticizes Special Session
Proceedings
Candidate questions source of revenue projections,
necessity and wisdom of proposed cuts

SALT LAKE CITY - Democratic Utah gubernatorial candidate Bob Springmeyer today raised serious questions regarding the transparency, accountability, and wisdom of this year's special session proceedings. Specifically, Springmeyer asked for the source that substantiates the claimed $272 million shortfall, and for the reasoning to justify balancing the budget on the back of state employees and the general, education, and transportation budget. Springmeyer also asked why the Governor did not take charge and balance the budget on his own, under the powers delegated to him by the Budgetary Procedures Act. For over thirty years, Springmeyer has operated a
management consulting and economic research business, Bonneville Research, which
specializes in government and the business community.

"This year's special session was brought about by a Governor who did not have the willingness to assume the responsibility to adjust the budget on his own," said Springmeyer. "The Governor and Legislature are using budgetary figures that are inconsistent with recently released public information. Furthermore, many of the proposed cuts, if enacted, would have serious long-term effects on the economic and
social well-being of our state. Clearly, we deserve better than this.

"According to the September 16 Utah State Tax Commission Revenue Summary, or TC-23, the state's sales and use taxes are only $56 million less than forecast for 2008.
Income tax is up 1.2% over last year, which is only slightly less than the projected increase. In addition, information on the status of the Utah economy for the first two months of this fiscal year apparently has not even been calculated. These indicators conflict with the claimed $272 million shortfall-and in recent days, even dollar figures for the claimed shortfall have varied. Accordingly, in the interest of public participation and democratic values Springmeyer is asking the Governor and Legislature to make their data accurate and transparent.

Springmeyer also objected to the applying a $272 million budgetary cut to the General Fund and Transportation Fund would result in a cut of over 10%--far too great for the needs of our state. Cutting the salaries of state employees would harm the economy, since, clearly, the vast majority of state employee expenditures occur in Utah. Instead of these outcomes, Springmeyer proposed to use a portion of the rainy day fund to offset this unanticipated shortfall. "We need to keep the Utah economy moving forward," said Springmeyer.

Bob Springmeyer, who has encouraged best practices in business and local government in over thirty years as a management consultant, is seeking election as Governor with his running mate, retired SBA executive Josie Valdez. Springmeyer and Valdez are running on a platform of better
government, better education, better jobs, and better healthcare. For more information, visit www.bobforgov.com.

Tailgating for Bob

2008-09-24T17:20:00.003-06:00

A special message from the Bob Springmeyer for Governor campaign:

Hello everyone!,

If you are a college football fan, this may interest you. We are trying to
have a large presence at all of the remaining home football games before the
election. We have even printed up special literature to hand out with the school
fight songs for Utah, BYU, USU and Weber State.

We get there a couple of hours early, set up a bunch of lawn signs and
enjoy the tailgating while handing out the cards. Up at USU we even had a little
pick-up game of football between the college Dems and the college Republicans.
The Dems won 77 to 14. The Republicans had to put up Bob signs in their yards
after that.

If you are interested in helping out or just hanging out before the games
contact Ethan Webster at 801 865-3233 or at field@bobforgov.org

Thanks,
Jason

Note to Jill Zollinger, County Clerk

2008-09-24T12:34:00.003-06:00

Joe Dulin, Democratic candidate for state Senate dist. 25, responds to Cache County Clerk Jill Zollinger(R) putting the Republicans first for every position on the 2008 general election ballot. Also posted at KVNU's For the People blog

Jill,

Every Seat on the ballot up for election this fall lists the Republican candidate first. This is a biased undemocratic way to run an election and you should be ashamed of yourself. This is why I am running – to restore some sense of fairness and democratic principles to our government. Are you republicans running so scared this fall that you feel you have to place the Republican ticket first in hopes of winning a few extra votes? How about you hold a random drawing to determine the ballot order? Really, this is outrageous.

Joe Dulin

Cache County Council weighs removing open space initiative from November ballot

2008-09-24T12:07:00.003-06:00

Special County Council Meeting
Thursday, 25 Sept., 4:00 pm—Old County Court House, Logan

Fom the Herald Journal:

Cache County Council weighs removing open space initiative from November ballot
By Charles Geraci
Published: Wednesday, September 24, 2008 12:41 PM CDT
The Cache County Council unanimously voted Tuesday night to reconsider a decision made earlier this year to put a $10 million bond for open space on the November ballot.

As a result, the council is now entertaining the option of removing the open space initiative from the ballot this fall.

Several county residents spoke out against the open space measure at a public hearing held during Tuesday’s council meeting.

The County Council will hold a special one-hour meeting on this issue alone Thursday at 4 p.m. in the Historic Courthouse, and Councilman Craig Petersen said it was the council’s intent to accept public comment at that meeting

Vince Wickwar, co-chair of Cache Democrats, sent out this message:

At this evening's County Council Meeting, a special meeting of the County Council was called for this Thursday to consider taking the bond election for the Conservation Easement off the November ballot. A concern, which has been expressed, is that with the current upheavals in the financial markets, people will vote against any type of bond request. After a negative vote, it would be hard to put it back on the ballot at a later date. However, with a proper resolution, it could be withdrawn now and put back on the ballot when the markets and economy calm down.

It is important to have as many people as possible at this meeting to support the Conservation Easement and, if the bond issue is withdrawn, to support putting it back on the ballot when conditions improve, hopefully in the near future.

Vince Wickwar

Please plan on attending this Council meeting and lend support to the Conservation Easement issue.

Bowen to Bishop on Energy: Where Were You Three Years Ago?

2008-09-22T10:03:00.004-06:00

Great article in the Salt Lake Tribune today, defining the differences between Morgan Bowen's suggested policies, and Rep. Rob Bishop's blind towing of the GOP party line. On the energy crisis:

Three-term incumbent Bishop has run several bills this year focusing on rewarding conservation, increasing production of traditional fossil fuels and alternatives and building refineries, pipelines and power lines to create and distribute energy.

He wants to see an immediate increase of leases for oil shale production and oil drilling in offshore locations as well as in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

"There has been once again an arbitrary prohibition against [off-shore drilling] everywhere but the Gulf of Mexico. Even the Democrat side realizes there is not enough supply," said Bishop, a former Brigham City high school teacher and Utah House speaker. "In ANWR, we know there is oil there and a lot of it. There is no logical reason why it shouldn't be done."

Bowen, a high school LDS Seminary teacher from Logan who has never held a public office, has his own plans.

He would also like to see America wean itself from foreign oil. He is OK with drilling on public land, and he wants to provide incentives for oil companies to drill on leases they already have. He also wants a much greater focus on renewable energy, such as wind and solar, and agrees with nuclear power in places that have more water available than Utah.

His biggest disagreement with Bishop is over the timing of the bills.

"Where was Rob Bishop two or three years ago?" Bowen said. "We lost a lot of opportunities."

Good question Morgan. The article also describes how Bowen distinguishes himself from Bishop's excuse making on importing Italian waste into Utah, and the deregulation that lead to our current economic troubles. Read the rest here.

Cache Democrats new office hours

2008-09-19T11:58:00.003-06:00

New Office Hours!
We've increased our office hours to better serve you - and we'll be adding even more hours in the very near future.
Current Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11am - 1pm, Mon.-Wed. 4-6 pm

Anyone who would like to volunteer to staff the CD office is encouraged to contact us at 435.755.0032 or info@cachedemocrats.com

Jill
CD volunteer coordinator

District 1 Debate, Friday - A Message from Morgan Bowen

2008-09-18T10:16:00.003-06:00

A special YouTube message from Morgan Bowen, who will be debating Rob Bishop Friday at noon in the HUB of the USU Taggart Student Center. The debate is open to the public, so please join us and show your support in the race to take back District 1!

Morgan Bowen YouTube Training Vid: Got Signs?

2008-09-15T11:41:00.004-06:00

From the latest Morgan Bowen weekly campaign update email:

We just picked up a large order of our new lawn signs. And they all need homes. I recorded a training video, posted on YouTube, that will give the details about sign locations, placement , and legalities. Please take one for your home and set a goal to place many more with your friends and neighbors.

Signs may be picked up at the Salt Lake County Democratic HQ, the Davis County Democratic HQ on Main and Gentile in Layton, the Logan HQ at 55 W Center or email and we can deliver is necessary. The signs are free but if you have a little (or a lot) of money to donate, to help offset the cost, I welcome it.

With your signs, be sure to place them on private property with permission and stay away from putting the signs along the freeway or on public property.

Several of our signs have been stolen. Please, let’s take the high road and not tamper with my opponent’s signs. For those out there stealing our signs please don’t steal. Not only is it against the law but it shows a lack of integrity. Remember commandment number 8:

Thou Shalt Not Steal!

Happy sign placement.

Morgan

If you are not receiving Morgan's weekly campaign updates, you can subscribe here.

What do Republicans mean when they attack Obama as a socialist?

2008-09-09T14:42:00.001-06:00

Roger Terry
As an independent voter, I have been interested to read letters to the editor from Republicans who are scared to death of Barack Obama and his "socialism." I wonder if these people even know what socialism is, or if they have merely been listening to too much conservative talk radio.

For the record, socialism is an economic and political theory based on the premise that the means of production, distribution and exchange should be owned or at least regulated by the community. But socialism is not a distinct and narrowly defined doctrine. The term has been used to describe everything from labor unions and government regulation of corrupt business practices to various utopian experiments and Soviet-style communism. To claim that Obama is a socialist is nothing more than partisan name-calling, since, to one degree or another, we are all socialists.

How many Republicans, for instance, would willingly give up public libraries, the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.? It is simply a fact that the free market cannot supply some desirable goods and services in an equitable manner. And the unfettered market has absolutely no built-in mechanism to deal with such social ills as poverty, disease or disability. Indeed, every incentive in the market leads toward greater economic inequality.

Those who tout the market as the answer to all economic problems are imagining the market of Adam Smith's day, an agrarian economy composed of family farms and individual artisans and craftsmen. In today's corporate capitalism, Adam Smith's "invisible hand" is paralyzed by the disparity in power between the producer or seller of products and the consumer. For example, I have precisely no bargaining power against Microsoft. Our economic relationship is as unequal as a tug-of-war between an ant and an elephant. In today's world of corporate dominance, the only way to bring about any semblance of equality is for government to regulate businesses. By definition, this is socialism at work.

Deregulation, the battle cry of Reagan Republicans, brought us the savings and loan debacle of the 1980s. And lack of government oversight of financial services in recent years has given us the subprime iceberg, whose tip we have just begun to discern.

When Republicans worry that Obama will bring us more socialism, they must be thinking about socialized medicine. And yet this is exactly what we need. Let's face it, the free market is not designed to give quality health care to all Americans. It is designed to favor those with money and ignore those who can't afford insurance. This year 47 million Americans cannot afford health insurance. Next year the number will be higher. These people delay getting the care they need until their illnesses or injuries become much more expensive to treat. And who pays for the care they receive? Not the hospitals and doctors. No, I pay-through insurance premiums that increase much faster than inflation.

I wonder, then, what is so evil about socialized medicine? Especially since my personal encounter with Germany's socialized system, which the World Health Organization ranks as only the 25th best in the world, but still better than the U.S. at 37th. Canada, a target for many critics of socialized medicine, ranks 30th. And guess who else ranks ahead of the United States? Andorra, Colombia, Costa Rica and Morocco. A few years ago, our son, who was serving an LDS mission in Germany, found himself in the hospital with a ruptured appendix. He had surgery, spent a week in the ICU, received a full course of antibiotics to treat severe peritonitis, and spent another week recovering before being released. We had been told that because we had private insurance the German health system would really nail us. Well, those sneaky socialists did. The total bill they sent our insurance came to about $6,000. Outrageous! That same year, I underwent a minor outpatient surgery. For a couple of hours in a Utah Valley surgical center, my total bill was more than three times what my son was charged for his two-week stay in the German hospital. Some, of course, will argue that the Germans pay a whole lot in taxes to support their socialized health system. Yes, they do, but the overall cost of their system is still a lot less than what we spend on our market-driven system.

So, next time you hear somebody trying to scare you with Obama's supposed devotion to socialism, ask yourself what on earth they are talking about.

--- * ROGER TERRY is an editor at Brigham Young University. He has also been a faculty member at BYU's Marriott School and is the author of five books, including Economic Insanity: How Growth-Driven Capitalism Is Devouring the American Dream.

Who Are We?

2008-07-10T03:55:00.000-06:00

Cache Democrats believe that effective government will always be a government “by the people.” To achieve this end, citizens must be fully informed, frequently engaged and honestly represented by servants who adhere to these foundational American principles. The public trust can be maintained only in an environment of transparency, with the actions of government open to all. Our platform is to champion Democratic principles locally in Cache Valley:

1. OPEN GOVERNMENT: All actions taken by government, and the discussions and debates leading to those actions, must be made in legal meetings open to all. No discussion of any item should occur in a closed caucus where a majority of those voting on the item are present.

2. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: It is morally wrong for the current generation to put costs of its excesses on future generations. We support a balanced budget for local and state governments. Taxation must be balanced with maintaining the necessary functions of effective government, with those functions determined and sanctioned by the people.

3. ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY: All persons deserve a job that fairly compensates them for their labor. We support strong, locally-owned businesses that provide jobs and services to the people of Cache Valley. We support increased emphasis on high-technology, environmentally benign business development. We support the creation of new jobs, raising income levels, and retaining our youth in Cache Valley.

4. QUALITY OF LIFE SUSTAINABILITY: We believe that indifference to the natural beauty of Cache Valley is rapidly eroding the high quality of life its people have enjoyed. We support alternative transportation opportunities, and thoughtful regional, county, and city planning. We believe immediate action must be taken to preserve farmland, ensure open space, improve air quality, secure wildlife habitat and maintain water quality.

5. PUBLIC EDUCATION: People’s rights are most secure when everyone is afforded a good education and encouraged to become well-informed. We believe that Utah children deserve high quality education and that public education should receive top priority in funding within our state. We oppose vouchers or other mechanisms that would divert public funds from the public schools and into private institutions.

6. HIGHER EDUCATION: Utah State University uniquely endows Cache Valley with a special role in higher education. The university helps develop and maintain a high quality labor pool, which in turn keeps the Utah economy viable. Research universities develop innovations that lead to higher-income jobs in a sustainable economy. We believe increased support of higher education in general, and Utah State University in particular, will lead to a more stable economy in Cache Valley.

7. PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS: A basic tenet of democracy is protection of the individual from excessive government action. We strongly support the rights of individuals to “be themselves” – to differ from societal norms, to openly practice their beliefs and to maintain their values provided their actions do not violate their neighbor’s rights. We will work to maintain basic human rights in Cache Valley.

8. PROVIDING BASIC SERVICES: In a civil and sustainable society, all persons must have basic health care, freedom from hunger, and adequate, safe housing in order to become productive members of society. We strongly support private and public programs that advance the efforts of individuals to provide themselves and their families with these basic human requirements.