News Highlights

Utah blogger Kathy Dopp and her post-election conspiracy theories catch the notice of the New York Times.

Governor-elect Jon Huntsman is open to changing Utah liquor laws (Associated Press).

Deseret Morning News editorializes that the effort to create a uniform Utah sales tax system is unrealistic. Political Editor Bob Bernick comments on the new legislative leadership.

Quote of the Day

"Well, it's true I didn't buy the latest Usher CD, but I don't think Utahns, young or old, really care about the age of their leaders. I travel the state constantly and talk to Utahns of all ages, creeds and colors, and I don't think there's an issue or concern I haven't become familiar with."

- Orrin Hatch, 70, commenting on his age. Utah has one of the oldest Senate delegations (Deseret Morning News)

No Longer Politically Dangerous to Support Tax Credits

After many years of being an issue many legislators were afraid of, school choice is now on a roll in Utah. The biggest change is that it is no longer politically dangerous to support school choice or tuition tax credits. A whole new climate exists. Utah will soon have a governor who openly supported a good test of tuition tax credits during his campaign, and was not punished by voters even though his opponent hit him with TV and radio ads on the issue. That sends a message to legislators that you can support school choice and not be hurt.

A new study done by researchers at Utah State University shows that tuition tax credits would be good for the state and for public education financially, leaving more money in public schools than is taken out. A previous study done by the Legislature’s fiscal analyst showed the same thing. And the school choice movement has some well-funded and effective citizen groups behind it, including Education Excellence Utah and Parents for Choice in Education. These groups were very active during the election, letting school choice legislative supporters know that there would be political support for them.

With several school choice bills likely to be debated at the upcoming legislative session, it seems the time has come for Utah to do a good, solid test of tuition tax credits. It won’t be the end of the world. It won’t hurt public education. I support school choice because I support public schools, where all of my children have attended and my grandchildren will attend. I believe school choice will help public education, both financially and in other ways.

New Envirocare Video

Envirocare of Utah premiered a new half-hour video presentation about the company Thursday evening at Rose Wagner Theater. The video, available in DVD and VHS formats, features Sharlene Wells Hawkes, who is also the voice in Envirocare’s radio ads, taking viewers on a tour of the company’s facilities and explaining what Envirocare does. The video will be distributed widely to Utah political leaders and opinion leaders and might also be shown on television as an infomercial. For a copy, contact Envirocare at 532-1330. (Disclosure: My firm, the Exoro Group, helped develop the script for the video.)

Learn About Upcoming Session

Voice for Moderation will hold a post-election meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 17, to discuss the upcoming legislative session and the impact of new leadership. Invited speakers are Republican Reps. Kory Holdaway and Susan Lawrence. They will outline what they see as important legislation that will probably be introduced in the 2005 session.  The meeting will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Holladay Library at 2150 East Murray-Holiday Rd (4730 South).

On Attorney General John Ashcroft and Commerce Secretary Don Evans stepping down: "So that's two major cabinet positions that have left. That's pretty amazing! Actually two people in the Bush administration have an exit strategy!

"Did you hear about this? John Kerry is considering running again in 2008. Then, you know, he could change his mind...

"Saddam Hussein announced today that he doesn't want to be tried by the Iraqi people. He wants to be tried by the Scott Peterson jury.

"Here at NBC all of the employees have to take a sexual harassment class and a safety class. Hey, I've seen the primetime shows on the network. How about a writing class?!"

Rep. Neal B. Hendrickson, District 33, November 15
Rep. Rebecca D. Lockhart, District 64, November 20
Rep. Jeff Alexander, District 62, November 28
Rep. Jack A. Seitz, District 55, December 25

Entire Birthday List

Utah Policy Daily is a service
of Utah Policy.com

Publisher: LaVarr Webb
Editor: Bart Barker
News: Golden Webb
Calendar and Subscriptions: Paul Hollingshead

Associated Press
- Huntsman questions liquor laws

Deseret Morning News
- Senate duo among eldest
- Lawmakers working on 2 tax-credit plans for tuition
- Huntsman names chief of staff, other top aides
- Let the fun begin up on Utah's Capitol Hill
- Banks get a new advocate
- Editorial: Tax simplification too elusive

Salt Lake Tribune
- Walker submits names for confirmation
- Groups claim win over BLM
- Judicial nominee from Utah running out of time
- Editorial: A bridge too far

Daily Herald
- Huntsman announces new staff members

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- Nov 11-12: Utah State Association of Parliamentarians (USAP) annual workshops, Salt Lake County Government Center North Building, 2100 S State St. $55 registration deadline by Nov 5th, Reta Pehrson 801-532-5212.
- Nov 12-13: Utah Federation of Republican Women Annual Conference, Springville, UT. Keynote address by Shirley Foote, National Federation Board Member.
- Nov 13: Davis County Democrats No-Host Breakfast, 8:30 am to 10:00 am, Joanie's Restaurant, 286 North 400 West, Kaysville. Contact: Richard Watson (801) 292-6772.
- Nov 23: Green Party of Utah Roots Local Monthly Meeting, 12 pm, Sprague Library, 1100 E just past 2100 S, Salt Lake City. Contact: 486-2558.
- Nov 30: Energy Policy Task Force, 10 am, Rm W130, State Capitol.
- Dec 2: Progressive Democratic Caucus Meeting, 6:30 pm to 8 pm, 455 South 300 East, Suite 102, Salt Lake City. Contact: Craig Axford 801-918-6017.
- Dec 2: Professional Republican Women's Holiday Luncheon and Tour at the Governor's Mansion, Noon, Reservations: dianney5@aol.com.
- Dec 7: Utah Log Cabin Republicans Monthly Meeting, 7:30 pm, Room N4010, Salt Lake County Building, 2001 South State Street, Salt Lake.
- Dec 9: Sutherland Institute seminar "The Public You--Applications in Effective Communication" 8:30-11:30 am, 6th Floor 150 E Social Hall Ave, SLC. Register: 801-355-1272.
- Dec 9: Davis Co. Democrats 2nd Annual Christmas Dinner, 6:30 pm.
- Dec 11: Davis County Democrats No-Host Breakfast, 8:30 am to 10 am, Joanie's Restaurant, 286 North 400 West, Kaysville. Contact: Richard Watson 801-292-6772.
- Dec 28: Green Party of Utah Roots Local Monthly Meeting, 12 pm, Sprague Library, 1100 East, just past 2100 South, Salt Lake City. Contact: 486-2558.