KCPW's Legislative Coverage

Voting Bills Concern Salt Lake County Clerk

A Conversation with Sherrie Swensen

Posted Mar 18, 2009 01:04 AM by Jeff Robinson

Two controversial proposals dealing with the right to vote made it through the Utah legislature this session, though each was opposed by several lawmakers in both houses. One of them gives voters less time for in-person absentee voting at the county clerk's office, the other requires identification from all voters casting a ballot, regardless of whether it's the first time they've voted or the fiftieth. With Utah's voter turnout already poor compared to the rest of the nation, how are these proposals expected to affect democratic participation right here in Salt Lake County? KCPW's Jeff Robinson spoke with Salt Lake County Clerk Sherrie Swensen to find out.

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Legislative Shenanigans

Posted Mar 13, 2009 01:56 PM by KCPW

After the legislature adjourned last night legislators told jokes, gave gag awards to each other, and some even broke out in song.

Here is Representative Brad Dee and Mike Noel summing up the session in song, thanking legislators for the memories.

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Here is first-year Representative Ryan Wilcox also reflecting about the session in song.

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Renewable Energy Incentive Includes Nuclear Power

Posted Mar 13, 2009 11:45 AM by KCPW

An economic development incentive for renewable energy projects passed by the Utah legislature will now apply to nuclear power projects, to the dismay of many lawmakers. Representatives in the House debated the issue yesterday on Capitol Hill. Democratic Representative Janice Fisher spoke against the amendment, which was made by the Senate.

Posted Mar 13, 2009 11:06 AM by KCPW

A proposal to take $4 million dollars in tobacco settlement money and put it towards the Children's Health Insurance Program, museums at the Leonardo and Thanksgiving Point, and assistance for the Shakespeare Festival was struck down by lawmakers in the House of Representatives last night. Representative Ron Bigelow said the money will stay in the fund and be used for tobacco cessation programs.

Posted Mar 13, 2009 11:04 AM by KCPW

After it made it through the Senate, the Utah House of Representatives failed to pass a bill to require local school boards to promote involvement by all parent groups yesterday. The proposal, which was originally viewed as a swipe at the Utah Parent Teacher Association, had been heavily amended from its original draft. Representative Carol Spackman Moss argued the entire bill was unnecessary.

Posted Mar 13, 2009 11:03 AM by KCPW

A half million dollar pilot program to implement Singapore Math in Utah schools failed in the Utah House of Representatives last night. The method focuses on problem solving and analysis instead of memorization. Representative Kory Holdaway argued that the current math program has been in place for three years, and it's working.