Tag: taxes

Mineral and Petroleum “Literacy” Act: “Balanced” curriculum?

Legislators are on the move this year to take control of Utah's education system (SJR1 and SJR9).  It seems that there are already steps being taken to write curriculum in the form of legislation. Rep. Jack Draxler, R-Logan, is pushing legislation that would require educators to "consider" adding lessons into the curriculum about energy development, … Continue reading Mineral and Petroleum “Literacy” Act: “Balanced” curriculum?

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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

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!

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

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!

Legislators get brand new toys while citizens will feel impact of budget cuts

While budgets are being slashed, Utah legislators have and will reap the benefits of new technology: brand new laptops and cell phones. The justification for this? According to an article in the Deseret News: ….legislative leaders point out that the new computers were authorized several years ago when the state was swimming in money. Well … Continue reading Legislators get brand new toys while citizens will feel impact of budget cuts

Legislators, listen to the people: No raised taxes on food!

(cross-posted on Utah Legislature Watch) A poll conducted by the Deseret News/KSL-TV on raising taxes on food has yielded these results (published in the Deseret News): ….65 percent of Utahns say they definitely or probably oppose increasing the food tax. The survey of 408 Utahns, conducted by Dan Jones & Associates, found 33 percent definitely … Continue reading Legislators, listen to the people: No raised taxes on food!

Education Budget: Meeting Today’s Demands

(cross-posted to Utah Legislature Watch) Always a hot topic in the Utah Legislative Session, the budget discussion for education will once again address how to meet the demands of Utah’s changing demographics.That is, if Utah’s legislators decide to recognize that Utah is not the same as it was a decade, and more, ago. The Salt … Continue reading Education Budget: Meeting Today’s Demands