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News Highlights

The Senate grants preliminary approval to a comprehensive immigration reform bill; a House OK is likely (Deseret Morning News, KCPW, Daily Herald, and Salt Lake Tribune). Gov. Huntsman says he will veto tuition and driver privilege bills (KCPW). Tribune editorial says immigration should be addressed at federal level.

Senate GOP caucus votes to begin financing work to rebuild I-15 in Utah County (Morning News).

Quote of the Day

"Right now, it's a sector. There's nothing systematic about it."

-- HHS Secretary and former Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt, arguing that consumers must have better information on medical costs and quality in order to make informed decisions and to reduce costs (Morning News).   See related Tribune story.


Friday Buzz
Written by LaVarr Webb & Associates

Sensible Immigration Reform 

In this week's issue of the Economic Review, EDCUtah President and CEO Jeff Edwards applauds the Legislature for striving to balance a multiplicity of voices and needs regarding state appropriations and urges pragmatism regarding immigration reform legislation.

Regional Politics

Wolves Lose Federal Protection

The Bush administration has announced an end to federal protection for gray wolves in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. “Wolves are back,” said Lynn Scarlett, deputy director of the Department of the Interior. “Gray wolves in the northern Rock Mountains are thriving and no longer need protection.” Conservation groups said they would file a lawsuit to reverse the decision. (New York Times).

Sunrise Seminars 

The Zions Bank Business Resource Center is hosting a series of monthly "Sunrise Seminars" for small businesses. Randi Ruff, manager of purchasing and small business liaison at the University of Utah, will be this month's presenter, Feb. 28. Ruff says she'll teach seminar participants how to navigate the university’s procurement process and highlight the many contracting opportunities available for small businesses. Read more about the Sunrise Seminar in this week's issue of Taking Care of Business.

Today in Political History

Feb. 22, 1732George Washington, the first President of the United States, is born in Virginia.  He served two terms, from 1789-1797, and died Dec. 14th 1799.  (Source:  NBC5

Feb. 22, 1980: In a stunning upset, the United States Olympic hockey team defeats the Soviets at Lake Placid, N.Y., 4-to-3. The U.S. team went on to win the gold medal. (New York Times)

Wise Words

"The issue today is the same as it has been throughout all history, whether man shall be allowed to govern himself or be ruled by a small elite."

-- Thomas Jefferson (Source:  Gmu.Edu

Leadership Tip

Finish the Job

Many business leaders yak about their complete game, but how many actually finish what they say they're going to start? A thoughtless leader who never genuinely finishes anything loses the confidence of clients and customers. That lack of follow-through isn't going to be lost on his or her employees, either. Instead, set goals and establish pragmatic, accountable measures to actually finish what you start. "The ability to complete things is critical," Segil says. "Nothing's useful unless you actually complete it." (Source:  Microsoft.com

National Politics

Best Stories From . . .

-- Politico: "John McCain's campaign promised to 'go to war' against The New York Times Wednesday night after the newspaper posted its long-awaited story on McCain's alleged relationship with a telecom lobbyist. Both McCain and the woman in question denied having a romantic relationship."
 
-- The Hill: McCain "is trying to turn into campaign cash a controversial story hinting at an improper relationship he is alleged to have had with a lobbyist. ... In an e-mail to supporters, campaign manager Rick Davis characterized The New York Times as having 'toss[ed] standards aside in an attempt to stop our momentum.' With 'immediate help' from supporters, Davis wrote, 'we'll be able to respond and defend our nominee from the liberal attack machine.'"
 
-- NBC News: Analyst Chuck Todd: "There's no dispute anymore. Sen. Barack Obama is the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination and he's one win away from putting this race to bed. A victory in either Ohio or Texas will probably drive Sen. Hillary Clinton out of the race. Victories for Obama in both states will definitely end it. Obama's trajectory is really stunning right now."

-- Boston Herald: Columnist and Obama supporter Margery Eagan says backing Obama is starting to feel "like joining a cult."

Blog Watch

The Utah House Republican Majority is blogging again, after an eight-month hiatus. Read weekly reports about House legislative activity at the Utah House Blog.

Lighter Side

Favorite Headlines

(From James Taranto’s Best of the Web at OpinionJournal.com)

-- Breaking News From 1066: “Vikings Go on Rampage at Lodge” —Post-Journal (Jamestown, NY)
-- He Was Aiming for the Road Runner: “Aggressive Coyote Shot at Copper” —Denver Post
-- Look Out Below!: “World’s Fattest Man Drops 230 Kilos (507 Pounds)” —Agence France-Presse
-- News You Can Use: “Healthy Lifestyle Is the Secret to Longer Life, Researchers Say” —eFluxMedia.com

-- That Explains O’Reilly, but What’s Olbermann’s Excuse?  "Fox Tested Positive for Rabies"-- Richmond Times-Dispatch

Casual Friday 

Utah Fishing Report

By Dave Webb, www.redrockadventure.com

The mild weather will soon soften ice on lower-elevation waters like Utah Lake and Willard Bay. The forecast calls for storms, but temperatures will be mild and snow will continue to melt. With reservoirs rising, there could be open water or unsafe ice around shorelines. Ice fishing will remain good at many waters, but use caution wherever you go.

Stormy weather with mild temperatures will bring decent fly fishing to our streams. Steve Schmidt at Western Rivers Flyfisher says the Green, Provo and Weber will be the best bets. "On days when the weather cooperates, midge hatches have been good... The most pleasant part of the day produces the best fishing, 10 am-2 pm window. Your pattern should be gray or black and sizes #28-#18." Read his complete report.

Runoff probably won't start early but when it comes it will be heavy and sustained. Get out during the next few weeks to enjoy the streams before the water rises. After runoff sets in, our tailwaters will provide good action even when other streams are blown out.

Outdoors Report

-- Morning News takes advantage of wildlife viewing

-- Beaver Mountain’s night skiing provides group fun in the Tribune

-- Ski Powder Mountain’s famous runs in the Morning News

-- Tribune explores America’s wildest places

-- Find out about upcoming events in the Morning News’ Outdoor Notes

-- Check out the Tribune’s Outdoor Notebook  and Recreation Roundup for sports and recreation activities this week

-- For the latest wildlife news and information and the fishing report visit the DWR website

New Films

-- Be Kind Rewind: Tribune review
-- Charlie Bartlett: Tribune review

-- Vantage Point: Tribune review

Concerts

-- Pleasant Grove Orchestra, Friday, 7 p.m., Pleasant Grove High School, 700 East and 200 South, free
-- “Evening of Dance,” Friday, 7:30 p.m., Richards Building, BYU, Provo, $8
-- Harlem Gospel Choir, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Kingsbury Hall, U., $22.50-$32.50
-- Poco Pena Flamenco Dance, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Peery's Egyptian Theater, Ogden, $13-$16
-- Wasatch Trio, Friday, 7:30 p.m., Temple Square Assembly Hall, free
-- “From Broadway to Hollywood,” U. piano faculty, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Libby Gardner Concert Hall, U., $7
-- “Peer Gynt,” Utah Symphony and Utah Symphony Chorus, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., Abravanel Hall, $12-$48
-- “Because We Sing,” men's chorus, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Temple Square Assembly Hall, free
-- Utah Youth Symphony, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Salt Lake Tabernacle, free but tickets required
-- NOVA Chamber Music Series, Sunday, 3 p.m., Utah Museum of Fine Arts
-- Organ Recitals, every Saturday, noon, and every Sunday, 2 p.m., Temple Square Assembly Hall

Theater

-- “The Magic Flute” through February 23, Utah Lyric Opera Ensemble, University of Utah

-- “Living Out” through February 23, Pygmalion Theatre Company

-- “Forever Plaid” through February 29, Terrace Plaza Playhouse
-- “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” through March 1, Pioneer Theatre Company
-- “Singin’ in the Rain” through March 1, Draper Historic Theatre

-- “Menopause the Musical” through March 2, Rose Wagner Center

-- “Tristan and Yseult” through March 2, Babcock Theatre

-- “George Washington Slept Here” through March 8, Springville Playhouse

-- “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” through March 22, Center Street Musical Theatre
-- “My Valley Fair Lady” through March 22, Desert Star Theatre
-- “Pirates of Penzance” through March 24, Valley Center Playhouse

-- “Cabaret” through April 5, Egyptian Theatre Company, Park City
-- “She Loves Me” through April 5, Hale Center Theater Orem

-- “The Sound of Music” through April 11, Terrace Plaza Playhouse

Museum Exhibits

-- The 11th Black & White Statewide Art Competition Exhibition, Photography by Randy S. Chatelain Exhibition through March 29, Eccles Community Art Center
-- Bravo! The Tortilla Paintings of Joe Bravo Exhibition, Wasatch Back Student Art Show Exhibition through March 30, Kimball Art Center

-- Masks, Magic, and Mirrors Exhibition through March 31, Natural Revelations: Paintings by Susan Swartz Exhibition through April 13, Utah Museum of Fine Arts

-- Minerva Teichert:  Pageants in Paint Exhibition, through May 26, Brigham Young University Museum of Art

Et Cetera

-- Full Moon Snowshoe, Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, Friday, 8 p.m., Brighton
-- Timpanogos Storytelling Festival Midwinter Event, Friday and Saturday, Provo

 

Elected Officials Birthday List


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Editor: Paul Hollingshead
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Friday
February 22, 2008

 

George Washington's Birthday



Local Headlines

Salt Lake Tribune

- Leavitt: 'Value-based' health care a solution

- South Salt Lake councilman under fire

- No cash for high school program

- Bill would give St. George communal solar panels

- Bill would increase sex-offender monitoring

- Lawmakers look to equalize burden

- Income fades, but schools still a priority

- Bowman likely will miss rest of session

- Guv backs down on CHIP

- Paul Rolly: Buttars gets mad when friends lose

- Usually quiescent Utahns were powerhouse donors

- Thousands protest proposed oil drilling near work of art

- Ogden Valley residents express outrage

- Immigration bill heads for Senate floor

- Groups seek to stop minerals expansion

- Incident gives preparedness teams chance to practice

- Funding sought for meth cops' health regimen

- Conservationist suspects legislative strong-arming

- Huntsman says Buttars' remarks offended him

- Experts: Utah's big one inevitable

- Hershey to open center in Ogden

- Utah lawmakers vote to boost Fund of Funds

- Conventioneers, tourists bring $1B to S.L. County

- Editorial: Tax shift: Replacing property tax with sales tax would hurt poor

- Editorial: Utah Congress?: State immigration legislation is a bad idea

- Op-ed: Harsh immigration bills don't reflect our better selves

Standard-Examiner

- UDOT presents 30-year transportation plans

- BDO ready to greet Hershey Company with a kiss

- Editorial: A radical tax shift

- Op-ed: The KC-767 is the best air tanker for our nation's needs

St. George Spectrum

- Veyo: No more water tax

Logan Herald Journal

- 'Super' system

- Valley's Craig Buttars not that Buttars

Daily Utah Chronicle

- Bishop condemns the federal government

KUER

- Bills Targeting Unions, Road Safety and Higher Education

Tooele Transcript Bulletin

- Former Tooele City Mayor Bob Swan dies

- State program lets property owners measure wind energy potential for free

- Time and money running short on Capitol Hill

Daily Herald

- Religious group wants to avoid U.S. high court

- Peay announces bid for State Senate

- Modified animal rights bill headed to senate

- Senate endorses I-15 improvements

- Legislature pushes immigration laws forward

- Senate Bill 81 highlights

- Keeping a civil tongue during a bill ballyhoo

- Editorial: Last word on Buttars flap

SUU Journal Online

- Leavitt proud of southern Utah roots

KCPW

- SLCVB Announces Record Convention Attendance

- Tanker Contract Has Economic Impact on Utah

- Rep. Bishop: Congress Will Never Pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform

- Controversial Immigration Reform Passes Major Senate Hurdle

- "Flawed" Incorporation Law Could Soon be Replaced

- Matheson: Legislature Would Work Better if Balanced

- Restaurant Owners in SLC say "No, Grazie" to Italian Nuclear Waste

- Governor Plans to Veto Two Immigration Bills

- Minorities Still Not Getting Involved in Political Process

Davis County Clipper

- Officials fear loss in tourism funds for Davis County

- Solid waste law could cost the county big bucks

Deseret Morning News

- GOP caucus backs work on I-15

- Bank compromise reached

- Effort to censure councilman fails

- Utah taking action on illegals: Senate appears to favor bill that would create employment barrier

- Cannon says states should play big role in immigration reform

- Provo hopes to improve downtown

- Leavitt says info key to health reform

- Quake gave Utah a 'wake-up call' for planning

- Controversial district-split bill to change again

- Low-income Utahns fearing Medicaid cuts

- Buttars' fate up to voters

- Tax-poor schools could get a leg up

- Lawmaker leaving to have surgery

- Bluffdale Council shuns rail stop

- Congressman Bishop addresses legislators

- Former UHP chief to run for Senate

- Green offices: More developers see the financial benefits of eco-friendly building

- Hershey plans Ogden center

- Bob Bernick Jr.: Tax revenue shrinks; sparring over ethics grows

- Editorial: Nevada earthquake instructive


Political Calendar

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- Feb 22: Washington's Birthday

- Feb 22: Legislative meetings scheduled throughout day. See Legislative calendar for details.

- Feb 22: Midday Metro at 10 a.m. on NPR Utah, KCPW 88.3 FM: Fighting back against drug dealers is the focus of his life ever since Lance Merrill’s daughter lost her battle with addiction in 2005. He’s on Capitol Hill backing legislation that would allow the estate of illegal drug overdose victims to sue drug dealers in civil court. The founder of Dads Against Drug Dealers, Merrill shares his story with Midday Metro.

- Feb 22: Lt. Governor Herbert to speak at the Uintah County Lincoln Day Dinner, 6:30 p.m., Utah State University Extension, Vernal.

- Feb 22: Lt. Governor Herbert to speak at the Duchesne County Lincoln Day Dinner, 8 p.m., Roosevelt.

- Feb 23: Lt. Governor Herbert to speak at the Cache County Lincoln Day Dinner, 6 p.m., Blackstone Restaurant.

- Feb 25: Lt. Governor Herbert to congratulate winners of the High School All-Star Art Show, 12 p.m., Utah State Capitol.

- Feb 26: United Nations Association of Utah program "Climate Change--Contrasting Approaches of the EU and USA," 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. program, Sugarhouse Garden Center, Sugarhouse Park. Guest speaker is Dr. Erich Pohl of the University of Heidelberg. The public is welcome to both the dinner and program. Contact Maxine Haggerty at 801-277-7493.

- Feb 26: Salt Lake Council of Women (SLCW) Hall of Fame Event, 6 p.m. Reception, 7 p.m. Dinner and Awards program, Joseph Smith Memorial Bldg, 15 E. S. Temple, 9th floor. Keynote speaker First Lady Mary Kaye Huntsman. SLCW will induct seven women who have given twenty-five years or more of voluntary service to the community. Reservations by Noon, Feb. 19. Contact: Peggy Rounds at 801-943-7462 or prounds@msn.com.

- Feb 27: "Bringing Back America's Promise," an evening with David Leavitt, Republican candidate for U.S. Congress, 7 p.m., Springville Art Museum, 126 E 400 S, Springville. Light refreshments served. RSVP not necessary but appreciated. Email lin@davidleavitt2008.com or call 801-649-5346.

- Feb 28: Mayor Peter Corroon Campaign Kickoff, 2 p.m., Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 West 3100 South (enter 3100 South at Redwood Road and go west) , West Valley City. Light refreshments served. RSVP by calling 801-467-1221 or email mrscorroon@hotmail.com

- Feb 28: Lt. Governor Herbert to attend the Utah Valley Leadership Conference, 3:30 p.m., Utah State Capitol.

- Feb 28: Mayor Peter Corroon Campaign Open House, 5 to 8 p.m., Campaign Headquarters, 1063 East 3300 South, Salt Lake. RSVP by calling 801-467-1221 or email mrscorroon@hotmail.com
- Feb 28: Salt Lake County Libertarian Party Meeting, 7 p.m., Mo's Neighborhood Grill, 358 South West Temple, Salt Lake City. For more information, visit LPUtah.org.

- Feb 28: Davis County Democrats Meeting, 7 p.m., Commission Chambers, Davis County Courthouse, 28 East State Street, Farmington. Precinct officers, delegates and the general public are invited.

- Mar 1: American Samoa Republican Presidential Caucus

- Mar 3: Desert Greens meeting, 7 p.m., Coffee Club, just south of 4800 S. Redwood Road (east side of the road). Desert Greens is Utah's national affiliate of the Green Party of the U.S. and meets on the first Monday of the month. For more info call Eileen at 801-201-0219.

- Mar 4: Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, and Vermont Republican and Democratic Presidential Primaries

- Mar 7: 2008 political office filing period begins (runs through March 17)

- Mar 7: BYU Executive Master of Public Administration Information Session, 7 p.m., BYU- Salt Lake Center, 3 Triad Center, Room 101. For details call 801-422-4516, email, or click here.

- Mar 8: Wyoming Democratic Presidential Caucus

- Mar 10: American Samoa Democratic Presidential Caucus

- Mar 11: Mississippi Republican and Democratic Presidential Primary

- Mar 20: Utah Republican Party Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30 a.m., Party Headquarters.

- Mar 23: Easter Sunday
- Mar 25: Republican Party neighborhood political party Precinct Caucus meetings. Contact your county leadership for more info.

- Mar 29: Grand & San Juan Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinners

- Apr 1: Beaver County Republican Party Convention

- Apr 2: Millard & Juab County Republican Party Conventions

- Apr 3: District of Columbia Democratic Presidential Caucus

- Apr 3: Tooele County Republican Party Convention

- Apr 4: Wasatch & Summit County Republican Party Conventions

- Apr 5: Virgin Islands Republican Presidential Primary

- Apr 7: Desert Greens meeting, 7 p.m., Coffee Club, just south of 4800 S. Redwood Road (east side of the road). Desert Greens is Utah's national affiliate of the Green Party of the U.S. and meets on the first Monday of the month. For more info call Eileen at 801-201-0219.

- Apr 8: Rich County Republican Party Convention

- Apr 9: Morgan County Republican Party Convention

- Apr 10: Box Elder County Republican Party Convention

- Apr 11: Cache County Republican Party Convention

- Apr 12: Davis & Weber County Republican Party Conventions

- See the entire calendar