News Highlights

KSL Radio personality Doug Wright bows out of the race for Utah's 2nd Congressional District (Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret Morning News).

Cities gear up to oppose Sen. Al Mansell's revised version of SB170 (Tribune and Morning News).

Utah Democrats announce their budget priorities, which include smaller classes, more local control of education money and better care of people in need (Morning News and Tribune).

Quote of the Day

“The true success of the new venture christened EnergySolutions could be a giant technological leap, perhaps making nuclear power an environmentally and economically attractive alternative to dirty and limited fossil fuels to produce our energy. But its failure would leave us all with a mess even bigger than the nuclear wastepiles that the firm plans to clean up.”

-- Salt Lake Tribune editorial commenting on the transformation of the old Envirocare to the new EnergySolutions. With a major advertising campaign underway, the firm is attempting one of the most rapid image remakes ever seen.

Watch Those Fouls

The governor and the Legislature go head-to-head today in a big battle. No, it has nothing to do with state budget squabbles in the Capitol. The clash will occur on the basketball court in the Delta Center, 6:30 p.m.

Taxpayers Assoc. Posts Newsletter

The Utah Taxpayers Association has posted its February newsletter. This month's issue features articles on legislative tax and spending issues, the unfair competition between small businesses and taxpayer funded government entities, and a column by Assoc. V.P. Mike Jerman on the relationship between Utah's per student spending and higher taxes.

Blog Watch

William Saletan at Slate comments on Utah's evolution flap (Hat Tip: Evolution in Utah) (see also here)... The Senate Site blog has several good posts on several subjects, including Rep. Rob Bishop's Utah Senate visit and UPD's USTAR Archive... Rep. Jeff Alexander is back after a long hiatus with a post on lobbyist reform... Reach Upward asks and answers the question: "How can a Mormon oppose polygamy with a straight face?"... Liberty for Utah explores the relationship between love and politics... OneUtah has a post on anti-bullying laws (see also here)... Both Utah Politics and Brooklyned feature email interviews with Senate candidate Pete Ashdown, while Utah Conservative interviewed (via an email survey) District 61 candidate John Tinsley... A few bloggers respond to LaVarr Webb's "Monday Musings" on Congress, here, here, and here... Just Askin' asks a question about Utah education spending... Two Guys from Quantico had lunch with Rep. Chris Cannon.

Washington Watch

The Hatch Report

Sen. Orrin Hatch praises Pres. Bush's proposed 2007 budget, placing "his support behind the President’s efforts to curb government spending and put the country on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009 (see press release); Hatch defends the NSA spying program, saying Pres. Bush "has the inherent power to be able to do what he should to protect our nation during a time of war" (Bloomberg); the Utah Law Review publishes Hatch’s  analysis of judicial nomination filibusters (see press release); interns "take a first-class trip to D.C. on the Hatch Express (see press release).

Cannon: Boehner is Right Man

Rep. Chris Cannon on the election of John Boehner as House Majority Leader: "John Boehner is the right man for this job. I have worked together with him on so many issues and I look forward to working closely with him in his new position. [This] was more than an election for Leader, it was a referendum on where Republicans want our party to go heading into a pivotal time for our country" (see press release).

Intelligent Design Debate Continues

Utah’s legislative debate on “intelligent design” is continuing to strike nerves, locally and nationally. Sunday’s New York Times article about the rift the debate is causing in Utah sparked Idaho attorney Raymond Swenson to send UPD this interesting essay on intelligent design, Darwinism, and faith.

Reader Response

Utah Students Can’t Compete?

I was reading Utah Policy Daily this morning and was pleased that the Deseret Morning News had come out in support of the USTAR economic initiative. I too believe that research and the development of technological innovation centers is one of the keys to future economic success. Unfortunately Utah and the DMN seem to have forgotten that same principle applies to the education of our children.

In 2003 the Legislature passed a bill asking for innovative developments from the private sector to jump start public education. The resulting proposals to the 2004 Legislature prompted a $1,000,000 special appropriation (Line item 85, House Bill 3) to fund some innovative programs with the vitally important outcome research. Governor Walker vetoed this appropriation citing a separation of powers issue that in my opinion was a cover for the real reason for the veto, the education establishment's fear of innovation and resistance to change. The DMN followed up with a negative editorial supporting the Governor's veto and a front page article calling the vetoed proposal strange.

The Utah Legislature should attend a few graduate classes in our state universities so they can see who their USTAR appropriation will be funding. Over half of these graduate students are not citizens of the United States. Our own students can't compete educationally with other industrialized countries in math and science. Let's hope these international students stay in the United States to implement their innovations or USTAR may be finding the technological innovation in other countries that will eventually relegate the United States to a second class nation.  

To insure full disclosure, I am the President of Innovations in Education, the group that received the $1,000,000 funding that was promptly vetoed.

-- Michael R. Phillips

Innovations in Education
E-mail: michaelrp1@comcast.net          

www.iie-edu.org

Elected Officials Birthday List

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Local Headlines

Salt Lake Tribune

- Bush budget backs Utah rail plans, but would cut social programs

- Malone may not have to take back seat to Parks

- Council claims budget proposal to clean tailings isn't enough

- Can kids go from pre-K to full day?

- Tourism officials discuss impact of Kanab's 'natural family' stand

- Interfaith Roundtable kicks off a week of ecumenical events

- Company proposes oil pipeline

- Radio host Wright will not seek GOP nomination for Congress

- SHORT SESSIONS - Legislative briefs

- Cities keep dukes up as Mansell retools

- HEARD ON THE HILL - Rep. Bishop speaks to House

- Bill may widen the definition of the term "assistance animal"

- Peyote limit advances in Senate

- Panel seeks bounty on mercury devices

- Democrats' budget close to governor's

- Revised bill would leave ambulance service decisions to local governments

- Huntsman stock plunges after suitors are rejected

- Questar rate cut held up by suspicion

- Editorial: ENERGYSOLUTIONS: Envirocare's new life still requires oversight

Standard-Examiner

- Peyote bill to be researched before debated by full Sentate

- Editorial: Too much bait for cyber phishers

Daily Herald

- Kindergarten bill moves to House floor

- Senate committee approves energy bill

- Legislators battle multiple issues when determining education priorities

Deseret Morning News

- Big makeover for U.S. 6?

- Kindergarten bill offering full-day option advances

- Utahns are wary of Bush cuts

- Public education is atop Democrats' budget priorities

- Alpine defends math classes

- Cities boost land-use opposition

- Archaeologist's office may be moved

- S.L. councilwoman trying a dramatic change of pace with 'Monologues'

- Radio host Wright won't run for Congress

- House backs nonpartisan regents board

- Youths take stand against alcohol, dating violence

- Measure addresses S.L. ambulance dispute

- UITA breakfast Feb. 15 to feature legislators

- Bishop lauds accomplishments over HAFB, nuke-waste issue

- Juvenile sex offender registry is nearing a final passage

- Senate committee passes bill that clarifies the use of peyote

- Huntsman Corp. shares plunge

- Op-ed: Noel is wrong about nuclear energy's safety

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- Feb 7: Legislative meetings scheduled throughout day.  See Legislative calendar for details.
- Feb 7: Utah League of Women Voter's daily legislative update on KCPW 88.3 FM, 7:40 a.m.
- Feb 7: Midday Metro on KCPW at 10 a.m., hosted by Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, who takes on bills before the Utah Legislature. On the agenda: intelligent design, gay-straight alliances, in-state tuition for undocumented students, gifts to legislators, the environmental bond bill, and the Gold Cross Ambulence bill. During the show, call 801-355-TALK or send emails to midday@kcpw.org to join in the conversation.
- Feb 7: RadioWest on KUER FM 90: "Bishop George Niederauer," 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Bishop George Niederauer has served the Diocese of Salt Lake City for nearly 11 years. On February 15, he will be installed as Archbishop of San Francisco. As Bishop Niederauer prepares for his move, he joins Doug Fabrizio to talk about his faith, about the role of religion in community, and about Utah, a place he calls home.
- Feb 7: Gov. Huntsman to attend Funeral Services for Coretta Scott King, 12 p.m., New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Lithonia, Georgia.

- Feb 7: Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee, 12 p.m., Beehive Room, East Capitol.
- Feb 7: Chamber Energy Committee, 12 p.m., Chamber, Eccles Bd. Room.
- Feb 7: Hinckley Institute of Politics Forum "Careers in the Foreign Service, a meeting with Bill McGlynn, Diplomat in Residence, 12 p.m.
- Feb 7: Executive Branch v. Legislative Branch basketball game, 6:30 p.m., Delta Center, Salt Lake City. Starting lineup is Shooting Guard: Gov. Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., Point Guard: Lt. Gov. Gary R. Herbert, Small Forward: Assistant to the Governor Jami Palmer, Power Forward: Executive Protection Jess Anderson, Center: Attorney General Mark Shurtleff. Please call Brian Maxwell at 801-538-1041 with questions.
- Feb 8: Legislative meetings scheduled throughout day.  See Legislative calendar for details.
- Feb 8: Speaker Greg Curtis to attend Boys & Girls Club Breakfast, 8 a.m.
- Feb 8: Gov. Huntsman to meet with Boys & Girls Club 2007 Youth of the Year Recipients, 9:45 a.m., Governor's Office.
- Feb 8: Hinckley Institute of Politics Forum "You Can Make a Difference," 10:45 a.m. A discussion with Pamela Atkinson, Community Homeless Advocate; Matt Minkevitch, Executive Director The Road Home; Jill Anderson, Executive Director, Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse; Commissioner Palmer DePaulis, Utah State Tax Commissioner.
- Feb 8: Gov. Huntsman to attend KSL Primary Children's Medical Center Radio-thon, 11:20 a.m., Primary Children's Medical Center, 100 Medical Drive, Salt Lake City.
- Feb 8: Gov. Huntsman to give Boy Scouts of America Presentation, 5:15 p.m., Governor's Office.
- Feb 9: Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee, 11 am, Chamber, Eccles Bd. Room.
- Feb 9: Gov. Huntsman to give Welcoming Remarks at 22nd Annual Investors Choice Venture Capital Conference, 12:30 p.m., Sheraton City Centre Hotel, 150 West 500 South, Salt Lake City.
- Feb 9: Gov. Huntsman Declaration Signings, 1 p.m., Governor's Office.
- Feb 10: American Society for Public Administration Luncheon, 12 p.m., Utah State Center for the Blind, 250 N 1950 W room 227, Salt Lake City. The luncheon will address the topic: "Assisting People Who Are Homeless: Emerging Strategies for Addressing Needs." For more information see ASPA website.
- Feb 10: Cache County Republicans Lincoln Day Dinner, keynote address by Senator Hatch. Governor Huntsman and local legislators will speak at the reception prior to dinner. Contact David Butterfield for more information at dgb1533@aol.com.
- Feb 11: Davis County Democrats monthly breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Granny Annie's Restaurant, 286 N 400 W  Kaysville.  Please bring an item of food (non perishable) for the Davis County Food Bank.  Special guests, Kim R. Burningham, Chairman of the Utah State Board of Education, and Vik Arnold, Communications Director for the Utah Education Association will be present. Bring your questions concerning Utah Education issues now being debated by the Legislature.
- Feb 11: Senator Orrin Hatch meeting to discuss issues affecting Northern Utah, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lindquist Alumni Center, Weber State University, 1305 41st Street, Ogden. Please RSVP to kitty.dunn@orrin2006.com  or call 801-856-0267.
- Feb 11: Utah Rally for Peace presents free special screening of "911 In Plane Site" by David von Kleist, and "The Great Conspiracy, The 9/11 News Special You Never Saw," by Barry Zwicker, 2:15 to 5 p.m., Salt Lake City Main Library, Meeting Room C located in the basement at 210 E. 400 S. David von Kleist is a radio personality in Missouri with a show called "The Power Hour." Barry Zwicker is a Canadian TV Journalist who produced this 75 minute show for Canadian Television.
- Feb 13: Hinckley Institute of Politics Political Forum "The Armenian Genocide Debate, 8:30 a.m. Talk by Guenter Lewy, Professor Emeriti us of Political Science, University of Massachusetts/Amherst.  Cosponsors Middle East Center and Political Science Department.
- Feb 13: Chamber Transportation Committee, 12 p.m., Chamber, Eccles Bd. Room.
- Feb 13: State Chamber Government Affairs, 12 to 2 pm, 4112 State Office Bldg.
- Feb 13: 2006 Utah Hotel Lodging Association Legislative Dinner, Hilton Salt Lake City Center, Grand Ballroom C, 255 S West Temple, Salt Lake City. To RSVP call 801-359-0104.
- Feb 14: Chamber Board Executive Committee, 7:30 am, Chamber, Eccles Bd. Room
- Feb 14: Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee, 12 noon, Beehive Room, East Capitol.
- Feb 15: Utah Information Technology Association Legislative Leadership Update Breakfast. Featuring Senate President John Valentine, House Speaker Greg Curtis, and House Majority Leader Jeff Alexander. For more information, see UITA website.
- Feb 16: Chamber Healthcare Committee, 12 noon, Chamber, Eccles Bd. Room.

- Feb 17: Last day for legislators to prioritize bills and other programs with fiscal impact.
- Feb 17: Utah Farm Bureau Day at the Legislature. More than 100 volunteer leaders from within the organization of 20,000 farmers and ranchers will visit with their legislators and discuss issues pertinent and relative to agriculture.
- Feb 17: Utah Issues Citizens' Day at the Legislature, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Radisson Hotel Downtown, 215 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City. For more information visit http://www.utahissues.org/.

- Feb 18: Northern Utah Women's Democratic Club Luncheon, 12 p.m., Union Grill, 2501 Wall Ave., Ogden. Please RSVP to Marcie at 801-328-1212 or mswest@utdemocrats.org.
- Feb 20: Democrats of Southern Utah Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Dixie Center, 1835 Convention Center Drive. Speaker Bill Mader, Administration of Red Cliff Desert Reserve. For reservations call Jan Patrick 435-652-2096.
- Feb 20: State Chamber Government Affairs, 12 to 2 pm, 4112 State Office Bldg.

- See the entire calendar