Education facing the budget axe

It's bad enough that Utah Legislators are attempting to destroy the public educational system in the state. Along with bills that want to transfer control from the State Board over to the Legilators or the Governor (depending on which bill), the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee has proposed a total of $257 million dollars to education … Continue reading Education facing the budget axe

The Guv’s Fiscal 2012 Budget Recommendations

Governor Herbert’s Fiscal 2012 Budget Recommendations can be viewed in their entirety here: Links to more information, reviews and articles on the Budget Recommendations can be found at this Google Search Engine Page.I will be posting on select budget items throughout the legislative session.(cross-posted to Utah Legislature Watch)

Micro-managing school budgets vs. the real issues

The two fundamental problems in our educational system in Utah are (1) not enough per pupil spending (Utah is last in the nation) and (2) top heavy spending in the school districts (administration, etc.) for what benefits students are actually receiving. #1 is by far the greatest issue. Yet some legislators are choosing what I … Continue reading Micro-managing school budgets vs. the real issues

Taxing “deadly” products is proving “deadly” for business owners

The recent legislation imposing a hike in taxes on tobacco products is proving deadly for local business owners. Legislators have effectively instituted measures that are forcing people having to turn to buying their "deadly" products out of state and forcing local businesses to close their doors. One such business is Utah's oldest smoke shop, … Continue reading Taxing “deadly” products is proving “deadly” for business owners

Vice Taxing

Utah’s legislators are about to set the stage for placing a tax on tobacco products. But what about considering increasing taxes on all “vices”? HB196 Tobacco Tax Revisions aims to increase the tax rates “on the sale, use, storage, or distribution of tobacco products in the state for the 2010-11 fiscal year and allowing the … Continue reading Vice Taxing

Education: Everyone’s “bag”

Education is always a hot topic in the Legislature and this year is no exception. Issues such as how to keep our students safe, how to best educate them with the funding provided, what and what not to teach them, class size…..the list is overwhelming. The education of our children is and should be high … Continue reading Education: Everyone’s “bag”

SB44: Health care for “legal” immigrant children garners approval

Utah Senators gave their nod of approval yesterday for SB44 Health Amendements for Legal Immigrant Children. The bill would lift a 5 year waiting period for immigrant families to obtain health care for their children. What is puzzling is the sentiment by adults towards children and tax paying workers. Today’s Deseret News: “These kids are … Continue reading SB44: Health care for “legal” immigrant children garners approval

“Unless you have been in our wheelchairs, you don’t know what it’s like….”

This is the message that disabled citizens wanted to get across to legislators as they rallied yesterdayat the Utah Capitol in protest of the cuts being made to health care in Utah as part of HB67 Health System Amendments and the budget cuts being made this year. The bill is before the Senate after passing … Continue reading “Unless you have been in our wheelchairs, you don’t know what it’s like….”

Why Stop At 12th Grade? Just Do Away With Education All Together!

The proposal to to cut out the 12th grade to save $60 million in Utah’s Budget has generated much commentary in the blogosphere.Over at the Jonathan Turley Blog, an interesting (tongue in cheek) concept has been presented as a result of Sen. Chris Buttars’ proposal :It is not clear why legislators have decided to keep … Continue reading Why Stop At 12th Grade? Just Do Away With Education All Together!

Considering public school transportation in the budget debate

(cross-posted to Utah Legislature Watch)Utah Policy editors have published a piece on options for transportation of school children. Currently, the Salt Lake City School District uses Utah Transit Authority for some of its school transportation needs. Many private schools also rely on UTA for student transportation.Today, UTA bus routes obviously aren’t maximized for school needs. … Continue reading Considering public school transportation in the budget debate