Once again, a Republican Utah state legislator is attacking the free market system because they are more concerned about their own special interests rather than allowing people to make their own choices. But, surely this is because it is in the best interest of the people because, say, they want to ensure that all Utahn’s [...]
Archive for the ‘Republicans’ Category
Swallow to make a run for Senate? House?
In the waning hours of the legislative session, I decided to to head up to Capitol Hill and take in the festivities. At one point I returned to a very packed House gallery and found the first seat I could find. Quite by accident I discovered that, seated one row in front of me, none [...]
Bills to Watch: SB 224 – Partisan School Board Elections, H. Stephenson
It must be throwback day here at Blue in Red Zion, after all, the topic today seems to be the resurrection of bad bills. Well, Senator Howard Stephenson (R – Draper, District 11) is continuing the trend by proposing SB 224 – Partisan School Board Elections – a bill that mimics Senator Curt Bramble’s from 2007. As a bit [...]
Bills to Watch: HB 399 – Environmental Litigation Bond, M. Noel
Two years ago, Representative Mike Noel (R – Kanab, District 73) proposed HB 379, that copies word for word this years HB 399 – Environmental Litigation Bond sans an amendment that was made on the floor of the House that actually made the original bill even more harmful to those who wish to challenge any environmental finding. [...]
Bills to Watch: SB 270 – Modifications to Sales and Use Tax, S. Adams
I find it funny that, during these tough economic times and severe budget cuts, that Republicans still refuse to raise taxes. Thank goodness Senator Stuart Adams (R – Layton, District 22) is willing to make the hard decisions, and tax the lower and middle class. By proposing SB 270 – Modifications to Sales and Use [...]
Bills to Watch: SB 243 – Historic Areas or Sites Amendments, W. Niederhauser
In what appears to be an ongoing theme of hypocrisy this legislative session I present to you SB 243 – Historic Areas or Sites Amendments as proposed by Senator Wayne Niederhauser (R – Sandy, District 9). I know you may be shocked at this, but let me explain. You know how Republicans have been hooting [...]
Bills to Watch: SB 138 – Driver License Qualification Amendments, S. Urquhart
I am truly bothered by the hypocrisy many on the right have towards illegal immigration – and their inability to think through the rhetoric they often spew. Often, they complain that we make it “too easy” to enter the country and that we incentivize people to come here. This argument came up during the initial discussion of driver privilege cards a few years [...]
Bills to Watch: SB 65 – Statewide Online Education Program, H. Stephenson
Senator Howard Stephenson (R – Draper, District 11) has rightly taken a lot of heat lately about his statements saying that state universities give away “degrees to nowhere.” Although it is concerning that a public official feels this way about higher education, I must admit that I am very pleased to see the same senator propose SB [...]
Bills to Watch: HB 109 – Religious Liberty Recognition, L. Christensen
I must take my hat off to Representative LaVar Christensen (R-Draper, District 48) for crafting a bill that looks like another stupid pro-religion bill, but is actually concealing something much more dangerous when proposing HB 109 – Religious Liberty Recognition. The bill itself states that “the state or political subdivision may not infringe or substantially [...]
Bills to Watch: HB 226 – Local Government Fee Authority, W. Harper
You know what I love most in my lawmaking? Bald faced hypocrisy. That is why I am so glad Representative Wayne Harper (R – West Jordan, District 43) is proposing HB 226 – Local Government Fee Authority. I mean, it just smacks of double standards, and it makes no attempt to pretend it doesn’t. Remember [...]