March 2011 - KCPW

Huntsman’s Star Rises, Hatch Gets Mad

March 31, 2011 Jeff Robinson

With former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman’s brother Peter Huntsman confirming the current Ambassador to China is indeed interested in running for president, even if not right away, the speculation that he’s stepping down from that position later this month to launch a presidential bid is ramping up. Every week, 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

Lawmakers Repeal HB 477, Forward to Guv for Signature

March 25, 2011 Whittney Evans

After some back and forth between the two legislative bodies this afternoon, the Utah House and Senate have officially repealed House Bill 477. The divisive law eliminates access to certain electronic records of government officials. Although he voted to repeal the bill, Senate Majority Leader Scott Jenkins said there are several issues that still need to be addressed in current GRAMA law.

Legislative Coverage

Politics Up Close: Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon

March 25, 2011 Jeff Robinson

The spotlight has been on government transparency and open records this whole month after the legislature rapidly passed HB 477. Now, some local government leaders are saying wherever the debate goes, they plan to let the sun shine in. We talked with Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon.

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Legislative Coverage

Politics Up Close: UEG Sues Lt. Governor

March 25, 2011 Jeff Robinson

Ethics in the Utah Legislature became a major point of public conversation in 2008. Now, three years later, backer of an ethics initiative are still trying to get their proposal on the ballot. Utahns for Ethical Government announced a lawsuit this week against Lt. Governor Greg Bell. They claim he’s obstructing their initiative.

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Local News

DABC Asks Guv to Veto Liquor Law Reforms

March 24, 2011 Whittney Evans

The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission is calling on the governor to veto the liquor law reform package that was passed this session in the Utah legislature. Commissioners say it’s too tight of a grip on their agency. And as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, this comes at the same time as budget cuts that are forcing the commission to close several state liquor stores.

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Local News

Chaffetz Becomes Loud Voice Against Libya Intervention

March 24, 2011 Jeff Robinson

Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz’s Facebook page has become a flurry of conversation about the Republican’s opposition to the U.S. intervention in Libya. And a commentary he wrote for CNN’s website has now picked up more than 1,000 comments. 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

Herbert Explains Cuch Firing, Cuch Denies Guv’s Claim

March 24, 2011 Whittney Evans

Governor Gary Herbert opened up today about why he fired Division of Indian Affairs Director Forrest Cuch. Herbert said his service had been sub-par, and it was hurting relations between Native American tribes and the governor’s office. He also described Cuch as insubordinate. But the last straw, said Herbert, was Cuch’s attempt to cancel the Utah Native American Summit.

Legislative Coverage

Herbert Confident HB 477 Will Be Repealed Friday

March 24, 2011 Jeff Robinson

Despite some Republican opposition in the Senate, Utah Governor Gary Herbert is confident lawmakers will vote to repeal HB 477 when they convene for a special session tomorrow. The divisive bill eliminates access to several types of records sent or received by public officials, including text messages and voice mails.

Environment

Watchdog Group Calls for Improved Oversight of Dugway Proving Ground

March 24, 2011 Eric Ray

A local watchdog group is calling for both state and federal investigations of an incident at Dugway Proving Ground. In late January a vial of a deadly nerve agent was misplaced, causing a twelve-hour lock down of the facility.

Healthcare

Hatch, AG Blast Health Care Reform Law; Deli Owner Defends It

March 23, 2011 Whittney Evans

Senator Orrin Hatch and Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff claim to have business on their side when it comes to the federal health care law. This morning, they visited with the owner of Utah Metal Works, who denounced the effects the law will have on small business. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, another local business owner is defending the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

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