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

The Answer to Solving Problems? Criminalize Everything!

HB462 Criminal Homicide and Abortion Revisions, the replacement bill for HB12 Criminal Homicide and Abortion Amendments, passed both the House and the Senate yesterday on The Hill. The bill is headed to the Governor’s desk for signing on Monday. The news has hit the New York Times and Ms. Magazine (which references Utah Legislature Watch). … Continue reading The Answer to Solving Problems? Criminalize Everything!

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….”

Health Care Crisis: Groups Organize to Ask Important Questions

The Disabled Rights Action Committee (DRAC) and the Anti-Hunger Action Committee (AHAC) have together organized a rally at the Utah Capitol for Tuesday to confront legislators on the HB67 Substitute Health System Amendments in advocacy for the rights to adequate and equitable health care for all, particularly addressing the current crisis of those who are … Continue reading Health Care Crisis: Groups Organize to Ask Important Questions

How the Insurance Industry”incarcerates” the purse strings of lawmakers

(cross-posted to Utah Legislature Watch)It is no secret that medical care is inadequate for inmates. Legislators have a history of not approving adequate funding for the care of those who are incarcerated. So when a bill is proposed that would save taxpayers money and still allow for inmates to receive medical care (under the provisions … Continue reading How the Insurance Industry”incarcerates” the purse strings of lawmakers

Outlining Priorities: Guv’s State of the State

Utah Legislature Watch)Governor Herbert delivered his first State of the State Addretonight. His priorities including keeping taxes from being raised, holding public education harmless from budget cuts, transportation, and legislative ethics reform. For the first time in three years, we are expecting an increase in revenue for the upcoming fiscal year. Housing is beginning to stabilize, … Continue reading Outlining Priorities: Guv’s State of the State

Let the Games Begin!

(cross-posted to Utah Legislature Watch)Today’s opening of the Utah Legislature will bring a variety of issues in the spotlight, among them being: The Budget- addressing the “shortfall” and how/if to use the “rainy day” fund and other measures to generate revenue - and within the budget debate are the hot topics of public and higher … Continue reading Let the Games Begin!

A Bill That Makes Sense? C’mon!

(cross-posted to Utah Legislature Watch)Rep. Jen Seelig, D-Salt Lake City has a piece of legislation in store for this year’s session that will assist women on Medicaid with family planning.Rep. Jen Seelig, D-Salt Lake City, says she will sponsor legislation in the upcoming session of the Utah Legislature to extend family planning services, including birth … Continue reading A Bill That Makes Sense? C’mon!

“Free Market” Health Care

There is a lot of talk these days around health care in our country. Utah is no exception. David Clark, House Speaker R-Santa Clara, UT, has drafted a bill for the upcoming Utah Legislative session.An article in Monday’s Salt Lake Tribune describes the failed “Health Exchange” for insurers and Clark’s bill:Insurers can sell plans through … Continue reading “Free Market” Health Care