Link to full story.Conservative think tank Sutherland Institute authored the resolution urging President Donald Trump to rescind the Bears Ears National Monument. Lawmakers fast-tracked the resolution through the first days of the 2017 Utah Legislature.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
News Item: Sutherland Institute authored resolution urging Trump to overturn Bears Ears
News Item: Gov. Herbert declares 'Donny and Marie Day' for Utah
This is your tax dollars at work.
Not only is the mid-July day Slurpee Day and Amazon Prime Day, but it’s now, at least for Utah, Donny and Marie Day.
Herbert’s declaration stated that “the Osmond family are respected and admired Utahns who have often exemplified the cultural values of our state on an international stage.”Link to full story.
News Item: Utah physicians: 'Safe' pollution levels still pose risk to elderly, unborn
Link to full story.On Wednesday, Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment shared its conclusions and concerns drawn from a pair of recent studies that found persistent health risks even when pollution levels are below EPA recommendations. The group concluded that between 1,000 and 2,000 Utahns may die annually as a result of air quality problems. "We estimate that maybe 100 extra stillbirths here in Utah have been related to ozone exposure," said Dr. Kirtly Jones, a professor emeritus of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Utah.
News Item: SLC revises building energy ordinance after legislators, Mormon church complain about public reporting
Salt Lake City officials have toned down plans to tune up energy-inefficient buildings after pressure from legislators, business leaders and a real estate arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Both versions of the proposal have had council support, but some members privately felt in January that it wasn't worth risking the ire of influential developers and business owners by debating it during a state legislative session.
Indeed, Sustainability Department Director Vicki Bennett was approached by two legislators — House Majority Leader Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, and Rep. Mike Schultz, R-Hooper — who fit that bill. City Creek said the ordinance shouldn't apply to places of worship and tax-exempt buildings, and it, too, got its wish.Link to full story.
News Item: National booze group targets Utah governor and other ‘impaired’ older drivers to show ‘how silly’ Utah’s strict DUI law is
Link to full story.A national alcohol lobbying group continues its assault on Utah's strict, new drunken-driving law, this time with a full-page newspaper advertisement suggesting that senior citizens — including Gov. Gary Herbert and some state lawmakers — are a bigger risk than consumers who have had a cocktail before getting behind the wheel. "Our point is to illustrate how silly the law is," Sarah Longwell, ABI's managing director said in a telephone interview. "It's absurd that you would keep people over 65 from driving and it's absurd that a person who has had one drink and a low level of impairment would be put in jail." "Our point is to illustrate how silly the law is," Sarah Longwell, ABI's managing director said in a telephone interview. "It's absurd that you would keep people over 65 from driving and it's absurd that a person who has had one drink and a low level of impairment would be put in jail."
News Item: Rod Decker Calls it a Day
Enough said - a fantastic (and slightly shout-ie) journalist is going to call it a day.
Link to original image.
News Item: Utah’s Mike Lee compares Obamacare to car insurance in online town hall discussing health care bill
The Difference Is, You Won't Die If You Can't Afford Car Insurance
"Imagine if car insurance companies were required to charge everyone the same car insurance rate regardless of how likely they were to get into an accident," [Lee] said. "Those of you who are older and perhaps have good driving records — no tickets, no accidents — would be forced to pay higher insurance premiums. You'd, in effect, be subsidizing younger and riskier drivers while not receiving a reward for your safe driving. This is sort of like what's happening under Obamacare."
With the current health care system, the senator said, healthy, middle-class families are burdened with the costs of covering sicker individuals who need more care. His proposal would instead lump those with pre-existing conditions and specialized needs into a segregated risk pool while freeing up other individuals to select less expensive plans.Link to Full Story
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Huh, Who Would Have Seen That One Coming? Oh, Right...
News Item: 31 cases reported to Utah Poison Control since Utah Lake bloom returned
The Utah Poison Control Center has reported receiving 31 calls since the algal bloom reappeared on Utah Lake last month, according to an update on the lake’s condition from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.
Reminder: Utah Lake still open for boating, but people and pets should beware toxic algae in certain areasAbout 500 people called poison control last year with concerns about exposure to the algal bloom.
I Am Sure This Will Go Over Really Well...
And The Results Were... (Great Reporting Dez News)
News Item: More than 400,000 comment on Bears Ears Monument
About 430,000 comments on the Interior Department's website mention Bears Ears, including submissions compiled by conservation groups that include thousands of individual comments in one submission.
Oooh, Do We Get More Light Rail Out Of This One Too?
The International Olympic Committee's decision Tuesday to seek an agreement with Paris and Los Angeles over hosting the 2024 and 2028 Summer Games looks like good news for another Winter Games in Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City, host of the 2002 Winter Games, has been interested in bidding for another Olympics. But the U.S. Olympic Committee, which must submit the bids of American cities, has only sought Summer Games.
To Be Fair, He Is Quite Old And Being Principled Is Very Tiring.
News Item: Sen. Orrin Hatch calls Donald Trump Jr.’s email story ‘overblown’
Sen. Orrin Hatch, the former chairman of the Senate Intelligence and Judiciary committees, said Tuesday that emails showing Donald Trump Jr. knowingly met with a Russian lawyer promising information to "incriminate" Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was "overblown" and defended President Donald Trump's son as an "honorable" person.
Hatch said Trump Jr. didn't have any role in the administration and that it absolves the Trump White House of any wrongdoing.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said, "FBI Director Comey's statement made clear that Hillary Clinton's unauthorized actions risked revealing classified information and endangered our national security. Even if this case is not formally prosecuted in court, it is yet another reminder that the Clintons consider themselves above the law and refuse to play by the same rules as the rest of us."
Gotta Not Pay for Education Somehow...
News Item: Utah cities criticized for padding their budgets with user fees instead of raising taxes
To cover their expenses, cities have found it easier to raise various fees residents pay than to hike property taxes, Moss and others said. When cities propose raising taxes, state law requires them to advertise the plan and host a public hearing that mayors and city council members dread. Hiking fees draws far less attention.
Critics of cities' increasing reliance on fee hikes, like Moss and Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, say the practice hasn't been transparent because most residents don't read or understand the thousands of lines in a city budget.
They sought to end the trend altogether with HB164 but scaled the bill back after hearing from cities that said they have their reasons for using enterprise funds — made up of user fees for such things as electricity, water and sewer — to patch holes in their general funds.
Monday, July 10, 2017
Just Imagine "Walking On Sunshine" Playing in the Background.
Sunday, July 9, 2017
I Don't Think This Is Going To End Well
News Item: State opposes new United Utah Party access to special election ballot
State attorneys Friday opposed the United Utah Party's request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in its lawsuit seeking access to the 3rd Congressional District special election ballot.
The state has 30 days to process a request by a new political party. The elections office rejected United Utah co-founder Jim Bennett's candidate application because it had not recognized the party by the May 26 candidate filing deadline.
Remember: Don't Get Sick
News Item: Utah would have 72 percent more uninsured under Senate Republican health care bill, compared to Obamacare, study finds
A recent study by the Urban Institute, a left-leaning Washington, D.C-based economic and social policy think tank, found that 586,000 nonelderly Utahns — or 72 percent more people — would be uninsured in 2022 under the Senate plan compared to the ACA. Under the current law, the institute estimates that 341,000 people would be uninsured under the ACA in 2022.
They Are Just Your Taxpayer Dollars, Don't Worry About It
News Item: Unlike other states, Utah doesn’t reveal whether companies offered tax breaks meet their goals
The public will likely never know the impact of a $5.6 state million tax incentive offered to Amazon.com Inc., because unlike other states, Utah keeps the results secret.
But state officials said they cannot publicly share the benchmarks, or disclose whether Amazon hits its targets, or reveal the amount of tax dollars it collects out of the millions Utah is offering in rebates. In essence, GOED is telling taxpayers, "Trust us."
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Yeah, Sure, Why not...
News Item: Eden cafe owner hopes to establish a new political party, challenge Orrin Hatch
There’s more on the menu than tasty food at the Mad Moose Cafe in Eden. How about a new political party with that sandwich?
To register his “Bull Moose Party,” Seguin said he will need to collect 2,000 valid voter signatures by the end of November. On July 4, he began that effort and about 220 people have already signed in support.
PROTECT THE TRIBE!
News Item: Poll: Utahns divided on whether journalists who publish classified information should be prosecuted
A new UtahPolicy.com survey finds 43% of Utahns think those journalists who publish leaked information from the government should face jail time, while the same number say that's a bridge too far. 13% of Utahns say they are undecided.
Sentiment for prosecuting journalists who reveal classified information depends on what side of the political spectrum you sit on.64% of Utah Republicans say journalists who publish leaked information should be prosecuted, while 22% say they should not. 76% of Democrats and 59% of independent voters disagree with prosecuting journalists for revealing secret information.
Well, If You Are Not Going to Tax Us, I Guess We Will.
News Item: Our Schools Now heads to Southern Utah for public input meeting
Our Schools Now will hold a public meeting to receive input on its ballot initiative at Legacy Elementary in St. George next week. The initiative seeks to raise the state sales and income tax in order to increase funding for public education.
According to Our Schools Now, adjusting the personal income tax rate from 5 to 5.50 percent will generate $450 million annually, while increasing the sales tax rate from 4.7 to 5.2 will yield $250 million annually.
If Only There Was Some Other Way to Fund Police Departments...
News Item: Report: Utah police seized $1.4M under civil forfeiture law
Utah police seized $1.4 million in cash last year from people under a law allowing law enforcement to take someone’s property even if a person isn’t charged or convicted of a crime, according to a state report. The report also shows federal law enforcement agencies seized an additional $1.3 million in forfeited assets in Utah last year, some of which was shared with local law enforcement.
In most cases of the 400 cases, people didn’t fight to get their property back. Only 6 percent of people had any property returned.
Since When Was Fire, Dry Conditions, and Stupid People a Dangerous Combination?
News Item: S.L. County asks: Should fireworks be banned?
Days after fireworks were blamed for an apartment fire that forced tenants to jump from three-story windows, Salt Lake County's mayor wants feedback on the idea of a fireworks ban.
And social media users in the county of 1 million have started weighing in. As of Friday afternoon, 885 responses had filtered through, said Michelle Schmitt, spokeswoman for Mayor Ben McAdams. Seventy-five percent favored some kind of ban; 13 percent opposed and the remainder weren't sure or had other specific restrictions in mind.
Take A Drink Every Time They Say "Liberty"
News Item: Two debates set for three Republican primary rivals running for Chaffetz’s seat
The three conservative candidates vying to replace U.S, Rep. Jason Chaffetz are set to spar during two debates this month.
The hourlong debate will focus on "economic freedom," said the conservative organization's state director, Evelyn Everton. The questions will range from taxes and regulations to health care and energy production.
Just Swim With Your Mouth Shut.
News Item: Utah Lake still open for boating, but people and pets should beware toxic algae in certain areas
Health warnings related to a toxic algal bloom on Utah Lake remain in effect this weekend — though residents are getting mixed messages from government officials as to what that means.
Because the health department has not received new data over the past week, Tolman-Hill said they have relied on visual inspections of the lake to determine whether to modify their advisories.
If Only There Was A Way To Check References Beforehand...
News Item: Biskupski chooses ‘the Utah expert’ for redevelopment post after controversy sunk earlier pick
Mayor Jackie Biskupski has put forward a familiar face to lead Salt Lake City's urban renewal agency after her previous selection of an East Coast attorney was undone by his undisclosed past.
In April, Biskupskipulled her nomination of Marc Woolley afterThe Salt Lake Tribune reported that Woolley had been named in whistleblower lawsuits relating to his work at the Philadelphia Housing Authority from 1999 to 2003.
Wait, the First Amendment Applies Everywhere?
News Item: Federal judge strikes down Utah’s ‘ag gag’ law as unconstitutional
A federal judge on Friday struck down Utah's "ag gag" law, siding with animal-rights activists that the statute — which prohibits unauthorized filming of agricultural operations — violates free-speech rights.
State attorneys had argued thatthe First Amendment doesn't guarantee free-speech rightsif a person is on private property
Thursday, July 6, 2017
But He Can Take His Glasses On And Off In Front Of A Camera Really Good!
News Item: 'Political Insiders' say Salt Lake City Council made the right decision not putting Dabakis on UTA Board
Dabakis had made a promise to be a voice for reform in the embattled organization, but the city council members questioned his lack of experience with transportation issues when they nixed his nomination by a 6-1 vote.
Facts Can Be Pesky Things, Best to Ignore Them
A new UtahPolicy.com survey finds 52% of Utahns say they do not think there was more than incidental contact between Trump campaign officials and Russian operatives during the election. 34% of Utahns feel that there was collusion between Trump and Russia, while 14% say they don't know.
Happy Wife, Happy Life (as a Career Politician)
"Right now, I intend to run. But you know, Elaine (his wife) is not real enthusiastic about it, which causes me to pause a little bit," Hatch said.
Hatch said after winning in 2012 that this term would be his last. But this year he's opened the door to another six years, saying he has more work to do and is being encouraged to run again.
You got a whole pre-trial to yourself?! Great Job!
The United Utah Party's lawsuit against the Lieutenant Governor’s Office to get me on the ballot for the special election to fill Jason Chaffetz' seat had its first hearing on June 26, and it went far, far better than I could have possibly imagined.
This was a scheduling hearing for how the case was supposed to proceed, and, usually, such hearings are little more than simple housekeeping items. The two sides agree on a schedule, present that schedule to a judge, and then go back to write up their arguments for when the real hearing takes place.
It's Amazing what you can do with a Billion Dollar Bond
News Item: Highway officials identify proposed West Davis Corridor route
Federal and state highway officials Thursday released an environmental analysis identifying the route for the proposed 19-mile West Davis Corridor designed to serve commuters in western Davis and Weber counties.
Construction of the corridor, which could begin as early as 2020, also comes with a wetlands and wildlife mitigation plan involving the preservation of 1,100 acres of wildlands to offset ecosystem impacts.
I am sure it was worth it.
News Item: Outdoor Retailer is Denver-bound next year
In Utah, Outdoor Retailer has brought in as many as 40,000 visitors and $45 million in economic stimulus annually. It has been based at the Salt Palace Convention Center, where the venue will host a final Summer Market event later next month.
Facing pressure from several major outdoor company executives, Outdoor Retailer earlier this year said it would end its two-decade run in Utah over concerns about the state's public lands policies, including a push to rescind the Bears Ears National Monument designation.
If only social services were a thing...
News Item: Escalating violence around homeless shelter has Utah House speaker asking: Is this a job for the National Guard?
Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes was more than a little perplexed Wednesday in the aftermath of the auto-pedestrian accident, which occurred Tuesday evening around the corner from The Road Home.
"The violence and what is going on there is escalating," Hughes said Wednesday. "When it gets that out of hand, you can have a discussion about the National Guard with a straight face."
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)