March 2011 - Page 6 of 10

Bennett Works With Wilderness Society

March 10, 2011 Jeff Robinson

Former three-term Utah Senator Bob Bennett is lending a hand to The Wilderness Society in his political retirement. The Republican will collaborate with the organization on wilderness preservation, an issue where they also worked together while he was in office. Every Friday, we talk with Thomas Burr, Washington Correspondent for the Salt Lake Tribune and author of Political Cornflakes, a daily, online round-up of Utah politics.

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Local News

Salt Lake City Has New Tool for Parking Ticket Dodgers

March 10, 2011 Jeff Robinson

If you haven’t paid your parking tickets in Salt Lake City, your car will soon be at risk of getting a SmartBoot. The yellow devices come with a phone number to call, requiring drivers to pay a $191 fine, enter a code on a keypad, and remove it themselves. Salt Lake City Police Captain Carroll Mays says it’s much cheaper than having your car impounded.

Legislative Coverage

Legislative Interns Share Their Experiences

March 10, 2011 Jessica Gail

It takes a lot to make the Utah legislature run. Between the lawmakers, attorneys, and security, it’s easy to forget the dozens of interns who are helping to run the show behind the scenes. On this last day of the legislative session, KCPW’s Jessica Gail introduces us to three interns who have learned a lot about the legislature, life and law.

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Local News

Ray Plans Another Bill Targeting Nicotine & E-Cigarettes

March 9, 2011 Whittney Evans

Republican Representative Paul Ray’s anti-nicotine bill didn’t get very far this year, but he’s already planning a similar campaign for the year ahead, including new legislation targeting electronic cigarettes. One lobbyist, though, says his efforts are misguided. KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports.

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Legislative Coverage

Governor Discusses Open Records, Immigration, Budget

March 9, 2011 Jeff Robinson

It won’t be implemented until July, but Governor Gary Herbert is still getting calls for HB 477, which restricts Utah’s open records law, to be vetoed. It’s too late, however, as the bill has already been signed. The bill was recalled by lawmakers after an uproar from both media outlets and the public over how quickly it was considered and passed by lawmakers late last week.

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Legislative Coverage

Groups Urge Governor to Veto Undocumented Worker Bill

March 9, 2011 Whittney Evans

Groups that are typically at odds on most political issues are finding common ground as they call on Governor Gary Herbert to veto a guest worker bill passed by the state legislature. HB 116, which has gained national attention, allows the state to issue permits for undocumented immigrants to legally work in Utah. Utah Coalition on Illegal Immigration spokesman Ron Mortensen says the bill is inherently flawed, and the only solution is to veto it.

Legislative Coverage

House Passes Bill Limiting Responsibility of State Commissions

March 9, 2011 Eric Ray

A bill that would allow Utah’s Constitutional Revision and Tax Review commissions to convene only when requested by the Governor or the legislature passed the House of Representatives today.

Education

State Superintendent Discusses Ed. Funding

March 9, 2011 Jeff Robinson

After all is said and done at the Utah Legislature this year, it looks like public education will be the biggest winner in next year’s budget. The legislature’s top budgeting committee has signed off on a 2 percent increase in funding, which will help when public schools are expected to grow by more than 14,000 students next year.

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Local News

Hospitals Not Liable for Hiring Bad Doctors

March 8, 2011 Whittney Evans

A bill that prevents victims of medical malpractice from suing a hospital for employing an unqualified doctor cleared the House last night. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, some lawmakers say it prevents lawsuits that would cause health care costs to surge, while others say it weakens oversight.

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Education

School Bus Advertising Bill Clears Senate

March 8, 2011 Jessica Gail

A bill that would allow school bus ads to bring in cash for school districts is close to becoming law. Republican Representative Jim Bird has been working on the bill for the past year, because he says more money needs to go to busing students in hazardous areas. Last year, his bill died in the House Education Committee.

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