Planet Utah

One Utah: Voter Fraud, a Correction

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:14:41 +0000

The long term voter fraud issues that the GOP likes to bring up have been called by some (namely me) by rather disparaging terms. Namely, “a load of shit”, “outright lies”, “voter suppression” and “typical rightwing cheating tactics.” Also some other things that I can’t print here. Other people also get steamed about it. The [...]

One Utah: Immigration: The Vulnerable and the Powerful

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:44:35 +0000

On January 24, 2012 United Sates President, Barack Obama delivered the annual State of the Union address to the United States Congress. During his address, President Obama shared his perspective regarding the status of the nation and described his legislative agenda for the coming year. President Obama’s 2012 address is especially interesting as this speech [...]

One Utah: Orrin Hatch: Jesus Would Never Tax The Rich

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:44:35 +0000

Via Raw Story: Senator Orrin Hatch took to the floor yesterday to complain about President Obama’s citation of The Bible to justify progressive taxation. Speaking to a group of mostly-conservative politicians at the annual National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, the president proved that conservatives do not have a monopoly on using religion to advocate for [...]

Utah Senate: Morning Bulletin: Feb. 3, 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:08:57 +0000

Buongiorno!

(“Hello!” in Italian)

A lot is going on at the Capitol, Day 10 of the Utah legislative session, on the Rotunda as well as in both houses of the Legislature. Hold onto your seats!

Our daily press conference is today around 11:45, or when morning floor time is over. Watch it via Facebook, and ask questions at the same time.
On the third reading calendar, other than the circled bills, we have:

There are several groups out on the Rotunda today. If you get the time, visit their booths! So far we have the American Heart Association, Salt Lake Community College, and Radio Disney.
We’re putting up photos from the week on Flickr and Facebook today. Did you make it in the album?
We hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

One Utah: HBO Films: ‘Game Change’ Trailer

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:59:36 +0000

It’s one thing to read about it, and something else to see the Hollywood version. “Game Change” premieres on HBO March 10. Related Posts:OccupySLC Winter Campers COULD BE In Warm Beds Instead Watch as playlist. Poyce Healther Suker David Raphael Cordray Solomon Schneider Noel Song Martin Bammes Utah Stands! Diana Ross For The Supreme Court! [...]

One Utah: They’ve Got A Little List – That’s More Than Doubled In A Year

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:30:03 +0000

As some day it may happen that a victim must be found, I’ve got a little list — I’ve got a little list Of society offenders who might well be underground, And who never would be missed — who never would be missed! –Gilbert & Sullivan, “The Mikado” Government figures provided to The Associated Press [...]

One Utah: Marriage Equality Could Happen Very, Very Soon In Washington State

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:14:54 +0000

The details are here. Related Posts:Gay Marriage recognized in D.C., IF . . . Washington D.C. council has voted to recognize gay marriages performed in states where those marriages are legal. This law must first ...Marriage Equality Comes to Washington DC And the WaPo editorializes powerfully, saying: Here as throughout the country, same-sex marriage remains [...]

Utah Senate: Morning Bulletin: Feb. 2, 2012

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:49:46 +0000

Magandang umaga!

(“Good Morning!” in Tagalog)

Happy Groundhog Day. Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter this morning, and it is also day 9 of the Utah legislative session.

Ever see us snapping photos around the Capitol and wonder where they go? We post them on our Flickr and Facebook regularly.
Floor time is scheduled to start at 10 a.m.
There are a number of items on the third reading calendar today. In addition to the ones that have been circled, are a few bills ready for vote:

HB 23: Special Administrative Expense Account Amendments
HB 36: Sales and Use Tax – Computer Software and Other Tangible Personal Property Amendments
HB 12: Corrections Education Amendments
HB 10: Department of Corrections Amendments’
HB 21: Driver License Emergency Contact Database
HB 31: Taxes an Fees on Emergency Medical Aircraft
HB 35: Extension of Recycling Market Development Zone Tax Credits
HB 42: Permanent Community Impact Fund Board Grants
SB 107: Possession of Graffiti Paraphernalia

The Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Standing Committee meeting today has been cancelled.
Join the live press conference via our Facebook page today as soon as floor time ends, about 11:45. As always, we will announce when it starts on our Twitter and Facebook. We take questions for the Senators via text message. Watch for the number you can send it to.
The Rotunda has gone purple. Weber State University is at the Capitol today giving presentations.

One Utah: Quick question

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:59:34 +0000

How do you think the support for Mitt Romney is going to turn out once Americans realize what a Mormon actually is? Related Posts:I (did) Like Mitt Romney Personally, Iâ€™ve given Romney the benefit of the doubt ever since he began eyeing a run for president. Heâ€™s smart ...Mitt Romney Flippin Mad [kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/-G9hydflwEQ" width="400" [...]

Utah Senate: When does a person become a person?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:30:49 +0000

By Aaron Osmond

Utah State Senator, District 10

At the request of citizens’ groups, I am exploring whether it would be appropriate to more clearly define when human life begins. Currently, the Utah Constitution does not specify when an embryo is legally considered a person.

Since establishing a clear definition has the possibility of influencing policy and statute in our state, I am reaching out to all stakeholders who may be affected by this issue so they can take an active role in the process.

If you have thoughts or concerns, please contact me.

Thank you.

Utah Senate: SB 112: Equalizing TV Taxes

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:34:48 +0000

By Wayne Neiderhauser

Utah State Senator

There has been some confusion about SB 112 Multiple-channel Video or Audio Service Tax Amendments.

Let me clarify.

Currently, there is a discrepancy between the amount of excise tax you pay if you are a cable or a satellite customer.

If you are a satellite TV customer, you pay a 6.25% excise tax to the state—but no franchise tax.

If you are a cable TV customer, you pay a 3.75% excise tax to the state and you probably also pay a franchise tax to local government. So if your franchise tax is 5% then your total tax is 8.75%.

SB 112 equalizes the amount of tax that can be assessed. In this example, if SB112 passes, satellite customers will still pay a 6.25% excise tax and the cable TV customers’ 5% franchise tax will remain, but the amount cable customers will pay in excise tax to the state will be reduced to 1.25%. This change will make the total tax charged to consumers in both groups equal at 6.25%. (If there is no franchise tax, the cable customers would pay the same 6.25% tax as the satellite customer.) The end result will be the same—equity in the amount of tax paid by both the satellite and the cable customers.

Government should not be in the business of picking winners and losers.

SB112 brings parity and fairness to the taxes people pay as TV customers and will allow them to make decisions based on economic value, competitive rates and product quality rather than applicable tax rates.

One Utah: Fixing Traffic Jams

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:14:56 +0000

Hat tip to Barry Ritholtz for this interesting article. Urban congestion exemplifies the larger problem of effectively coordinating individual decisions to use largely unpriced goods like roads. Drivers are adept at anticipating delays and factoring them into decisions on whether and when to hit the road. But, absent tolls, they are not compelled to factor [...]

One Utah: “Pro-Life”, also with Bunny Ears

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:44:50 +0000

The Koman for the Cure charity has given up on Planned Parenthood. The Koman charity says that the primary reason they are leaving Planned Parenthood twisting in the wind is because a woman hating republican asshole a conservative republican has launched an investigation/audit into Planned Parenthood. Unless you read the official version, which spits out [...]

One Utah: Shorter Romney: ‘Prosperity Through Austerity’

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:14:37 +0000

What’s even crazier than Newton’s plan to make the Moon our 51st state? That’s easy. From Willard (“Mitt”) Romney’s Florida victory speech last night: My leadership will end the Obama era and begin a new era of American prosperity…. I will not just slow the growth of government. I will cut the spending of government. [...]

Utah Senate: Morning Bulletin: Feb. 1, 2012

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:38:13 +0000

Dobroye utro!

(Russian for “good morning!)

Floor time has started. Stream it live via the legislative website.
Bills that may come up on the third reading calendar today:

The legislature honored America’s first all-woman city council on Friday. Read more about it here.
Join in on our live press conference today around 11:45. We are streaming it from our Facebook page, and we love your comments! Because floor time usually does not end right at 11:45, we announce when we start the press conference via Twitter and Facebook.

One Utah: President Obama Acknowledges Existence of Pakistan War

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:44:31 +0000

For the first time, President Obama has officially acknowledged that the USA is waging war in Pakistan. It’s sometimes difficult to keep in mind that almost everything we know about drone strikes is based on anonymous sources. The U.S. government until now has refused to address the subject on the record. David Dayen on FDL: [...]

Utah Senate: Morning Bulletin: Jan. 31, 2012

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:48:46 +0000

Hyvää huomenta!

(That’s Finnish for “good morning!”)

Here comes another round of work today at the Utah Legislature. Today is Day 7 of the legislative session.

Floor time starts about 10 a.m. We’re very excited that the live stream went well yesterday! Tune in from the legislature’s homepage.
Bills coming up for a vote in the Senate’s third reading calendar today are:

1SB 96 Sales and Use Tax Exemptions for Golf Courses
SB 97 Grants for Online Testing
SB 32 Breast Cancer Prevention Amendments
SB 91 Utah Uniform Securities Act amendments and Civil Actions
SB 123 Pharmacy Practice Act Amendments
SB 109 Assault Amendments
SB 129 Unemployment Insurance Modifications

The Senate Revenue and Taxation Standing Committee meeting, and the Senate Workforce Services and Economic Development Committee meeting have been cancelled.
Today on is Pharmacy Day On Capitol Hill. Pharmaceutical students and professionals are on the Rotunda offering tests- like your blood pressure, for example.
As always, you can join in on our live press conference via Facebook today around 11:45. We’ll keep you updated on when we start through our Twitter and Facebook. People have been texting in questions for the senators. What a great way to be involved in the legislative process!

Utah Senate: Podcast: Time for Base Budgets

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:30:11 +0000

Within the first 10 days of the legislative session, Utah must pass a base budget. What is a base budget? How does the legislature decide what goes in it? In this four-minute podcast, Senator Lyle Hillyard and Senator Kevin Van Tassell (Executive Approps Chair and Vice Chair) discuss what it is, why we need one, and why there are nine base budget bills on the table this year:

Podcast: Base Budget

While you listen, you can view the base budget bills here:

HB 1: Public Education Base Budget Amendments

HB 4: Higher Education Base Budget

HB 5: Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Base Budget

HB 6: Retirement and Independent Entities Base Budget

SB 4: Business, Economic Development, and Labor Base Budget

SB 5: Executive Offices and Criminal Justice Base Budget

SB 6: Infrastructure and General Government Base Budget

SB 7: National Guard, Veterans’ Affairs, and Legislature Base Budget

SB 8: Social Services Base Budget

Utah Senate: America’s First All-Woman City Council

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:34:41 +0000

Last Friday, the Utah Legislature recognized the 100^th anniversary of America’s first all-woman city council, elected in Kanab, Utah in 1912.

Utah State Legislature

OFFICIAL CITATION

HONORING

Kanab’s All-Woman City Council

AN OFFICIAL CITATION OF THE UTAH STATE LEGISLATURE RECOGNIZING THE 100^th ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATION’S FIRST ALL-WOMAN CITY COUNCIL.

Be it hereby made known to all by the Utah State Legislature:

WHEREAS, the citizens of Kanab, Utah elected the United States of America’s first all-woman city council in 1911; and,

WHEREAS, America’s first all-woman city council consisted of the following individuals: Mary Woolley Chamberlain (Mayor), Luella Maude Atkin Mcallister, Vinnie Farnsworth Jepson, Tamar Stewart Hamblin, Sarah Blanche Robinson Hamblin, and Ada Pratt Seegmiller; and,

WHEREAS, the council served their community with foresight and economy succeeding with numerous accomplishments, such as: platting the cemetery, joining with Kanab’s Irrigation Company to control storm water, build a dam north of town, and build bridges over the irrigation ditches; prohibiting cows and horses from running free on the streets; establishing the licensure of dogs; requiring traveling peddlers to register and purchase a license; organizing clean-up days; passing a liquor ordinance; prohibiting noisy sports on the Sabbath day; and outlawing “flippers” (sling shots); and,

WHEREAS, 2012 marks the 100 year anniversary of the first year of office for these extraordinary women;

NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE KNOWN this 27th day of January 2012 by the Utah State Legislature that 2012 be a year of celebration, recognition and honoring of the first All-Woman City Council.

Here is a link to the Salt Lake Tribune article.

Utah Senate: SB 138 in Five Paragraphs

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:30:05 +0000

By Todd Weiler

Utah State Senator, District 23

SB 138 is not an anti-mandate bill. It is a pro-education funding bill.

The first thing SB138 does is makes the playing field equal for ALL state employees. Currently, when the state issues an insurance mandate, employees of the public school system or state intuitions of higher-education are not always included in the mandated coverage. This bill will make it so that everyone who is employed by the state is covered by every insurance mandate.

Additionally, SB 138 holds the public education and higher education budgets harmless from the increased costs of healthcare mandates. We have serious challenges with public education funding and additional costs of unfunded mandates would increase those challenges. SB 138 simply asks the Legislature to appropriate funds to cover the costs of the requested mandate should it pass.

The bill requires that fiscal notes show an accurate cost of the mandate and creates fiscal accountability for the impact of any new health insurance mandates. This will increase the public’s ability to scrutinize the actual costs of the mandates that the legislature is imposing. Very often, health insurance mandate bills are presented and considered as “off-budget” expenditures, without taking into account their impact on the budget, particularly their impact on public and higher education. The sad truth is that mandates increase premiums and in this tight fiscal environment the public dollars that go towards paying the increased cost of health insurance must come from somewhere. That hard fact means that every dollar funding health care is suddenly unavailable to improve teacher pay, reduce class sizes, buy textbooks and build schools.

This bill will create the necessary transparency for us to intelligently weigh those alternatives. It will allow us to make difficult legislative choices with our eyes wide open and a clear understanding of the financial impact on education.

None of these factors will prevent HB 69 from getting a fair hearing. In fact, if both SB 138 and HB 69 pass, substantially more people in Utah will benefit from the expanded coverage. In addition, teachers and other “education” employees will not have to leave their job to qualify for the coverage.

One Utah: Muppets: 1

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:29:26 +0000

Faux :0 (Hat tip to cav for the trail of bread crumbs…) I mentioned in a comment thread that Faux News found the muppets to be horrible anti-capitalist frogs and pigs (or something) because of their oh so mean treatment of an oil Barron in the latest muppet movie. The muppets respond: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8YhED4Ig… When your “news” [...]

One Utah: “Science!”… with bunny ears

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:44:30 +0000

One of the greatest comedians on earth is a man by the name of Eddie Izzard. One of my favorite things he does, frequently, is not a joke per say, he simply refers to air quotes as “bunny ears.” Which must be how the WSJ refers to science. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, sixteen [...]

One Utah: President Obama Calls Out Mike Lee’s Scorched Earth Obstructionism

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:59:33 +0000

Via Think Progress Last week, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) announced he would take revenge for President Obama’s decision to make four recess appointments by engaging in a scorched earth campaign of obstruction against the president’s nominees. In his weekly address this weekend, Obama made Senator Lee the poster boy for Republican sabotage. While typically blaming [...]

Utah Senate: Morning Bulletin Jan. 30, 2012

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:47:55 +0000

Buenos dias!

Today is Day 6 of the Utah State Legislative Session. We’re excited to be back at work, and welcomed a group of Weber State visitors on the Rotunda this morning. Welcome to the capitol!

For today:

There is a hotline you can call if there are any technical glitches with the new live stream system. Please call: 801-708-5300. Or, send an email to web-hotline@le.utah.gov
The Senate Education Standing Committee meeting for this afternoon is cancelled.
Tune and get involved with the live stream press conference in President Waddoups’ office today after floor time via Facebook. It usually starts around 11:45, but we’ll announce when it starts on our Twitter feed and Facebook wall as well.
Feeling candid? You’ll see a few staff members running around with a camera this session. Photos will be posted on our Facebook almost daily and Flickr weekly.
Floor time starts at 10 a.m. Connect to the live stream from the legislature’s home page.

We look forward to this week, and hope you do, too!

One Utah: Internet Community Can Never Again Ignore Politics.

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:14:41 +0000

A question every politician should be asked at every opportunity is, “Do you understand the Internet and do you regularly use it?”. If the answer is no they are unfit for office period. It is no longer acceptable for Congress who seeks to regulate the Internet to not understand what they are proposing to legislate. [...]

One Utah: I may have to buy some cheap junk

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:14:29 +0000

Some company choices are worth supporting. eBay General Counsel Brandon Pace warned Utah lawmakers on Thursday that the company may reconsider relocating 3,000 workers to the state if it does not extend employment protections the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The state is currently considering such a measure, sponsored by state Sen. Ben [...]

One Utah: In other news, water found to be wet

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:59:44 +0000

In a study sure to upset no one at all….. There’s no gentle way to put it: People who give in to racism and prejudice may simply be dumb, according to a new study that is bound to stir public controversy. This is a great opening line to an article, not just because of what [...]

Utah Senate: Morning Bulletin Jan. 27, 2012

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:15:37 +0000

Guten Morgen!

Today is Day 5 of the Utah Legislative Session, and it looks like it’s going to be a sunny day in Salt Lake.

The regularly scheduled Appropriations Subcommittees are currently meeting. Tune in live now.
We’ve posted the text of President Waddoups’ Bee speech from the opening of the session on the Senate Site.
Thus far, all Senate Standing Committees except the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Standing Committee are scheduled to meet this afternoon at 2:10.
Watch our live press conference in President Waddoups’ office today right after floor time via Facebook or UStream. Yesterday we took questions for the senators via text message, and they were great! Watch our Twitter stream or Facebook wall for updates on the starting time. It usually starts around 11:45.
Floor time will begin approximately 10 a.m. The link to watch it live should appear on the schedule on the legislature’s home page when we start.

And have a Happy Friday!!

One Utah: PIPA SOPA ACTA and TPP Designed to Eliminate Safe Harbors

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:44:31 +0000

Back in 2000 Congress passed the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. This was pre Napster. There was a provision in the DMCA called Safe Harbors that would shield providers from lawsuits if they registered with the copyright office and removed any material that copyright holders complained about. This provision was hotly contested by Hollywood, the media, [...]

One Utah: Present Law Works; Just Not Well Enough I Guess

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:14:29 +0000

A young man asked me how I was doing today and I said I was OK, but mad at the government. He said he was too and asked if I ever used the internet. He said the government had just shut down a website called Megaupload. I have never heard of this site, but – [...]