Big changes are coming to the Utah legislature in 2012. Monday, former House Speaker David Clark formally announced his resignation from the House of Representatives in order to focus on other political opportunities. Clark is the second legislator in a week to leave his seat, and as KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports, more departures could be on the way.
Republican Utah Governor Gary Herbert now has some competition as he runs for re-election in 2012. After serving three terms in the legislature and leading this year’s redistricting, GOP Representative Ken Sumsion has entered the race. How does the lawmaker plan to take on the well-funded incumbent, and why does he think he’s the right alternative to Governor Herbert?
New budget figures released today by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget look like good news for public education funding. Ron Bigelow, Governor Gary Herbert’s budget director, explains that with improving economic conditions, the state is forecasting $280 million in new, ongoing tax revenues.
New online ads for Republican Representative Carl Wimmer’s Congressional campaign highlight his experience as a law enforcement officer, urging voters to “Send a Cop to Congress” or to “Send SWAT to Clear Congress.” Wimmer notes that he was a SWAT team leader for more than five years, and says he’s not concerned the message will generate any controversy.
While the Utah Legislature’s Water Issues Task Force recommended earmarking 15 percent of future sales tax growth to fund the controversial Lake Powell pipeline to St. George, Governor Gary Herbert says in principle, he’s concerned about any kind of earmark. Earlier this year, he vetoed a bill that would have created a similar earmark for transportation projects.
The state could be making a lot more money from liquor sales, consultants told Utah lawmakers on Wednesday. Bob Springmeyer, President of Bonneville Research, which was hired to look into the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s business plan, says the state should consider allowing grocery stores to sell liquor.
It could be out with the new and in with the old when it comes to Utah’s fireworks laws. Wednesday, the same lawmaker who proposed extending the dates fireworks could be set off says he wants to return to the previous system. KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports on why the legislator says his new bill doesn’t mean he regrets changing the law for one year.
Democratic state lawmakers are seeking their own approach in figuring out the mismanagement inside the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control by forming a private-sector committee. Tuesday, House Minority Leader David Litvack joined Senate Minority Leader Ross Romero in sending a letter to Governor Gary Herbert, introducing a plan they say will help pinpoint the underlying problems inside the agency.
Another Republican state lawmaker is throwing his hat in the ring for Utah’s new 4th District Congressional seat. Representative Stephen Sandstrom of Orem announced his candidacy Monday.
The future of Utah’s Department of Community and Culture is up in the air. Yesterday, leaders from the agency met with lawmakers to discuss a study that could save the state up to one million dollars a year by getting rid of the department and moving its programs to existing organizations. KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports on what’s next for the DCC.
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