Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor

Yesterday’s Utah Legislative Report Summary
Articles in published in today’s Utah newspapers about the Yesterday’s Utah Legislature news:

Salt Lake Tribune
Legislature briefs
More Legislative Briefs
Lawmakers hurriedly pass measure that could restrict access by the public
High schoolers may have to pay
It could cost more to float that boat
Registration: The $10 fee has been around for 19 years; funds would be used for facilities
Screenings exemption for missionaries, GIs?
Bill to help dentists now includes docs
Hotel tax bill would help Real Salt Lake
Toll road plan in high gear: Panel backs bill to let UDOT find a private partner for a highway
Lawmakers would drop own insurance
Budget Bill Would Weaken Governor’s Power
Gay-Club Ban Bill Emerges

Deseret News
Tuition bill heads to House: Tempers flare as panel refuses to hear from opponents of HB7
Clubs bill may replace Buttars’: Measure may include a rating system for parents
Lawmaker gives Alpine math an F
Lawmakers taking look at gift card expirations: HB324 would make certificates over $25 good for 5 years
GOP senators back building $$
Tighter restrictions are sought on Utah’s payday lenders: Advocates say Mayne’s bill isn’t tough enough
GOP preferences often different from Huntsman’s: House party’s vote for earmarking road cash is an example
Panel gives green light to toll-road plan
No health care for retired legislators if bill passes
‘Phishing’ targeted in bill, would increase penalties
Ski resort liability bill progresses to House
Measure to help poor get insurance moves to House

Many of the bills being debated this session in the Utah Legislature pertains to moral issues, such as (examples taken from articles in today’s papers):

Bill may stop SLC health insurance plan: It would prohibit government funds for unmarried partners
Gay club legislation text now available
House shows support for trooper crosses
Pre-marriage counseling may result in discount

I find it ironic that folks who oppose lifestyles different than theirs (for whatever reason) and want to impose laws that prohibit services for people whose lifestyles are different, advocate an administration in our country that wages aggressive wars on people around the world, that runs a terrorist training camp at Fort Benning, Georgia and refuses to abide by treaties between peoples-domestic or international. By what morals are these people living in these instances?

One more time:
While my tax dollars are being spent on squabbles over homosexuality vs. heterosexuality instead of focusing on legislation on issues of respect for diversity (which, by the way, our state touts in many advertising mediums…..) and on bills like seatbelt laws….our schools need more funding to meet state and federal mandates, people are going hungry, cold and homeless, teenagers are committing suicide and suffering from substance abuse, families are suffering due to parents having to work multiple jobs to make ends meet, and our environment continues to be placed at further risk by proposing expansions for accepting more toxic waste into our state.

***Legislating personal moral issues has no place in the business of our legislators.***

And then there is legislation introduced and being discussed such as this:
Group wants to build luxury hotel at ’02 Games site: Foundation seeking legislation to pave way for the luxury facility

Why are legislators spending their limited time on issues like this? What basic human need for our citizens will building a luxury hotel serve? I mean, really.

I can’t find the article I saw last week on an interview with Governor Huntsman but I remember an item in that interview where he called legislators on lacking focus on human needs. I would echo that sentiment and call upon our elected representatives to focus on issues that affect all Utahns, not the select few who benefit from bills that do not serve the interests of the many.

My 2 cents.

Yesterday’s Utah Legislative Report Summary
Articles in published in today’s Utah newspapers about the Yesterday’s Utah Legislature news:

Salt Lake Tribune
Legislature briefs
More Legislative Briefs
Possible Laundromat Sales Tax Ahead
Bill may stop SLC health insurance plan: It would prohibit government funds for unmarried partners
Gay club legislation text now available
Bill would weaken guv’s say on budget
Cities Target Ambulance Service Measure
House shows support for trooper crosses
Senator retreats on 17th: U.S. Constitution: Lawmaker gives up bid to change elections

Deseret News
Waste-disposal-override measure goes to House
Utah House urges study of N-power: HB46 to create focus on alternative energy sources
Duo want high school bar raised: Measure would waive test for high achievers
Toll roads partly private? UDOT may gain permission to shoulder costs with investors
SB80 set for hearing today before Senate committee
A law granting in-state tuition to undocumented students is legally sound
Proposed amendment fails :Proposed constitutional amendment aimed at restricting Utah courts’ ability to order the Legislature to spend money
Bill spotlights custody issue
Group wants to build luxury hotel at ’02 Games site: Foundation seeking legislation to pave way for the luxury facility
USTAR initiative gains early approval by Senate
Governor’s office calls measure a ‘power grab’
Lawmaker looks to stop abuse of tax system
Pre-marriage counseling may result in discount
Resolution calls for educating minors on tobacco