DOCSLIB.ORG

Utah Grassroots

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

2012 Legislative Report GrassRoots Committed to Promoting the Principles of Limited Government, Constitution, Representative Government, Participatory Republic, Free Market Economy, Family and Separation of Powers UtahGrassRoots.org Annual Report on Utah’s Legislature April 2012 What Could Have Been Sumsion and Morley Receive Perfect Score to Lead House It was the year of “What Could Have Been.” Dayton and Anderson Lead State Senate Yes there were some important pieces of legislation House Summary : Ken Sumsion (R-UT) and Mike passed. Of particular note was H.B. 148 and H.J.R. in Morley (R-UT) received perfect scores to lead the House. which the state of Utah demanded that the federal Also receiving scores above 90% were Curtis Oda (R- government return land under federal control to them. Davis), John Dougall (R-UT), Bill Wright (R-UT), Craig Frank (R-UT), Chris Herrod (R-UT), Ken Ivory (R-SL), In the end, many pieces of legislation died for lack of a Brad Daw (R-UT) and Merilyn Newbold (R-SL). vote in the Senate or were watered down significantly. Senate Summary : Margaret Dayton (R-UT) and Casey Take for example H.B. 140 which would have removed Anderson (R-UT) were tops in the Senate. They were the administrative checkpoints in the state. Administrative only two Senators to receive above a 90%. checkpoints are clear violations of the Fourth Amendment which states that you can only be stopped for a crime with Governor: Gary Herbert received a score of 75% which probable cause. The bill passed the House only to die in is an improvement on his lifetime score of 73%. It is also the Senate for lack of a vote. Another vote that falls into the highest score ever received by a governor from this category is H.B. 49 which would have prohibited GrassRoots. municipalities from arresting individuals for participating in legal activities i.e. carrying a firearm. H.B. 50 would have ended the “Check a Buck” program, in which state GrassRoots has been issuing an annual legislative report general funds are given to political parties (which are card since 1992. The Constitutions of the nation and state private organizations). “Check a Buck” gives the are the guides which GrassRoots uses in picking issues government the right to curb political speech, as those that for its legislative report card. Bills are picked without give money can often set regulations on the organizations regard to any particular individual. receiving the money. Contents Bills Summary…………………….…………….……2-3 There were bills that were watered down. SCR 11 started House…………………………………………...…….4-5 off as a bill to prohibit federal officers from carrying out Senate & Governor……………………………....…….6 the National Defense Act in the state of Utah. It was Rankings…………………...……………………….…..7 changed to a resolution which was further watered down. First Do No Harm…….………………………………..8 In addition, the legislature did not take up any illegal immigration bills, despite several good bills being introduced. While states such as Wisconsin and Ohio made strong stands for limited government, Utah did not follow their lead. GrassRoots Analysis of Bills for 2012 people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not Bills are listed by number with house bills listed first. The be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable sponsor of the bill is in parentheses. The tally on bills from cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly each house is listed by Yeas, Nays and those Absent or Not describing the place to be searched, and the persons or Voting. Text of all bills can be found at www.le.state.ut.us. things to be seized”. GrassRoots approves of a YES vote. Passed the House (41-33-1) but did not come up for a A) H.B. 49 (P. Ray) Provides that an individual may carry a vote in the Senate. firearm concealed or unconcealed providing that their behavior was otherwise lawful. There have been several G) H.B. 148 (K. Ivory) Requires the federal government instances where individuals have been charged with extinguish title to public lands and transfer title to those disorderly conduct for exercising their second amendment public lands to the state on or before December 31, 2014. rights by openly carrying a gun. Bill protects our second The United States Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause amendment rights. GrassRoots recommends a YES vote. 17) allows the federal government to own land in a state Passed the House (50-21-4) but did not come up for a only if it has the consent of the state in which the land final vote in the Senate. resides. The state of Utah has not granted the federal B) H.B. 50 (J.Dougall) Repeals the “Check a Buck” program government the right to own land in the state. Per the in the state of Utah. Under current law, if an individual Constitution this land should be returned. GrassRoots checks a box on the state tax return, money is sent to the approves of a YES vote. Passed the House (59-14-2); political party of their choice. This money comes out of the Senate (21-6-2) and was signed into law by the general fund and not the individual’s donation. Political Governor. parties are private organizations, and it is inappropriate for H) H.B. 194 (D. Brown) Allows correctional facilities to government funds to be used to fund private organizations. petition court to forcibly administer food or fluids prisoners. “Check a Buck” puts government in the position it can One of our most basic rights is to control ones’ body. While regulate first amendment speech. GrassRoots recommends an individual who is a prisoner may forfeit some rights for a YES Vote. Passed the House (51-20-4) but did not his crimes, under most circumstances he does not forfeit the come up for a vote in the Senate. right to eat or drink or refrain. GrassRoots approves of a C) H.B. 65 (P. Arent) Creates the College and Career No vote. Passed the House (63-10-2); Senate (27-1-1) Counseling Pilot Program at an annual cost to the taxpayer and was signed into law by the Governor. of $800,000 per year. Our schools already have guidance I) H.B. 198 (C. Herrod) Provides that certain food grown by counselors and resources in place to do this. GrassRoots an individual for consumption by the individual’s family is recommends a NO vote. Failed the House (31-42-2). not subject to local or federal regulation and that certain D) H.B. 129 (P. Painter) Clarifies that a person is justified in food grown or stored by an individual for consumption by defending their home and family against criminal activity the individual’s family may not be confiscated by a and may not be liable for civil damages for injury or damage government entity. The very fact, that legislators would feel occurring while doing so. Two of our most fundamental that such a bill is necessary, demonstrates that our God given rights are the rights to life and property; we government has grown too large and tries to do too many should have the right to defend both. These are natural things. GrassRoots approves of a YES vote. Passed the rights and it is proper that government should recognize House (53-16-6); Senate (21-6-2) and was signed into law them. GrassRoots approves of a YES vote. Passed the by the Governor. House (73-0-2); Senate (25-0-4) and was signed into law J) H.B. 325 (D. Ipson) Under current law businesses cannot by the Governor. market fuel below a certain price. This bill would have E) H.B. 132 (D. Pitcher) Reduces the marriage license fee for delaye3d the repeal or “sunset” date for this law another five a couple who undergo premarital education and counseling years (until July 1, 2017). The free market is the best way to and creates a three-day waiting period before a marriage determine prices, not some arbitrary number set by the license may be used (unless the couple went through government. This bill was poor law when originally passed prescribed counseling). While premarital counseling may or and should be sunsetted. Grassroots approves of a NO may not be laudatory, it is not the proper role of government vote. Passed the House (41-31-3) but did not come up to encourage such counseling. Bill also grants county clerk for a vote in the Senate. right to waive waiting period which puts additional power K) H.B. 363 (B. Wright) requires human sexuality into hands of government officials. GrassRoots approves instructional programs to teach and stress abstinence from of a NO vote. Failed the House (31-42-2). all sexual activity before marriage and fidelity after F) H.B. 140 (D. Butterfield) Bill protects our fourth marriage as the only sure methods for preventing certain amendment rights by ending administrative checkpoints. communicable diseases. Our schools should not be One of the tools used by law enforcement is administrative circumventing the rights of parents by teaching values checkpoints, where citizens are stopped without just cause involving birth control and alternative lifestyles, which to see if they are committing a crime. This is a violation of contradict their values. Parents have the ultimate the Fourth Amendment which states, “The right of the responsibility for teaching values to their children. This bill 2 GrassRoots upholds this right. GrassRoots approves of a YES vote. vote. Passed the Senate (19-9-1) but did not come up for Passed the House (45-28-2); Senate (19-10-0) and was a vote in the House.
Recommended publications
  • 2012 Utah Taxpayers Association Legislative Scorecard

    2012 Utah Taxpayers Association Legislative Scorecard

    March 2012 2012 Utah Taxpayers Association Legislative Scorecard The Utah Taxpayers Association annually issues legislative report cards to its members and the public. The 2012 scorecard rates Utah’s 104 legislators on fourteen key taxpayer related bills. In the House, six bills supported by the Taxpayers Association received no dissenting votes, therefore the lowest possible score for a Utah Representative (unless there were absences) is 43%. In the Senate, six bills passed without a dissenting vote meaning the lowest possible Senate score (unless there were absences) is 50%. Senate Summary The average score in the Senate is 84%. Four senators received a perfect, 100% score: Michael Waddoups, Scott Jenkins, Steve Urquhart and Howard Stephenson, all Republicans. Ben McAdams (82%) and Gene Davis (80%) are the highest scoring Democrats. No senators scored below 50%. The lowest scoring Republicans are Kevin Van Tassell (67%), David Hinkins (70%), and Allen Christensen (75%). The lowest scoring Democrats are Luz Robles (64%), Ross Romero (67%) and Karen Morgan (67%). House Summary The average score in the House is 73%. Four representatives received a perfect, 100% score: Craig Frank, Brad Galvez, John Mathis, and Mike Morley, all Republicans. Mark Wheatley (62%) and Janice Fisher (58%) are the highest scoring Democrats. The lowest scoring Republicans are Mel Brown (50%) and Kay McIff (58%). As Chair of Executive Appropriations Mel Brown missed a number of unanimous votes which artificially lowers his score. The lowest scoring Democrats are David Litvack (45%), Brian King (50%) and Joel Briscoe (50%). Key An upper case “Y” or “N” in GREEN indicates a vote in support of the Taxpayers Association’s position.
  • Minutes of Council Study Meeting – October 15, 2013 -1- the West Valley City Council Met in Study Session on Tuesday, October

    Minutes of Council Study Meeting – October 15, 2013 -1- the West Valley City Council Met in Study Session on Tuesday, October

    MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – OCTOBER 15, 2013 -1- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MET IN STUDY SESSION ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, AT 4:30 P.M., IN THE MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM, WEST VALLEY CITY HALL, 3600 CONSTITUTION BOULEVARD, WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH. THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AND CONDUCTED BY MAYOR WINDER. THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: Mike Winder Steve Buhler Don Christensen Tom Huynh Karen Lang Corey Rushton Steve Vincent Wayne Pyle, City Manager Sheri McKendrick, City Recorder STAFF PRESENT: Paul Isaac, Assistant City Manager/HR Director Nicole Cottle Assistant City Manager/CED Director Eric Bunderson, City Attorney Russell Willardson, Public Works Director John Evans, Fire Chief Jim Welch, Finance Director Lee Russo, Police Chief Mike Richards, Acting Parks and Recreation Director Chris Curtis, Acting CPD Director Aaron Crim, Administration Jake Arslanian, Public Works Department Jeff Nosack, Public Works Department Steve Lehman, CED Department Steve Pastorik, CED Department Kevin Despain, CED Department Jason Nau, Administration 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD OCTOBER 1, 2013 The Council read and considered Minutes of the Study Meeting held October 1, 2013. There were no changes, corrections or deletions. After discussion, Councilmember Buhler moved to approve the Minutes of the Study Meeting held October 1, 2013, as written. Councilmember Huynh seconded the motion. MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – OCTOBER 15, 2013 -2- A roll call vote was taken: Mr. Vincent Yes Ms. Lang Yes Mr. Buhler Yes Mr. Huynh Yes Mr.
  • Result Release

    Result Release

    YOUR UTAH. YOUR FUTURE. Survey Results for Agriculture 1 YOUR UTAH. YOUR FUTURE. Executive Summary Utahns want to protect and increase food production in our State. • Current circumstances: • Utah’s food production has declined precipitously to where Utah now produces only 2% of its vegetables, 3% of its fruit, 25% of its dairy, 98% of its grains, and 135% of its protein needs, in part because the current land development process incentivizes the loss of water and land for farming. • These percentages could further decline significantly as Utah’s population nearly doubles and we lose more prime farmland by 2050. • Survey findings: • Ninety-eight percent of Utahns want to increase food self-sufficiency from agriculture by putting more land into production and/or changing crops to fruits and vegetables. • To do that, Utahns are willing to: • Cut back on watering their lawns and gardens to ensure we have enough water for agriculture • Avoid building on high-quality farmland • Spend more money to bring non-agricultural water to urban areas • Utahns do not want to take water or land from agriculture. 2 YOUR UTAH. YOUR FUTURE. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Agriculture Action Team Background 4 Agriculture Action Team Members 5 YUYF Survey Background 6 Survey Methodology 12 Utah Agriculture Values 21 YUYF Scenarios on Agriculture 24 YUYF Agriculture Results 31 Supporting Results 37 You May Still Take the Survey 40 3 YOUR UTAH. YOUR FUTURE. The agriculture action team worked for 18 months to create scenarios for the future of agriculture in Utah. Agriculture, Public Lands, Your Utah, Your Future & Recreation Action Team Utah Quality of Life Values Study Scenarios & Choices 2013 2014 2015 Envision Utah and Governor Herbert invited The values study found that agriculture The action team worked for 18 months to agriculture, public lands, and recreation has become increasingly important to research and model what Utah’s agricultural experts from across the state to join the Utahns across the state.
  • USOE Fiscal Note Input LFA Fiscal Note Patient Identity Validation

    USOE Fiscal Note Input LFA Fiscal Note Patient Identity Validation

    Status: 2012General Session--Ongoing Current as of: 2/22/2012 at 8:50 PM FISCAL NOTE LOG--HOUSE BILLS 2012 Wednesday, February 22, 2012 Link to 2012 Legislature General Session Numbered Bills and Resolutions Link to 2012 Legislation Governor Actions Link to Bills and Bill Requests by Sponsor, Subject or Committee Link to Weekly Schedules of House--Feb 20 to Feb 24 Link to Recorded House Floor Debates Public Education Budget Overview USOE Fiscal Note Input Web Site House and Senate Floor Calendar Displays Link to Key Legislative Dates Link to 2011 MSP & USOE In-Depth Budget Review Legislative Fiscal Analyst's 2011 Compendium of Budget Information Legislature Fiscal Highlights New Bills Added since this Document was last Published are Highlighted in Green New Fiscal Note Input from USOE to LFA Added since this Document was last Published is Highlighted in Blue Bills Passed by the House and Senate are Highlighted in Pumpkin Bills Signed by Governor or Allowed to Become Law without Signature are Highlighted in Yellow Bills Vetoed by Governor are Highlighted in Red S Bill Number t Bill Status USOE Date Perfor- a Current Status of Date Date Sent to (Appropriations t Bill Title Link Tracking mance Note Assigned to USOE Fiscal Note Input LFA Fiscal Note u Bill Complete Received Received LFA in RED) s in Place Total Number of Total Number of House Percent of Total Number Total Number of Bills Tracked in House Total Number of USOE Fiscal Note Inputs for Total Number of USOE House Bill Fiscal Note Inputs Written for LFA House Bills Performance Notes Fiscal Notes of Performance Total Number of House Fiscal Notes Written and Published by LFA: and Senate: House and Senate: and Published: Tracked: Requested to Total Bills Notes 4 40.2% DRAFT174 BILL Patient Identity261 Validation 17 Nov5 11 Sean105 17 Nov 11 The bill does not appear to require additional68 action on the part of public 109 Enactment of this bill appropriates for FY 2013 $3,520,960,400 to support the MSP, School Building Program, and state education agencies.
  • THE UTAH TAXPAYER a Publication of the Utah Taxpayers Association

    THE UTAH TAXPAYER a Publication of the Utah Taxpayers Association

    Volume 37 April 2012 Issue 4 THE UTAH TAXPAYER A Publication of the Utah Taxpayers Association Utah Tax Freedom Day 2012: April 17 APRil 2012 Each year your Utah Taxpayers Association reports Utah’s Tax Freedom Day, Volume 37 as measured by the Tax Foundation. In 2012, Tax Freedom Day is April 17, nearly one week later than the 2011 Tax Freedom Day of April 11. Nationally, Tax Freedom Day for 2012 also falls on April 12. ! My Corner: The Complexities Tax Freedom Day measures when each year taxpayers have earned enough to pay all federal, state and local taxes, assuming that all of their earnings prior to of Financing Public Education this date went to pay taxes. Page 2 New Report Highlights Problems of Muni-telecom Page 3 Alternative Energy Development Tax Incentives Page 4 Taxpayers Association Releases School Spending Report Page 5 Taxpayers Association Releases Legislative Report Card Page 5 Taxpayers Association Successful in 2012 Session Page 6 Source: The Tax Foundation As the nearby chart shows, Utah’s 2012 Tax Freedom Day is competitive with most other intermountain states. Arizona has the region’s earliest Tax Freedom Day (April 10), while Wyoming has the region’s latest Tax Freedom Day (April Association Staff 23). Idaho’s Tax Freedom Day is April 17, Nevada’s is April 18, and Colorado’s is April 15. Nationally, the earliest Tax Freedom Day is March 30 in Tennessee. Howard Stephenson President Connecticut has the latest Tax Freedom Day (May 5). Royce Van Tassell Vice President Chase Everton Research Analyst Including all taxes, in 2012 the Tax Foundation estimates that Americans will Sophie Mickelsen Executive Assistant pay $2.62 trillion in federal taxes, and $1.42 trillion in state and local taxes.
  • 2021 Legislative Wrap up Document

    2021 Legislative Wrap up Document

    UTAH LEAGUE OF CITIES AND TOWNS LEGISLATIVE2021 WRAP UP #Cities Work INTRODUCTION 2021 was a legislative session like no other: new Governor, new legislators, COVID-19, Zoom voting, and an earlier start date after several 2020 special sessions. ULCT successfully nav- igated the 2021 General Session by relying on the League’s pillars: respecting the roles of state and local government, collaborating with stake- holders, and targeting policy-focused outcomes. ULCT took a hands-on approach with over 60 bills—testifying, negoti- ating, writing language, 245 and other advocacy BILLS TRACKED work—in addition to the INTRODUCTION 245 bills we tracked. Despite many bills preempt- ing local government authority, ULCT effectively defeated legislation mandating digital billboards, expanding short-term rentals, and increasing bureaucracy around fees, to name a few. ULCT invested significant resources negotiating and amending two preemptive land use bills, and will continue discussions with legislators on inspec- tions, building design elements, and internal ac- cessory dwelling units. Several bills supporting and improving law enforcement were passed due to the efforts of the Love, Listen, Lead Task Force, a joint ULCT and Utah Chiefs of Police Association endeavor. The Legislature also passed an unprec- edented investment in transit and transportation projects, efforts supported by the ULCT Board. Ultimately, our success comes back to the unpar- alleled involvement by our members. Thank you! Of course, the session also created plenty of is- sues for the 2021 interim, including continuing discussions on water, land use, public safety, and much more. We encourage members to engage with the League through the Legislative Policy Committee, ULCT conferences, and League com- munications.
  • 2014 Legislative Wrap Up

    2014 Legislative Wrap Up

    Utah League of Cities and Towns 2014 General Legislative Session Wrap Up Wrap General Legislative 2014 1 ULCT Legislative Team Session Kenneth H. Bullock, Executive Director [email protected] Ken has worked for ULCT for 29 years and is responsible for the overall management of League operations and activities. He works closely with the ULCT Board of Directors, represents ULCT on various committees and boards, and communicates regularly with government officials, business leaders, and the public. Lincoln Shurtz, Director of Legislative Affairs [email protected] Lincoln has worked for ULCT for 15 years and coordinates ULCT policy outreach, administers the Legislative Policy Committee, & presents findings to state administrative and legislative branches. He specializes in the Utah state budget, transportation, economic development, and retirement issues. Jodi Hoffman, Land Use Analyst [email protected] Jodi has worked for ULCT for 11 years and for municipal government for over 25 years. She specializes in municipal land use and water issues. Roger Tew, Senior Policy Analyst [email protected] Roger has worked for ULCT for 18 years and within the state government structure for 35 years. He specializes in public utilities, judicial issues, tax policy, and telecommunications policy. Cameron Diehl, Policy Analyst/Attorney [email protected] Cameron has worked for ULCT for 6 years and coordinates LPC correspondence and organization. He specializes in federal relations, environmental policy, election law, and every other conceivable political issue. Nick Jarvis, Research Analyst [email protected] Nick has been with ULCT for 4 years and oversees the budget database and other research. Satin Tashnizi Legislative Intern [email protected] Satin was ULCT’s intern during the session and managed our logistics and sanity.
  • CCM Minutes 12/2/17

    CCM Minutes 12/2/17

    Utah County Central Committee Meeting December 2, 2017, 9:00 AM Willowcreek M.S. Minutes Call to Order: UCRP Chairman Rob Craig ​ Prayer: Mark Barlow (PC, AF13) ​ Pledge: Keri Guinn (EO, LD59) ​ Recognition of Elected Officials House Representatives:Kay Christofferson, Brad Daw, Francis Gibson, Brian Greene, Michael Kennedy, Cory Maloy, Michael McKell, Jefferson Moss, Val Peterson, Marc Roberts, Dean Sanpei, Keven Stratton, and Norm Thurston. Senators: Jacob Anderegg and Deidre Henderson. Auditor: John Dougall. Congresswoman Mia Love (CD4). Congressman John Curtis (CD3) Approval of Minutes from September 23, 2017. Minutes approved without objection. ​ Recognition of Allied Organizations College Republicans Young Republicans Utah County Republican Women Comments from UTGOP Chairman: Rob Anderson UTGOP Fundraising efforts successful (E.C. Christmas fundraiser and Trump visit fundraiser). Caucus Committee Chair appointed (Dana Dickson). UTGOP Partnership with Qualtrics. Officer Reports Chairman Rob Craig Ratification of Standing Committee Elections -Motion to ratify C&B nominees: Joey Smith, Chair, and Karen Daniels, Vice Chair. ​ Ayes had it and the nominees were ratified. Bylaw Proposal was duly noticed in the meeting. Support for Convention Nominee Bylaw 5(C) (Changes are in bold, text to be added underlined) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ C. County Party Officers - All county level Party officers including the County Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary; and the five Appointed Officers; must show pre-convention and primary neutrality toward Republican
  • Utah Conservation Community Legislative Update

    Utah Conservation Community Legislative Update

    UTAH CONSERVATION COMMUNITY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 2020 General Legislative Session Issue #5 March 1, 2020 Welcome to the 2020 Legislative Update issue will prepare you to call, email or tweet your legislators This issue includes highlights of week five, what we can with your opinions and concerns! expect in the week ahead, and information for protecting wildlife and the environment. Please direct any questions or ACTION ALERT! comments to Steve Erickson: [email protected]. The Inland Port Modifications bill - HB 347 (Rep. About the Legislative Update Gibson), is now awaiting action on the House floor, The Legislative Update is made possible by the Utah probably Monday but early in the week for sure. We’re Audubon Council and contributing organizations. Each working to get it amended as it moves forward, but it Update provides bill and budget item descriptions and will remain a bill for a project and process we can’t support. status updates throughout the Session, as well as important Session dates and key committees. For the most up-to-date Oppose HB 347! information and the names and contact information for all legislators, check the Legislature’s website at HB 233, the Depleted Uranium-funded Natural Resources Legacy Fund, will be debated and voted on in the Senate www.le.utah.gov. The Legislative Update focuses on this week. Urge legislators to pass the Fund without the legislative information pertaining to wildlife, sensitive and DE funding source- and avoid making this their legacy! invasive species, public lands, state parks, SITLA land management, energy development, renewable energy and Lastly, contact your legislators to urge them to fund bills and budgets to Clear the Air! conservation, and water issues.
  • 2021 State Legislator Pledge Signers

    2021 State Legislator Pledge Signers

    I pledge that, as a member of the state legislature, I will cosponsor, vote for, and defend the resolution applying for an Article V convention for the sole purpose of enacting term limits on Congress. The U.S. Term Limits Article V Pledge Signers 2021 State Legislators 1250 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 200 ALABAMA S022 David Livingston H073 Karen Mathiak Washington, D.C. 20036 Successfully passed a term S028 Kate Brophy McGee H097 Bonnie Rich (202) 261-3532 limits only resolution. H098 David Clark termlimits.org CALIFORNIA H103 Timothy Barr ALASKA H048 Blanca Rubio H104 Chuck Efstration H030 Ron Gillham H105 Donna McLeod COLORADO H110 Clint Crowe ARKANSAS H016 Andres Pico H119 Marcus Wiedower H024 Bruce Cozart H022 Margo Herzl H131 Beth Camp H042 Mark Perry H039 Mark Baisley H141 Dale Washburn H071 Joe Cloud H048 Tonya Van Beber H147 Heath Clark H049 Michael Lynch H151 Gerald Greene ARIZONA H060 Ron Hanks H157 Bill Werkheiser H001 Noel Campbell H062 Donald Valdez H161 Bill Hitchens H001 Judy Burges H063 Dan Woog H162 Carl Gilliard H001 Quang Nguyen H064 Richard Holtorf H164 Ron Stephens H002 Andrea Dalessandro S001 Jerry Sonnenberg H166 Jesse Petrea H002 Daniel Hernandez S010 Larry Liston H176 James Burchett H003 Alma Hernandez S023 Barbara Kirkmeyer H177 Dexter Sharper H005 Leo Biasiucci H179 Don Hogan H006 Walter Blackman CONNECTICUT S008 Russ Goodman H007 Arlando Teller H132 Brian Farnen S013 Carden Summers H008 David Cook H149 Kimberly Fiorello S017 Brian Strickland H011 Mark Finchem S021 Brandon Beach H012 Travis Grantham FLORIDA S027 Greg Dolezal H014 Gail Griffin Successfully passed a term S030 Mike Dugan H015 Steve Kaiser limits only resolution.
  • April 2017 Newsletter

    April 2017 Newsletter

    1 April 2017 Volume 42 Issue 4 THE UTAH TAXPAYER A Publication of the Utah Taxpayers Association If Congress Acts, What Will APRIL 2017 Volume 42 Federal Tax Reform Look Like? With Congress’s failure to repeal and replace the Affordable If Congress Acts, What Will Care Act, attention in Washington, D.C. appears to be turning Federal Tax Reform Look towards federal tax reform. This is a needed change as the Like? Page 1 United States has not seen any comprehensive tax reform since My Corner: Employed by 1986. The nation’s economy has evolved since the 1980’s and Page 2 Utah’s Tax Watchdog for 40 the tax code needs to be reformed to match the economic Years activity of today’s world. Page 2 Currently the federal tax code imposes high marginal rates on 2017 Legislative Session: A both businesses and individuals. According to the Washington, Page 4 D.C. based Tax Foundation, the United States has one of the Mixed Bag of Success, Tax Increases Page 5 highest corporate income tax rates in the world. Significant tax reform would be targeted at lowering those rates. The struggle 2017 Legislative Scorecard for the reform will be how to do it such that it best benefits the Released, 34 “Friend of the United States overall. Taxpayer” Awarded Page 7 The U.S. tax system is complex. The Tax Foundation has stated that individuals spent 8.9 billion hours complying with Utah’s Income Tax Rate the Internal Revenue Tax Code in 2016 and figures that the Ranks Second Highest total cost for tax compliance in 2016 was $409 billion.
  • A Guide to Utah's Independent Entities

    A Guide to Utah's Independent Entities

    A Guide to Utah’s Independent Entities Prepared by the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel for the Retirement and Independent Entities Committee August 2012 1 Utah State Legislature Senate • Utah State Capitol Complex • 320 State Capitol PO Box 145115 • Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-5115 (801) 538-1035 • fax (801) 538-1414 House of Representatives • Utah State Capitol Complex • 350 State Capitol PO Box 145030 • Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-5030 http://le.utah.gov (801) 538-1029 • fax (801) 538-1908 August 1, 2012 Letter of Transmittal Retirement and Independent Entities Committee Dear Committee Members: In accordance with Section 63E-1-202, the Retirement and Independent Entities Committee advises the Legislature concerning issues involving independent entities. Among other duties, the committee is required to: • request and hear reports from each independent entity, including a review of the annual audit of each independent entity; • study the provisions that govern each independent entity, looking for the need for consistency, exemptions, and provided state services; • determine what entities should be treated as independent entities; • review proposals to create a new independent entity; • recommend appropriate methods to change the organizational status of an independent entity, if needed; and • study concerns related to an entity created by local agreement under Title 11, Chapter 13, Interlocal Cooperation Act, if the state is a party to the agreement creating the entity. Given these committee duties and at our direction, the committee staff has developed the attached "A Guide to Utah's Independent Entities" which inventories current independent entities, reviews statutory provisions, and provides current information about each entity.