Since the spring, members of Utah’s Heath System Reform Task Force have been discussing how to best implement healthcare reform in Utah. Monday was the committee’s final meeting, but there are still no answers as to what the future of a state-run insurance exchange looks like in Utah. KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports on why more decisions haven’t been made.
Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz is speaking out about mental health in the wake of Friday’s shooting in Newton, Connecticut. Monday, the Republican Representative told KCPW he’s open to gun control for those with mental illness.
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Gary Harter was appointed the state’s new Veterans and Military Services advisor today. Governor Gary Herbert announced Harter’s position as part of a restructuring effort designed to elevate military outreach.
When the state legislature reconvenes in January they’ll be given a report outlining the cost/benefit analysis of expanding Utah’s Medicaid program. Yesterday, the Utah Department of Heath held a public forum to gather comments on what should be considered as the study gets underway, but as KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports, the report could have little influence on some lawmakers.
For the seventh straight year, Utah is number one for volunteerism. Today Utah Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell announced the results from the Volunteering and Civic Life in America Report which shows 41% of the state’s adults give back in their communities compared to the national average of 27 percent.
Utah Governor Gary Herbert rolled out his budget proposal for fiscal year 2014 yesterday. At the top of his list, education. Herbert’s plan calls for $298 million dollars in new funds be allocated to schools, but as KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports, the Governor’s plan could be short lived due to the looming fiscal cliff.
Two term Representative Christine Watkins walked out of the state’s last legislative session as a Democrat, but she hopes to return to Capitol Hill as a Republican. Watkins, who represents Emery, Carbon and Duchesne Counties narrowly lost re-election in November largely in part because of redistricting, and Duchesne’s large Republican base.
Utah Governor Gary Herbert wants President Barack Obama to approve Utah’s health exchange program before a federal deadline later this week. Robert Spendlove, the Governor’s Policy Director says Herbert sent a letter to the White House yesterday urging the President for flexibility as Utah looks to keep its current health exchange, known as Avenue H.
What does the future hold for 2013? Tuesday, the Salt Lake Chamber and CBRE, the world’s largest real estate company delivered their economic outlook for the new year. KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports on why they say Utah residents should be optimistic but cautious.
Salt Lake City residents are getting a first look at a PBS documentary that airs next year. Age of Champions, a film about the National Senior Olympics, will preview at the Salt Lake City Main Library on Wednesday with appearances by a local senior athlete as well as the 28-year-old filmmaker Keith Ochwat. Ochwat says the documentary follows several athletes as they train, compete and return home.
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