I have to hand it to freshman Representative Brian Doughty (D-Salt Lake City, District 30). His bill, HB 64, Amendments to Public Employee Health Care would go far in proving that Utah is not some backwater stuck in the 1940′s. Doughty’s bill makes the revolutionary step to acknowledge that not every state employee fits into the classic [...]
Archive for the ‘Equality’ Category
Bills to Watch: HB 270 – Family Policy / HB 182 Voiding Transactions Against Public Policy, L. Christensen
If you were paying attention to my blog on Thursday, you already have an idea about what HB 270 – Family Policy is all about (at least, the poorly explained version of it from its sponsor LaVar Christensen (R-Draper, District 48)). The bill would modify section 30 of Utah code, entitled “Husband and Wife” to include language that basically [...]
LaVar Christensen – Big on Talking Points, Low on Answers
I have to hand it to Fox 13′s Max Roth for holding Representative LaVar Christensen’s (R – Draper, District 48) feet to the fire regarding his HB 270 – Family Policy (analysis coming soon). I want you all to pay close attention to how Christensen dodges every question, hammers the same talking points over and [...]
Bills to Watch: SB 35 – Construction Licensees Related Amendments, K. Mayne
If there is one thing I can’t stand, it is when an individual or company purposefully tries to skirt the law by taking advantage of loopholes. The willful disregard for the rules to gain a buck simply makes me sick. One area where this is happening with a sad amount of regularity is in the construction industry. [...]
What Counties Have the Power this Legislative Session?
I was struck with an interesting, and admittedly nerdy, thought a few weeks back when I saw an article in the Salt Lake Tribune which discussed the fact that newly elected Speaker of the House, Becky Lockhart, shifted the power balance away from Salt Lake County and into Utah County. So, I began to wonder, [...]
Human Rights Commission Dialogue on Race This Thrusday.
Come one, come all!
Analysis of LDS Churches Change in Tone on Tuesday
The majority of the people in the room were stunned to hear Michael Otterson issue an official statement from the LDS Church stating that, officially, the Church had no objection to the Nondiscrimination ordinance being discussed that eventing. To be sure, this statement represented a policy shift within the Church. It soon became clear that [...]
Live blogging – SLC Non Discrimination Ordinance
Hit F5 to receive updates – Please note that quotes are not accurate as I don’t have a playback option, however all quotes are in the spirit of what the speaker wished to say. 7:00 – Council members greet the near packed chamber building. All the big wigs of the GLBT community are ready to [...]
Stay Classy University of Utah
Oh, it is times like this that I am proud to be a Ute. Photo stolen from Eric Ethington’s Facebook…
Racism – Alive and Well
Waiting to hear from a friend after getting off work, I decided to stop into one of my favorite local coffee shops, Mestizo, to pick up a cup of joe. After putting in my customary two cream and two sugar, a woman in her mid-forties asked me if I knew of any place close by [...]