The Utah Senate dealt Governor Gary Herbert a second blow Saturday night, convening in a rare weekend session to override his veto of HB 328, which requires all state agencies to be open for business on Fridays. Senate Majority Leader Scott Jenkins noted, however, that the bill still gives each agency the flexibility to determine employee work schedules.
A veto override session that was supposed to last one day, will now last two… at least for the Utah senate. The legislature met today to override a couple of Governor Gary Herbert’s vetoes, one of them a bill that would eliminate the four day work week for state employees. But as KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports, the senate didn’t quite have the votes.
The prevalence of autism in Utah doubled from 2002 to 2008, according to a new study released by the University of Utah. The increase is due in part to improved diagnosis and awareness, but as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, the cause is still a mystery.
It was called a watered down version of Arizona’s enforcement only immigration law when it was passed by the Utah legislature. But the American Civil Liberties Union says it will still turn Utah into a police state, dubbing it the “show me your papers” law. Now, it’s filed a lawsuit in federal court.
Sim Gill is in his fifth month as Salt Lake County’s new District Attorney, and in the middle of implementing some of the reforms he pledged when he ran for the job. He’s also brought a resolution to the controversial and disturbing case of D.J. Bell. Gill joined us in the studio to talk about what he’s doing as the new D.A., and what’s ahead for his office.
A snowy winter combined with a wet spring could spell big trouble for Northern Utah in the coming days and weeks. Officials from the National Weather Service say right now it is just a waiting game to see where and when flooding will occur across the Salt Lake Valley, but as KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports, some northern Utah towns could see problems as early as this weekend.
He’s still not talking much, but now that he’s back in the United States, former Utah Governor and Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman is definitely making some moves that indicate a run for the White House is on his mind. In fact tomorrow, he’ll speak at the commencement for the University of South Carolina, a key state he would want to win in a GOP primary.
State lawmakers believe they’ll have enough support in both houses to override the governor’s veto of SB 229 when they convene tomorrow for a special session. Opponents worry the bill ties their hands to make future budget decisions by setting aside a percentage of future tax revenues for transportation projects. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, the bill’s supporters say it’s good money management.
Kennecott’s Bingham Canyon Mine is expanding. After a close 5 to 4 vote yesterday afternoon, the Utah Division of Air Quality Board awarded approval for the development amid worries about health concerns. But as KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports, Kennecott says its expansion will actually improve air quality across the Wasatch Front.
United Way of Salt Lake, education leaders and social service groups are standing up for Governor Gary Herbert’s decision to veto a bill that sets aside $60 million every year in sales tax revenues for transportation projects. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, most GOP lawmakers want to override that decision this Friday in a special session, but opponents rallied at the capitol this morning to say SB 229 has got to go.
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