Whittney Evans

Committee Approves Clean Air Education Bill

February 28, 2012 Whittney Evans

Cities in Utah might have to give up on anti-idling ordinances to clear the air if some Utah lawmakers have their way, but one senator is proposing to educate young motorists to take responsibility for air quality. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, Salt Lake City Democrat Ben McAdams is backing a Senate resolution to encourage the State Board of Education and Driver License Division to take a look at the impacts of vehicle use.

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Legislative Coverage

Landlords Angered by Changes to Bill

February 28, 2012 Whittney Evans

So called “mom and pop” landlords, or those who operate small-scale apartment complexes, are fuming over changes that were made yesterday to a bill that was intended to exclude them from having to get a business license under new regulations. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, the bill passed out of committee looking very little like the legislation they initially supported.

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Local News

Senate Approves Pledge of Allegiance Bill

February 27, 2012 Whittney Evans

A bill that requires individual classrooms in Utah to recite the pledge of allegiance every school day got unanimous support in the Senate this morning. Under SB 223, sponsored by Republican Senator Aaron Osmond, Kindergarten through 12th grade public school classrooms must recite the pledge once at the beginning of each day, led by a student.

Education

Paraeducator Funding for Failing Schools Passed by Senate

February 26, 2012 Whittney Evans

Utah’s failing schools may be getting some help in the form of paraeducators, after a bill to help pay for them cleared the Senate floor Friday. Paraeducators have a two-year degree or certification to provide one-on-one instruction to students under the supervision of teachers. Democratic Senator Karen Mayne says they don’t require benefits, their hourly wage is about $13, and they’re more effective than aides or volunteers.

Local News

Tax Break for College Grads Advances

February 24, 2012 Whittney Evans

A tax break for Utah college students who stay and work in the state got mixed reviews from lawmakers this morning in a House Committee. As KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, House Bill 299 would help some graduates get back what they paid into the system, but opponents argue it would only help those who don’t need it.

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Legislative Coverage

Governor Not Fond of Plans to Overturn City Ordinances

February 23, 2012 Whittney Evans

Utah Governor Gary Herbert may be siding with local governments on a few bills being considered this legislative session to overturn local ordinances. During his monthly news conference on KUED Thursday, he told reporters he’s not in favor of top down micromanagement of any form.

Local News

Controversial Interstate Health Compact Moves Forward

February 23, 2012 Whittney Evans

A proposed interstate compact with the goal of petitioning the federal government for state control of Medicaid and Medicare dollars passed a Senate committee this morning. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, Senate Democrats and health care advocates say it’s too risky.

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Local News

Workplace Bullying Legislation Held in Committee

February 22, 2012 Whittney Evans

State lawmakers voted this morning to shelve a bill aimed at stopping bullying in the workplace. Several members of the public supported it, saying HB 196 could prevent future employees from going through the pain and shame they have experienced. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, committee members feared it could lead to costly lawsuits against the state.

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Legislative Coverage

Autism Pilot Program Advances out of Committee

February 20, 2012 Whittney Evans

State lawmakers and members of the public showed widespread support Friday for a proposed pilot program to fund behavioral therapy for young children with autism. The program, put forward by Republican Representative Ronda Menlove, would last two years and help families with children ages two through six years old. She says she tried to find a solution outside of an insurance mandate, which she says places unnecessary stress on small businesses.

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