Whittney Evans

Medicaid Reform Clears Hurdle with Bipartisan Support

February 22, 2011 Whittney Evans

The Utah Senate gave bipartisan support yesterday to a state lawmaker’s plan to reign in Medicaid spending. Republican Senator Dan Liljenquist’s bill restructures the program to move away from paying providers a fee for every service they perform, which he says encourages doctors to run more tests and do more procedures than necessary. He’s equated increasing Medicaid costs to Pacman, eating away at Utah’s budget.

Environment

Lawmakers Pass Bill To Limit Environmental Lawsuits Vs. State

February 22, 2011 Whittney Evans

A bill aimed at limiting environmental lawsuits against the state by requiring those filing suit to take out a kind of insurance policy was passed by a House Committee this morning with little opposition from lawmakers, but plenty from the public. KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports.

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Local News

Utahns Talk About Legislative Session, Issues They Care About

February 21, 2011 Whittney Evans

Throughout this year’s legislative session, you’ve heard from Utah lawmakers pushing bills on immigration, education, taxes and much more. But how much do everyday people in the Salt Lake area keep up with what legislators do on Capitol Hill during the session, and what do they care about? KCPW’s Whittney Evans talked with some of those people to find out.

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Local News

GOP Lawmaker Wants $8 Million for Education Web App

February 17, 2011 Whittney Evans

A Republican lawmaker wants the state to pay $8 million for a website that he unveiled with IBM Thursday at the state capitol that would help Utah students align their education choices with jobs that are available in the state. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, many wonder why the state should consider adding a new program during a time of budget cuts.

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Legislative Coverage

House Committee Backs Highway Crosses

February 17, 2011 Whittney Evans

State lawmakers are supporting the use of roadside crosses as a memorial for fallen Highway Patrol officers. A group called American Atheists filed a lawsuit in 2005 against the Utah Highway Patrol Association, a private organization, claiming the crosses are an unconstitutional state endorsement of Christianity. But Republican Representative Lee Perry, a highway patrol officer himself, says the crosses aren’t viewed as religious symbols.

Legislative Coverage

Lawmakers Midway Through Session, Not Fazed by Herbert’s Criticism

February 16, 2011 Whittney Evans

Utah lawmakers are past the halfway mark of the legislative session with a budget left to approve, immigration reform to consider and a host of legislation still coming of the woodwork. KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports on the mood of Senate and House Majority leadership.

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Environment

Proposed E-Waste Recycling Program Rejected

February 16, 2011 Whittney Evans

Electronics are the fastest growing waste stream in Utah, but a bill aimed at curbing this trend was shot down by lawmakers this morning. Republican Representative Rebecca Edwards says it’s becoming a tremendous burden on county landfills and consumers are paying the cost in taxes.

Legislative Coverage

House Committee Approves Worker Permit

February 16, 2011 Whittney Evans

A House committee approved a guest worker program yesterday that would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a permit to work in Utah. It’s sponsored by Republican Representative Bill Wright, who says enforcement is the federal government’s job, but this is a Utah solution. Several farmers spoke in support of the bill.

Local News

Bill Defends Right of Utahns to Grow, Store, Eat Food

February 16, 2011 Whittney Evans

A bill that defends the right of Utahns to grow, eat and distribute their own food without federal intrusion cleared a House committee with unanimous support Tuesday.

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