While Utah lawmakers aren’t eager to raise most taxes, a Senate committee approved a bill this morning to increase the gas tax by five cents, making it nearly 30 cents per gallon. Republican Senator Kevin Van Tassell said the state doesn’t have the funds it needs to adequately maintain its highways.
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.
A bill that punishes Utah businesses for employing undocumented immigrants cleared the legislature’s House Business and Labor Committee yesterday. But as KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports, it was sharply divisive.
All Utahns would be allowed to openly carry a gun near a school, day care or college if a GOP-sponsored bill makes it out of the legislature. KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports on a committee hearing where it narrowly passed last Friday.
A Hollywood actor has collaborated with local entrepreneurs to revive a nearly 80 year-old-bar in downtown Salt Lake City. Bar-X officially re-opened for business last week, and both the owners and patrons say it’s setting a precedent for future local businesses. KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports.
While the national consumer confidence index hits an eight-month high, a new survey suggests Utah consumers are even more positive about the future of the economy. The newly released Consumer Attitude Index from Zions Bank is 76.2 for January, compared to the national index of 60.6.
Wal-Mart has promised to sell healthier food and cheaper produce by 2015 in a new initiative. But will the change have a positive effect on most Utahns? KCPW’s Whittney Evans reports.
A new report puts a dollar value on the factors that affect quality of life in Utah, and how they’ve changed over time. It’s called the Genuine Progress Indicator. University of Utah economics professor Gunseli Berik, co-author of the report, says 22 factors were taken into consideration to reach the findings.
Downtown Salt Lake City Councilman Luke Garrott is not afraid to be the lone voice of opposition on the council. When others are willing to say yes to a controversial plan or initiative, he often says no. We asked Garrott what defines his politics and his plans for the future.
A local rare book seller says he has been “put on notice” that state lawmakers intend to drastically increase the regulations that govern antique vendors like him. Now, he’s rallying his supporters, hoping they don’t. KCPW’s Jessica Gail reports.
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