Utah Moms Care

Questioning the Role of Bloggers in the Dissemination of 'News'

2009-03-23T20:50:00.002-06:00

Two weeks ago I began a post wrapping up the Legislative session, somewhere along the way I lost heart. So today, after finally wrestling the computer away from my midterm taking husband, this is the post I ended up with instead. Hope it is worth your time:

It seems every week my beloved newspaper is shrinking. People from my generation don't get their news from print media. They rely on homepage headlines, political pundits, right/left leaning cable news, blogs and twitter. As a blogger it is flattering to see how many unique readers peruse our posts, but I sometimes find it alarming that these words often written in haste can be taken as truth. I pick a topic, do a little research, write up a quick post, proofread and edit, then publish. The entire process is full of bias. I report to no one. I have no real responsibility or accountability. I am the norm for bloggers. So where do blogs belong in the 'news' context? Can they really be considered a source for news? Are they purely the op ed page in a new form? Even if we view ourselves as such, do our readers? Blogs do allow discussion and publicity for items of concern not found other places. Local issues can especially be influenced by blogs. But I still flounder as I consider the above questions, and the role of blogging in my own life. Are we a service or disservice to our readers? Are we too relevant?

You can vote drunk; all you need to do is be able to recognize the R or D

2009-03-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

Sen. McCoy is carrying a bill this session allowing state liquor stores to stay open on election day. A Republican Senator joked, what if he had a little too much and voted for a Democrat? Don't worry though, as long as you are sober enough to recognize the R or D you know what you are getting, right? That was the argument in ANOTHER Senate committee. Direct nonpartisan elections of State School Board officials was shot down. They want the R or D, so you know what you are getting. We are not smart enough to do a little research and find out for ourselves. We need candidates to pick a side. Are you for vouchers or against them? For sex education or abstinence only? Are you an R or a D? Wow, I would hate to vote for the individual instead of the party. So have a drink and head down to vote, you can hit that straight party button at the beginning and be on your way comfortably knowing you voted for all the best candidates.

Chances: One in Five?

2009-03-02T20:11:00.002-07:00

Today I scanned all the bills that have been proposed this session limiting cell phone use and/or text messaging while driving. There are five. It seems that if five different Legislators are running the same or similar bills then the problem they are attempting to address is obvious. The two bills making the most progress only ban text messaging (Sen. Hillyard's & Rep. Clark's). But there is a little hope. HB 95 by Rep. Riesen passed through a House committee after an amendment specifying that it is alright to use two way radios. This should satisfy the concerns of HAM radio operators. It looks like it may just take five bills to get one thing done, let's hope after all that they do it right.

A Carrot or a Stick - Motorcycle Helmet Laws

2009-02-24T15:31:00.003-07:00

Two bills address Motorcycle Helmet Laws this session. One has already crashed.

Rep. Hansen's HB 158 attempted to raise the age mandating motorcyclists wear helmets to 21, that bill died in committee.

Rep. Menlove's approach is a little bit different. If a motorcyclist receives a ticket while wearing a helmet, their fine would be reduced by $10. It's the incentive route.

I'm going to say something unpopular here, so if you are going to get all riled up about it stop reading now, and I mean right now, because here it comes: ALL MOTORCYCLISTS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO WEAR HELMETS. Just make it a law and stop tip toeing around the issue. I know there will be whining, gnashing of teeth and probably a good deal of swearing at first. But people will get over it, and you'll save a significant amount of lives in the meantime. Let the incentive not be: if you break the law riding your motorcycle we'll make it a little cheaper for you, let's make the incentive: you get to live if you crash, or at least sustain less brain damage.

Quick Run Down of Important Bills & Where They Stand

2009-02-19T19:45:00.005-07:00

Find the bills that interest you in the list below and see where they stand.

HB 90 Abortion Law Amendments (Rep. Ray) - The amendments increasing the penalty for performing an abortion, some controversy surrounding the wording of the bill and if it was constitutional There are fears it will lead to expensive litigation for the state. The bill has made it through both bodies and will now go to the Governor who is looking into the legality.
HB 95 Restriction of Wireless Communication Devices in Vehicles (Rep. Riesen) - It's been sitting in the House Law Enforcement queue for 10 days...we'll see if it ever moves.
HB 114 Abortion Litigation Trust Account (Rep. Sumsion) - This bill sets up an account people/organizations can donate to, the account will help pay for legal costs if the Legislature ever passes a bill banning abortion. If an abortion ban does not become law before 2014, the account will fund adoption assistance. The bill is through the House and has passed a Senate committee, the bill will now be debated on the Senate floor. After such bold words vowing to ban abortion during the election, the bill is high on message low on action.
HB 124 Insurance Coverage for Nutritional Formula (Rep. Johnson) - Just received it's fiscal note (the amount the bill will cost).
HB 129 Alcoholic Beverage Amendments Related to Minors (Rep. Oda) - Minors would lose their driving privileges for a year if they obtain a drink with a fake/borrowed id. It's a great bill with an appropriate consequence and deterrent for teens. The bill is through the House and is waiting for it's committee assignment in the Senate.
HB 150 Direct Election of State School Board Members (Rep. Moss) - The bill is through the House Education Committee and now is on the House calendar to be debated.
HB 215 Stopping 10-Digit Dialing (Rep. Dunnigan) - Don't see it happening, the bill has been moved BACK to the Rules Committee (never a good sign if you support a bill)
HB 242 Changing the Date for Kindergarten Enrollment (Rep. Black) - Died in committee, Rep. Black says she will not bring the bill back this session.
HB 248 Regulating Use of Wireless Communication Devices in Vehicles (Rep. Moss) - A substitute bill was recommended by committee, but it hasn't appeared yet.
HB 284 Smoking Ban in Car with Children Present (Rep. Seegmiller) - Bill failed in committee this morning, suffering the same fate it did the past two years.
HB 281 Regulating Use of Wireless Communication Devices in Vehicles (Rep. Ray) - Held by committee, I doubt it's going anywhere.
HB 293 Direct Election of State School Board Members (Rep. Menlove) - Assigned to the House Education Committee.
SB 43 Clay's Law (Sen. Stephenson) - Circled in the Senate, it may not have enough votes to make it through so the sponsor is trying to rally support before the bill comes up. If you care about this bill now would be a good time to let your Senator know.
SB 61 Sports for Home Schoolers (Sen. Madsen) - Through a Senate committee and now will head to the floor.
SB 199 Equal Recognition of School Parent Groups (Sen. Bramble) - Sick of paying PTA dues? This bill prohibits an educational entity from working with parent groups that require dues. Basically the PTA could not require you to pay your dues if you want to participate. The dues at our school are an outrageous $5/parent. They have funded an awesome USU Engineering Day, a donut breakfast for parent's that walk their kids to school, and many other activities around campus. Some say it is an attack on the PTA for their voucher stand a few years ago, but a column by Rolly in the Salt Lake Tribune seeks to debunk that conspiracy theory. Either way, is this really a problem worthy of a statewide law? The bill passed through the Senate Education Committee and now heads to the floor.

All the Common Ground Initiative Bills have been voted down or removed by their sponsors. With the debate over remarks made public by Sen. Buttars this week, it may mean some hope for some Common Ground bills to be resurrected. Funny how someone's 'ardent' support of an issue can rally the opposing side and move fence sitters away from you.

There are many bills listed above that I have not covered on this blog, if you see one that you think merits more explanation or interests you please let me know and we'll cover it more thoroughly. I love suggestions on bills to blog about, so send any of those as well.

Home Schoolers and Public School Extra-Curriculars

2009-02-19T19:35:00.003-07:00

Sen. Madsen has brought it back, he is again carrying a bill this session that would define the rights of home schooled or private schooled students participating in their local public school's extra curricular activites/sports. SB 61 is reminiscent of last years bill, as are all the arguments against it (mainly that parent's may lie when they sign the affidavit declaring their child eligible). Opponents, including the UEA and UHSAA, argue that this bill addresses a problem that doesn't exist: home school and private school students being denied access to public school activities. Sen. Madsen says the bill clarifies student's rights and allows enforcement. The bill didn't make it through last year, but with 14 Senator's co sponsoring the legislation it may have more hope this year. (source)

Forcing Insurance Companies to Cover Vital Formula

2009-02-05T14:29:00.001-07:00

Getting insurance companies to cover vital services seems to be a reoccurring theme this session. I already posted on Clay's Bill, SB 43, which would require insurance companies to cover autism therapy. Rep. Johnson's HB 124 addresses coverage of those with eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder that require a specialized formula that is administered via a feeding tube. The disease is uncommon and does not always require the formula for patients, but for those that it does the cost is overwhelming. Eleven states already have legislation requiring the coverage of the amino based formula, Rep. Johnson hopes Utah will make it a dozen. (source) It is unfortunate that insurance companies force the states to pass legislation mandating coverage of something so basic. I wish Rep. Johnson luck with her bill for the sake of the many that need it. Go here to read about a Utahn with the disorder.

How About Legalizing Drunk Driving?

2009-02-03T14:00:00.005-07:00

The letters to the editor this week are killing me. Those stating that Utah's cell phone laws are fine just the way they are, because if they can talk on the phone and drive safely then why should it be illegal? (Wait, are you the girl I passed on I-15, talking on your phone and eating a Popsicle? Or that guy that pulled out in front of me so involved in your conversation that you were completely unaware I was coming?) Frankly, the same argument could be made for drinking and driving. If I can drink 3 beers and still make it home 'safely', why is it illegal? Study after study has shown that driving while on the phone is equal to the impairment of driving drunk. Period. A Salt Lake Tribune poll said that 80% of participants thought that there should be more regulation on cell phone use and driving. But there are more than 20% of drivers who talk on the phone while driving. Maybe it is everyone else that is unsafe, not them. The reality is that even if people know that talking and driving is unsafe, they still do it. Until there is a law that spells it out they'll keep doing it. There are three bills addressing cell phones and driving this session. One needs to pass that will outright ban texting while driving (clearly a stupid endeavor) and at least require drivers to use hands free devices (though if these are truly safer is questionable).

The three bills to watch are: Rep. Riesen's HB 95 , Rep Ray's HB 281, and Rep. Moss' HB 248.

Direct Elections for State School Board Members

2009-02-02T13:18:00.002-07:00

This past election cycle demonstrated that it is time for a change in how the State School Board Members are nominated and elected. (You can read about this year's mess here). Two seemingly identical bills, one carried by Rep. Moss (D) and one by Rep. Menlove (R) seek direct nonpartisan elections of school board members. They repeal the entire nominating and recruiting committee and the involvement of the Governor. This year my site received literally thousands of hits when I posted information on the school board candidates, people want to know what is going on and are trying to become informed voters. Give us the benefit of the doubt, and let US participate in the entire school board election process.

UPDATE: Kindergarten Amendment

2009-01-30T14:50:00.002-07:00

Rep. Black's bill that would have changed the date for Kindergarten enrollment to July 1st failed in committee this morning, even with an attempt to amend the bill to read that school districts could each set their own date for admission.

Deja vu - Smoking Ban is Back

2009-01-29T19:02:00.004-07:00

Last year Sen. McCoy ran a bill that would ban smoking in the car with children present. It made it through the Senate, but never made it to the floor of the House. That bill is back, this time carried by Rep. Seegmiller. HB 284 would make it a secondary offense to smoke in the car if a child younger than 8 is present (the officer will 'know' they are younger than 8 because they are in a car seat/booster). The imposed fine would be $45, but that fine could be waived if the offender agreed to enroll in a smoking cessation program. Think this will have any better luck this year?

Opposing Plans on Food Tax

2009-01-28T17:14:00.002-07:00

We have all heard the argument that sales tax on food is regressive, hurting those with modest incomes significantly more than those who are wealthy. This year the Governor has proposed doing away with Utah's tax on food altogether, but don't start budgeting less for groceries yet. An opposing idea is circling the Legislature which would actually restore the food tax the level it was at a few years ago (raising it back up 1.75%). source

It seems these are the two extremes, a compromise may exist. Five states currently tax food, but offer a rebate to certain populations based on their income. In fact only 2 states, Alabama and Mississippi, tax food at the standard sales tax rate and offer no offsetting relief for low-income populations. The idea circulating the chambers would put us in that category. source

We all realize that the budget cuts are going to be painful. But we must implore our Legislature that when making those cuts and subsequent raises in taxes they remember those whom will be affected the most.

10 Digit Dialing Starting March 1st, Unless....

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

I'll be honest, I don't even know my best friend's number. I find her on my caller ID and hit phone, or scroll to her name on my cell and hit send. But I don't think I'm alone. I doubt she knows my number either.

Like you I have been receiving warning letters for months from my phone companies telling me that soon I'll have to dial 10 digits to even reach my next door neighbor. They are overlaying our 801 zone with the an additional 385 area code. Will it be a big deal?

Rep. Jim Dunnigan doesn't think this is such a great idea. He is running a bill that instead of requiring 10 digit calling would divide the 801 area geographically. You could still call your neighbor using just 7 digits. There is no simple solution, both ideas pose problems. Dividing the 801 zone geographically would make it easier for senior citizens and children to remember their contact information. But most people's phone's don't live at home anymore. We've got them in our purses or pockets. We don't even look at the number when we dial. There is also major expense for businesses that are reassigned area codes. Overlaying the area code would not cause businesses to incur expenses and would hardly affect the majority of us.

Rep. Dunnigan's bill if passed will take effect immediately, or else the overlay and required 10 digit calling begins on March 1st. (Source: here)

And They're Off

2009-01-26T10:46:00.003-07:00

Today the Legislature heads back to the dome to begin the 2009 session. Here are a few things I anticipate we will see:

Ethics Reform - There are a lot of bills already drafted proposing ideas. Everything from limiting lobbyist gifts to how quickly a person can go from Legislator to Lobbyist. This past year has proven that reform is needed. I would like to see an independent commission set up to address ethics complaints and a ban on lobbyist gifts. But I think I'll be disappointed on both counts.

The Gun Lobby in Full Force - With Sen. McCoy attempting to pass a bill that would limit the ability of non-Utahns to get concealed weapons permits from the state, and the love shown to the lobby by now Senate President Waddoups I think they will have an increased (if that is possible) presence.

Alcohol Law Changes - Given the okay by the LDS Church to look at changing a few of Utah's alcohol laws, if proponents are smart they'll get busy getting the reforms they want passed this year.

Pain Felt Across the Board - Every department will have it's budget cut this year, that seems to be a given. Unfortunately, it looks as though those who may need the help the most may get the biggest shaft. Meals on Wheels, CHIP qualifiers, schools for the autistic all have been warned they may no longer exist after this session. There are also attempts to widen the tax base. One much publicized proposal would more than double the tax on cigarettes and then remove the tax on food. Gov. Huntsman is also suggesting a tax on services, such as accounting or attorney fees.

Bills Defining Social Morals - It seems a Republican lawmaker every year runs a bill about abortion that is high on message and low on legislation. This session is no different. There is also the 'Common Ground Initiative', a group of bills seeking to extend rights such as hospital visitation, probate and civil unions to the LGBT community. These bills come in the wake of California's Prop. 8, and in response to statements made by the LDS Church regarding these rights.

Left Overs From Last Year - Last session created a task force to address Health Care, there will be bills passed from that committee. Also, changes made in last year's SB 81 to immigration policy will generate a few bills as legislators seek to further define the role of local law enforcement agents before that bill takes effect on July 1, 2009.

The Usual Guffaws - Someone is bound to say something absurd, racist, inappropriate or just plain ridiculous. Any guesses who it may be?

So with all that said, here we go....

SB 43 - Clay's Law

2009-01-23T12:44:00.004-07:00

Awhile ago I read about Clay and his fantastic mother Leeann Whiffen in an article in the Salt Lake Tribune. We began exchanging emails, and I asked her to send me information on the bill named after her son, Clay. Please read:

UTAH LEGISLATORS INITIATE PLAN TO HELP CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Community Leaders, Doctors and Parents Join to Provide Medical Relief for Children

SALT LAKE CITY (January 22, 2009) – Utah legislators from both the House and Senate joined Utah families and medical organizations to initiate a plan that will provide cost-savings to Utah taxpayers and individual families for the treatment of children with autism. Senate Bill 43 – Clay’s Law will provide insurance coverage for evidence-based, medically necessary treatments that are proven to significantly improve the quality of life for children with autism.

The bill is sponsored by Sen. Howard Stephenson (R), District #11, and Rep. Roger Barrus (R), District #18, and has already been endorsed by Autism Speaks, the largest autism organization in the world, and medical organizations such as the Intermountain Pediatrics Society. In Utah, 1 in 133 children has autism. In the absence of insurance coverage, families are risking bankruptcy in an attempt to pay for medically necessary treatments that can cost upwards of $50,000 per year. The savings to Utah taxpayers for each child with autism who is successfully treated is $1.8 to $2.7 million.

“We put our granddaughter, who was diagnosed with autism, into intensive therapy for about 25 hours per week. Fortunately, in our financial circumstance, we could afford it. But most families cannot afford the treatment, and it’s time for us to change that here in Utah,” said Fraser Bullock, former CEO of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, and current Managing Director of Sorenson Capital. “I think the general impression of society is that there is no hope for these children to change or improve. But autism is treatable.”

Senate Bill 43 – Clay’s Law is named after 8-year old Clay Whiffen who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. He received Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as his core treatment – a research-based treatment program that is proven to significantly improve the lives of children with autism. After 2 ½ years, treatment was faded out completely and his diagnosis was removed. Clay now succeeds in a regular public school class on his own accord, and is "indistinguishable from his peers”.

Early intensive behavior therapy (EIBT) covered by this bill is medically necessary, research-based treatments that are prescribed by a qualified doctor. EIBT has a track record for achieving the best outcomes, both in human costs and in long-term economic benefits to society. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the US Surgeon General, and the National Academy of Sciences recommend a minimum of 25 hours per week of behavioral therapy for children with autism.

"This groundbreaking legislation is a major step forward in helping parents and children with autism receive the services they need. We know that early intervention is the key to their success,” commented Rep. Ronda Rudd Menlove (R), Utah House of Representatives, District #1. “The number of Utah children with autism is increasing, and the need is growing. It is important that the Legislature act now to address this important need. Imagine being one of these parents--knowing what will help your child, but not being able to access the resources and being denied by your insurance company."

Nationwide, few private insurance companies or other employee benefit plans cover early, intense behavior therapy. Most insurance companies designate autism as a diagnostic exclusion, meaning that any services rendered explicitly for the treatment of autism are not covered by the plan, even if those services would be covered if used to treat a different condition. Some courts have ruled that insurance exclusion of autism treatments constitutes discrimination and 8 states have already enacted legislation to update their health insurance policies. Additionally, 28 other states are currently in the process of introducing autism insurance legislation.
“With the passage of Clay’s Law, Utah would join these other states across the country that have recognized the tremendous cost savings to taxpayers by providing insurance coverage for children with autism,” said Brittany Recalde, Utah Autism Coalition.

About Autism: Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in 1 in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis.

Looking Down from the Mountaintop

2009-01-20T21:11:00.003-07:00

I hope that regardless of who you chose in the ballot box this past November, that you were able to enjoy the profound importance of today in our history.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said: I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. Like anybody I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. And I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the Promised Land.....With this faith, I will go out and carve a tunnel of hope from a mountain of despair...With this faith, we will be able to achieve this new day, when all of God's children - black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics - will be able to join hands and sing with the Negroes in the spiritual of old, 'Free at last! Free at least! Thank God almighty we are free at last.'

King spoke those words on April 3rd, he was assassinated on the 4th. I'd like to think Dr. King and the many others who stood up so courageously were watching from the mountaintop today. May we help carve that tunnel of hope in this world so full of turmoil.

Changing the Date for Kindergarten Enrollment

2009-01-16T09:47:00.002-07:00

Have a kid with a summer birthday? Have you wondered if you should hold them back for a year? Currently a child must be 5 by September 2nd to enroll in school for that year. A bill proposed by Rep. Laura Black (HB 242) would change that date to July 1st. It's a difficult call. Every kid is different, some are more than ready to enter school even though they have a summer birthday. I know Kindergarten can be tough, you get everything from kids that do not know their colors to kids that can already read. The change in the age requirement may narrow the difference. But that is still the earliest date I have ever heard of and it takes away the parent's ability to judge their child's readiness.

THNX 2 MY BFF PHIL

2009-01-13T12:23:00.003-07:00

Okay, so I actually don't know Rep. Phil Riesen personally. I've seen him on TV pushing furniture, but that is the closest we've come in our relationship. STILL the guy gets my love for FINALLY running the bill I have been waiting for someone to suggest. His HB 95 would make it a class C misdemeanor to text while driving, with the exceptions being texting during an emergency or to report a safety hazard or criminal activity. Here's hoping this bill breezes through. U R G8!

The end of Kid to Kid? Probably Not

2009-01-09T14:03:00.005-07:00

A new federal law that goes into effect on February 10th has the owner of Kid to Kid quoted in the LA Times as saying, "We will have to lock our doors and file for bankruptcy". The article has caused an uproar on discussion boards and blogs. Most of us, if not all of us, utilize places like Kid to Kid, the DI, Goodwill, etc. to clothe our ever growing brood. Many of us too have donated or cashed in barely worn clothes to these types of places.

This statement was released by the CPSC clarifying the law (after the above mentioned LA Times article): The new safety law does not require resellers to test children’s products in inventory for compliance with the lead limit before they are sold. However, resellers cannot sell children’s products that exceed the lead limit and therefore should avoid products that are likely to have lead content, unless they have testing or other information to indicate the products being sold have less than the new limit. Those resellers that do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties. (source)

This new clarification of the law makes it sound doable. It won't mean truckloads of clothing headed off to landfills from thrift stores that can't afford testing. It will mean that thrift stores will have to be conscious of their inventory, watching for suspect buttons, jewelry and such.

The source for this post is an article from the L.A. Times, which can be read here.
The statement from the CPSC can be found here.

The Legislature's Resolutions

2009-01-05T15:36:00.004-07:00

It's the beginning of the year and resolutions abound. The Utah Legislature has been busying writing a few of their own. Here is a quick explanation of what resolutions are, and some that are already being floated for this session.

There are 3 types of Resolutions. The first is a Simple Resolution which only has to pass through the body where it begins (just the House or Senate). This type of resolution only affects that body. The second is a Joint Resolution which must pass both bodies, this is how amendments to the Constitution are presented. The final type is a Concurrent Resolution. This resolution must follow the path of a bill, through both bodies and then to the desk of the governor. These type of resolutions often express the opinion of the state on a certain matter (source).

Here are a few resolutions in the process of being written, some worthwhile, others not so much:

Resolution Designating September 2009 as Hydrocephalus Awareness Month, Sen. Bell

Resolution Encouraging the Use of the Term Christmas, Sen. Buttars

Concurrent Resolution - A Call to Civility, Sen. Valentine

Concurrent Resolution - Univ. of Utah Championship Football Team, Rep. Bird

Joint Resolution to Amend the Marriage Provision of the Utah Constitution, Rep. Biskupski

Joint Resolution - Community Cancer Care Preservation Act, Rep. Duckworth

Joint Resolution - Teacher Performance Pay, Rep. Poulson

Resolution Urging the Withdrawal of United States' World Trade Organization Commitment on Gambling, Rep. Allen

Not Forgotten

2009-01-02T11:49:00.001-07:00

This blog has not been forgotten, the holidays this year just bogged me down. Look forward to new posts soon as the session approaches. Hope you had a great December!

Utah Education "Facts"

2008-12-05T22:37:00.002-07:00

Let's face it, anytime you find 'facts' or 'information' on the Internet, you have to be realistic about the source. The very content that is chosen shows bias. But that does not mean that web sites can't help you understand the issues or point you in a direction to learn more.

Today an article in the SL Tribune discussed Parents for Choice in Education's website: www.utaheducationfacts.com. The site has facts about schools, budgets, the latest news in education and much more. The Tribune article stated some felt that the site was misrepresented because it is not obvious who created the site. I don't know if something changed since the printing of the Trib last night, but the site's first page states it is a resource provided by Parents for Choice in Education. I would hope all those who are computer literate enough to find the site, are also educated enough to realize that this site can be a great resource but as with everything on the Internet should not be the end all to education news and information. The site continues the conversation on education being had in the state, and whether you agree with Parents for Choice in Education or not, the fact that it is a conversation that needs to be continually had is something everyone can agree on.

The Dis'appointments' Piling Up

2008-11-24T20:40:00.001-07:00

The 2009 Legislative Session is still 2 months away, and already I feel let down by the President Elect Waddoups' rule. Here are my two top grievances:

Number One: I have to say I was surprised at the victory handed to Sen. Buttars by District 10 voters. But his nomination by the new Senate leadership to chair both the Senate's Health & Human Services and the Judiciary, Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice committees is beyond me. Sen. Buttars, infamous for his thoughtless comments and inappropriate letter to a JUDGE, is to head a Judiciary Committee?!? And these appointments are in addition to the Co-Chair seat on the Senate Rules Committee, the most powerful committee in the Senate. The Rules Committee is where all bills begin, if they are never voted on in that committee they die. It is also from this body that bills are assigned to committees. For example, a bill on school nurses could go to either the Health and Human Services Committee or the Education Committee. The Rules Committee makes that assignment, and sometimes those assignments are the death of a bill.

Number Two: What is judicial activism? We ask judges to simply interpret the law, but then scream judicial activism when their ruling is unpopular or doesn't favor the side with the money. If judges always ruled on the side of the majority party, what would be the point of this branch of government? I recognize that second amendment rights are held near and dear by many residents of Utah, particularly President-Elect Waddoups. But to disqualify and disgrace a highly qualified Judge publicly for one ruling that did not please the gun lobby will cause long lasting ramifications. In a judge's career they make hundreds of rulings, do we want judges to consider their own career advancement when coming to their conclusions? The way in which Judge Hilder was treated this past week was unfair and unbecoming of a body that is as prestigious as the Utah Senate.

I hope as the session approaches and legislative activities increase I will be pleasantly surprised by the success of the 2009 session, for now though my expectations for fairness are low.

The State School Board Mess

2008-11-18T12:52:00.003-07:00

As any follower to the State School Board knows, we seem to move from one mess to the next.

Let's start at the beginning of the election.....
Do you know how the candidates are even chosen? First, interested candidates file for office, they are then interviewed by a governor appointed committee which narrows the field down to three candidates per district. The governor then selects the two that will appear on the ballot. This year three school board members seeking to retain their seats did not even make it to the ballot. (source)

Then today I read in the Salt Lake Trib that Kyle Bateman, the winner in District 13, realized that he didn't meet the residency requirement of the office. Maybe Bateman knew about Chaffetz not living in the District he now represents in Congress, and thought the same rules applied to the State School Board. But seriously, how do you run for an office and then realize you don't meet the one very basic requirement? There is a lot of suspicion as to the timing of Bateman's resignation. As to whether it was an honest mistake or not, I can't be the judge, but it does seem just plain ludicrous and irresponsible on Bateman's part. Bateman's opponent, C. Mark Openshaw, is now expected to take the seat. (source)

Why can't we just directly elect school board candidates in a nonpartisan race? Some argue that State School Board races should be partisan, but is it really a partisan office? Shouldn't the emphasis be just doing what is best for the kids and not following a party platform? Making the races partisan would help voters understand the candidates positions better, since now very few know where the school board candidates stand. But it seems to me after seeing the response on this website to the candidate's posts, that people would like to be informed but that the information is not out there for them to easily access. How about instead of partisan races, the voter information pamphlet publish biographies and links to more information for school board candidates?

The Legislature is expected to take up this issue in the coming session.

California's Prop 8 in Utah

2008-11-10T20:40:00.001-07:00

As expected the repercussions of the vote on California's Proposition 8 have come to Utah. The heavy involvement of the LDS Church leadership and it's members has put a spotlight on Salt Lake.

Earlier today Equality Utah, an organization working for the rights of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered, held a press conference asking the LDS Church to support 5 bills that will be proposed in the 2009 Legislative Session. Each bill comes from a statement made by the LDS Church on August 13, 2008 in which was written:

The focus of the Church’s involvement is specifically same-sex marriage and its consequences. The Church does not object to rights (already established in California) regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the family or the constitutional rights of churches and their adherents to administer and practice their religion free from government interference. (source)

The Equality Utah press release today quotes Sen. McCoy as saying: Today we have a great opportunity before us to begin to bridge the divide between the gay community and the LDS community and to seek out common ground. I take LDS Church leaders at their word that they are not anti-gay and that they sincerely understand that gay and transgender individuals and their families are in need of certain legal protections and basic benefits. I appreciate their statements that they do not oppose legal protections for gay people like those already enacted in California law that do not conflict with their genuinely held beliefs about marriage. This is our chance to come together and work to enact basic legal protections for gay Utahns. I am hopeful that the LDS Church will accept our invitation to heal our communities by bringing its considerable social and political influence to bear in support of laws that prevent discrimination and provide for the legitimate needs of all Utahns and their families.

It is likely the bills will be carried by Sen. McCoy or Rep. Christine Johnson. The LDS Church's response is still pending.