Seegmiller works to ban smoking in vehicles when children are present
Emily Bingham Hollingshead
House Democrats Communications Coordinator
Utah House of Representatives
Ph: 435.817.7203 801.696.9183
Fax: 801.326.1539
houseminmedia@utah.gov
http://www.utahhousedemocrats.org
Legislator Works to Ban Smoking in Cars When Children are Present
SALT LAKE CITY, February 18, 2009 — Representative Jay Seegmiller, D—Sandy, will be joined by fellow legislators, parents, children, pediatricians and child advocates to discuss the effects of smoking in cars when children are present, and to outline his bill HB 284, Smoking Ban in Motor Vehicles. The bill will be heard in committee at 2pm on Friday afternoon.
What: Press Conference and Photo Op
When: Friday, February 20, 2009, 12:00pm, immediately after floor time
Where: House of Representatives Grand Staircase
For information, contact Emily Hollingshead -435.817.7203 or 801.696.9183
Or Jay Seegmiller – 801.550.5649
Read MoreState Board of Education Member Election Process
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Emily Bingham Hollingshead
House Democrats Communications Coordinator
Ph: 435.817.7203
Fax: 801.326.1539
houseminmedia@utah.gov
http://www.utahhousedemocrats.org
State Board of Education Member Election Process bill advances
“Some have suggested that make direct election of school board members partisan races. But education is not partisan, and selection for Utah Board of Education should not be a partisan process,” said Representative Moss. “One reason this election process needs to be nonpartisan is so that federal employees would not be barred from running. In some counties, such as Davis and Weber, Hill Field employees regularly run for school board and municipal offices. If we turn this election over to political parties, many qualified people would not be allowed to run because of Hatch Act restrictions.”
The Hatch Act of 1939 is a
“The committee process is counter to the democratic process. Some have said that the committee process is necessary because it is difficult to get people interested to run for state school board. Over the past few years, however, there has been a heightened awareness that has increased involvement in public education,” said Moss.
HB 150 passed through the education committee with 11 yes votes and 4 no votes. It is on the 3rd reading calendar in the House of Representatives.
House Bill 107 – Delaying Implementation of SB81
Representative Brian S. King
District 28, Salt Lake City
Many residents in my district have contacted me expressing their concern with Senate Bill 81, a comprehensive immigration reform bill that was passed in the legislature last year. Fortunately, Representative Stephen Clark, R–Salt Lake City has brought forth House Bill 107, which delays Senate Bill 81 for a year while we study what impacts this may have upon Utah’s economy. Unfortuately, the bill has been held in the House Business and Labor Committee until further notice.
I agree with Representative Clark, and I hope we can move this bill forward. I’d like to push this off for another year in the hopes that we have a more comprehensive solution to the immigration issues from the place it should be coming from: the federal government. I think it is difficult for the states to put together anything but a patchwork solution to deal with this problem. In addition, SB 81 strikes me as a very one-sided approach to dealing with illegal immigration problems. If we are going to come down on the illegal immigrant and his or her family like a ton of bricks, we have on obligation to punish employers who hire those illegal workers with the same vigor. We both know that is not going to happen.
In addition, I believe the challenge of deputizing local law enforcement officials to enforce SB 81 will be a very expensive proposition. In my opinion, the $1.8 million fiscal note associated with SB 81, large as it is, tremendously understates the cost of enforcing the new law. Those pushing for more strict enforcement of immigration laws complain that we cannot allow continued flouting of existing laws but ignore the fact that the costs of enforcement of SB 81 all but guarantee that it too will be largely ignored.
One of the few things I think President Bush had somewhat right was his approach to immigration reform. Unfortunately, he was not able to get that off the ground at all during his second term.
Read MoreCancer Treatment, Screening, and Research
H. J. R. 3 – Joint Resolution Supporting Efforts to Increase and Improve Cancer Treatment Screening, and Research Programs — Duckworth, S
H.J.R. 3 promotes early cancer screening, treatment, and rsearch. The Joint Resolution encourages that cancer screening programs need to be available to all those who can use it. Early detection is the best treatment for cancer. A cancer caucus will be held on February 17, allowing cancer survivors and their friends and families, along with cancer treatment providers, with a forum in which they can discuss ways to increase and improve cancer treatment screening, treatment,and research programs.
Read MoreBalancing the Budget
By David Litvack, D–Salt Lake City
Minority Leader in the Utah House of Representatives
Through the early days of our 2009 Legislative Session, we have been part of much discussion and speculation regarding the upcoming budget. The ensuing loss of tax revenue has brought our state a budget deficit that cannot be ignored. My fellow Representatives and I approach the task of modifying the current budget with hope that we will show Utahans that we can work together to overcome the challenges we face. Democrats believe that we can develop a budget proposal that will address the current financial situation while preserving those programs most vital to you, our friends and neighbors.
While it is true that cuts will be made to the budget, Democrats continue to support creative and balanced strategies to minimize the impacts on our constituents. We appreciate the Governor’s approach to the budget; his efforts to draw from alternate means should serve as a guideline. We recognize that there are a variety of options and opportunities available and hope to work with our Republican colleagues to ensure the needs of our State continue to be met.
While there are many options available, we urge the legislature to consider a variety of approaches; such as
Bonding for critical infrastructure needs in transportation and buildings. In difficult times it is the right thing to do for our economy – we must keep people working investing in short-term growth and long-term prosperity.
Responsibly and carefully utilize the Rainy Day Fund. There is little doubt that it is raining, but we must be prepared to weather a possibly longer and unpredictable storm.
And where cuts must be made; let’s make them with a scalpel, very cautiously, and with great sensitivity and awareness to the impacts on our constituents and community.
In addition to the budget considerations, we anticipate a session unlike any other we have experienced. It is an honor for me and my Democratic colleagues to represent you in the Legislature. We look forward to a healthy exchange of ideas with Governor Huntsman, our Republican colleagues and you, the public. Please continue to follow our postings here and at www.le.state.ut.us for updates and insight into the current legislative session.
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