News Highlights

Private Fuel Storage receives license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build a N-waste storage facility in Skull Valley (Deseret Morning News and Salt Lake Tribune).

Battle looms between the House, Senate and Governor's Office over the budget surplus (Tribune, Daily Herald, and Morning News).

Former Utahn Tom Campbell raises money in Utah to run against scandal-plagued Rep. Tom DeLay in Texas (Tribune).

Toll roads bill allowing private investment in highways wins initial Senate approval (Morning News and Daily Herald).

Quote of the Day

“Teaching in Utah may never make a person wealthy, but its salaries are competitive and can provide for a family who loves this state to live here comfortably and contribute to its betterment.”

-- Standard-Examiner editorial agreeing that many teachers should be paid more, but also noting that teaching has excellent job security and other benefits.

Utah Legislature Gets the Job Done

There’s really nothing quite like a Utah legislative session. All of the state’s crucial issues, including funding for all of education and state government, are jammed into a 33 working days and Utah’s 104 independently-elected lawmakers are expected to make sense of it all and make the right decisions.

The activity at times may seem deliberate, other times chaotic, but by about any standard of legislative branch action nationwide, the pace is fast and furious and Utah lawmakers get more done, more quickly, than their counterparts almost anywhere.

They make the system operate relatively smoothly. By the end of the 45 calendar day session the important issues have been dealt with, the budget has been balanced, and the right decisions have generally been made.

The Utah legislative system works only because of extensive planning, good interim committee work, excellent staff support, and a willingness by lawmakers to be disciplined and recognize time limitations. Utah’s Legislature is something of an annual miracle, a remarkable demonstration that government can resolve crucial issues, balance the budget, and get the people’s work done. The U.S. Congress should take notice.

Blog Watch

The Senate Site blog posts more budget numbers, including new revenue forecasts with $132 million more in on-going and one-time money... Planet Legislature quotes Sen. Patrice Arent on her phishing bill: "We want to catch the bad guys and make sure they are not released. We don't want them to net a lot of money. This is a reel problem. We hope others aren't lured into this. This legislation is bringing in the scales of justice. I hope this bill isn't gutted by the Senate. We would like to fillet the opposition. I'm now trolling for votes"... The House Majority blog has a post by Rep. David Cox, who crusades for community-based schools... Evolution in Utah says "Gayle Ruzicka and her eagle chicks ... should stop imitating the Pharisees" (see also here)... The UAC blog discusses HB13... Utah Conservative asks: "What party does our Governor really belong to?"... American Blue Dog Democrats says BDD's like Rep. Jim Matheson are "needed now more than ever"... YDems interviewed Senate candidate Pete Ashdown.

Washington Watch

Hatch Blasts NRC for PFS Licensing

Sen. Orrin Hatch reproaches the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for issuing a draft license to Private Fuel Storage to build an aboveground, private spent nuclear waste facility at Skull Valley (see press release); Hatch says personal-injury lawyers are spearheading opposition to asbestos reform bill (Hartford Courant).

Rocky's Torino Speech

The Salt Lake City Mayor's Office has posted a PDF file of the speech Mayor Rocky Anderson delivered in Torino, Italy on 'sustaining the Olympic legacy', as well as a video file of Anderson's interview with E&E-TV (Washington, DC) about nuclear waste, climate change, and alternative fuels (click here for the transcript).

Communications Tip

How to Write a News Release

Newspaper and broadcast editors get stacks of news releases every day. They don’t have time to thoroughly read each one. They give each a cursory glance, save those they find interesting, and throw the rest away. Your headline and first paragraph have to “sell” the news release. Here are some tips:

1. Use discretion; only send a new release when your subject has “news value.” If you send releases about trivial matters you run the risk of alienating editors – they may not take you seriously when you have a legitimate topic.

2. Send the release to the appropriate editor. Learn the name of that editor and address your correspondence to him or her. Find out how that editor prefers to receive releases (by email, fax, mail). Call and ask, if you need to. If the sports editor is your best buddy then see if he or she will deliver the release to the appropriate editor. But don’t send a political news release to the sports editor.

3. Use a creative headline that describes or summarizes your topic.

4. State your message in the first paragraph. What is it you really want to say? Say it in two or three sentences. Be creative, if you can, while using terse, understandable language.

5. Provide details in the body of the news release. Give specific information: what, when, where, why, how. Give pertinent facts, attributing them to reliable sources, and tell where the editor can obtain more information.

6. Make your news release short – two pages maximum, and one is much better. Your goal is not to write a full feature article. You’re mission is to suggest a topic, provide enough detail so the editor can make an informed evaluation, and list sources for additional information.

7. Use standard English, avoiding jargon. Have someone proofread and help you correct any mistakes in spelling and grammar. You want to present a professional image.

8. State whether you can provide artwork (photos, charts, other images) to illustrate the subject. It’s fine to include a copy of artwork if it is easy to handle (prints or slides). Remember that unsolicited material probably won’t be returned, so don’t send originals. But be prepared to oblige if the editor requests use of the original images.

9. Provide your contact information, including name, address, phone number and email.

10. Expect your news release to be changed and rewritten. News releases are rarely published as submitted. Don’t call and yell at the editor for changing your material, even if you think your original version was better.

11. Occasionally an error will creep in during the rewriting process and will be published. If that happens, don’t freak out. Just call or send the editor a message explaining the error and request a correction or clarification.

If you follow these steps you’ll be able to use press releases to get important information to the public. Perhaps more significantly, you’ll establish or maintain a professional relationship with the media.

Now You Know

The town of Kanosh is between Cove Fort and Meadow in Millard County.  Kanosh was a friendly Indian chief who camped in this area with his band.  “Kan” means willow and “oush” means bowl.  Chief Kanosh received his name as a baby because he enjoyed playing with his mother’s willow bowl. (Source: Local Government Directory, Utah League of Cities & Towns)

Elected Officials Birthday List

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Editor: Paul Hollingshead
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National Headlines

Private Fuel Storage receives license from the feds to stockpile nuclear waste on Goshute reservation (Associated Press).

Navajo Nation leaders opposed to renewed uranium mining on Navajo lands (Indian Country).

Salt Lake City may be considering another bid for the Olympic Games (GamesBids.com).

Washington House of Representatives passes reporter's shield law, similar to laws being considered in Utah, Missouri and Massachusetts (Associated Press).

Local Headlines

Deseret Morning News

- Private Fuel Storage gets a draft license

- Utah took $101 million hit at pump

- Spending showdown: Less money than hoped could alter tax-cut plans

- Gateway may get TRAX station in '07

- Romney is again at the Olympics — as an observer

- Battle looms over disclosure of lobbyist gifts

- Who will get a tax cut and how much?

- Hotel-tax bill that aids Real is OK'd

- Ralliers want funds for disabled

- Toll-roads bill earns preliminary approval

- House panel approves nuclear waste override bill

- Prison-privatization bill gets early OK in Senate

- House vote kills measure tied to 'social promotion'

- Redistricting measure fails in House committee

- Bourdeaux aiming to earmark funds for English learning programs

- Bill that would help alleviate NCLB costs passes committee

- Bill suspending drivers' licenses of dead-beat parents advances in Senate

- Support offered for foster kids' benefits bill

- Committee advances 'tougher tattoo' bill to full Senate debate

- Measure reimbursing dentists, docs for Medicaid treatment advances

- 2 bills target gay-straight clubs

- Graduation test option progresses

- House panel OKs resolution against fed curricula rules

- Op-ed: Let's educate children, keep them here legally

Standard-Examiner

- Eminent-domain bill withdrawn

- Editorial: Teaching and the new economy

St. George Spectrum

- Op-ed: Hate bill is loathsome

Daily Herald

- More than a billion: Strong economy swells surplus, but budget battle looms

- Development dawns on Santaquin, again

- Committee votes to skip gay clubs bill

- Toll roads cruises through first Senate

- Reading requirements bill defeated in House

- Bill targeting media violence back on agenda

- Bill to up hotel taxes moves to House floor

- Testing requirements bill passes committee

- Legislature makes move to allow it to override a veto

- Editorial: Open records training needed

KSL Editorial Board

- Highway 6

Salt Lake Tribune

- PFS gets desert N-dump license

- Surplus grappling set to begin today

- Terrorism Task Force joins probe of substation sabotage

- Former Utahn to challenge DeLay

- Council's vote could stop judge's decision

- Orem to weigh bond refinance

- Autism program gaining global attention

- Anderson, Water Resources director, stepping down

- Ban on Gay Clubs Debated, Held

- Kane keeps fighting

- SLC hoteliers oppose tourist tax to fund RSL arena

- Timber cutting plan wins on a split decision

- Utah's disabled decry years' wait for help

- Legislature briefs

- With budget debate ahead, education tops public's list

- Republicans Shoot Down Redistricting Reform

- Education Briefs from the Legislature

- Lobbyist Reform Bills Caught in Logjam

- Measures gaining to limit info

- Heard on the hill

- Wal-Mart accused of cheating on pay in SLC

- Linux lands big defense deal

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- Feb 14: Legislative Meetings scheduled throughout day.  See Legislative calendar for details.
- Feb 14: Chamber Board Executive Committee, 7:30 am, Chamber, Eccles Bd. Room.
- Feb 14: League of Women Voters' daily legislative update on 88.3 FM KCPW, 7:40 a.m.
- Feb 14: Midday Metro on KCPW at 10 am: legislative update with Julie Rose; Salt Lake County District Attorney David Yocum on two bills aimed at reducing the power of his office; Stuart Merrill and Judi Hillman on the lack of appropriations for AIDS medication and social programs; and Dr. Wilfred Samuels, U of U director of African American Studies, and Dr. Jerry Ward, distinguished scholar and professor of English and African World Studies at Dillard University, on Gulf States reconstruction and federal response to Hurricane Katrina.
- Feb 14: Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee, 12 p.m. , Beehive Room, East Capitol.
- Feb 14: Gov. Huntsman Valentine's Day visit with Veterans, 1 p.m., VA Medical Center, 500 Foothill Blvd., Salt Lake City.
- Feb 14: Gov. Huntsman National Guard Press Conference, 3:30 p.m., Salt Lake Air Guard Base, 765 N 2200 W, Salt Lake City.
- Feb 15: Legislative Meetings scheduled throughout day.  See Legislative calendar for details.
- 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 15: Utah State Democratic Party Chair Circle Legislative Breakfast, 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Alta Club, 100 E South Temple. Guests are $30 per person, Chair Circle Members complimentary. RSVP by February 13, 2006 to tbeard@utdemocrats.org.
- Feb 15: Women's State Legislative Council Meeting, State Office Bldg. Aud. Begins at 11:45 a.m. Pros and Cons presented in all committees. Delegate Members and visitors invited. Visitors call for Guest Pass to Kitty Kaplan, Pres-Elect at 801-942-5133 or Suzanne Merrill, President, at 801-796-0831. Refer to Women's State Legislative Council website for detailed information on Bills and the Senators/Legislators who are presenting.
- Feb 15: Lt. Gov. Herbert to speak to the Ronald Reagan Republican Club, 12:30 p.m., Little America, Ballroom B.
- Feb 15: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the Wasatch County Lincoln Day Dinner, 6:30 p.m., Soldier Hollow Grill, 1370 W. Soldier Hollow Drive in Midway.
- Feb 15: Meet and Greet with John Jacobs, candidate for Utah's 3rd Congressional District, 7 p.m., Bingham Creek Library, 4834 W 90000 S, West Jordan. For questions or to RSVP, call Brad Jowers at 801-473-8606, or visit www.electjohnjacob.com.
- Feb 16: Gov. Huntsman to give remarks to Weber Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class, 9:30 a.m., Governor's Board Room.
- Feb 16: Chamber Healthcare Committee, 12 noon, Chamber, Eccles Bd. Room.
- Feb 16: Lt. Gov. Herbert to chair the Lieutenant Governor's Commission on Volunteers, 2 p.m., Seagull Conference Room at the Capitol.
- Feb 16: Meet and Greet with Pete Ashdown, Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate, 5 p.m., home of Michael and Muffy Ferro 1425 Harvard Ave, Salt Lake City.
- Feb 16: Rep. Brad Dee Townhall Meeting, 6 p.m., Riverdale Senior Citizens Center, 4433 S 900 W, Riverdale. Guests include Gov. Huntsman and Lt. Gov. Herbert.
- Feb 16: Davis County Democrats Planning Committee Meeting, 7 p.m., County Commission Chambers room, Davis County Courthouse, 28 E State Street, Farmington.  All Davis Democrats are urged to attend.  The general public is also invited.
- Feb 16: Meet and Greet with John Jacobs, candidate for Utah's 3rd Congressional District, 7 p.m., South Jordan City Hall, 10758 Redwood Road, South Jordan. For questions or to RSVP, call Brad Jowers at 801-473-8606, or visit www.electjohnjacob.com.
- 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: Speaker Greg J. Curtis to speak to National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, 7:30 a.m.
- Feb 17: Utah Issues and AARP Utah "Citizens' Day," 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Radisson Hotel Downtown, 215 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City. Have lunch with your legislator and discuss the issues that are important to you. Free continental breakfast and a lunch will be provided. For more information and to register for this free event, visit http://www.utahissues.org/.
- Feb 17: Gov. Huntsman to meet with Salt Lake Chamber Leadership Utah 2006 Class, 11 a.m., Capitol Hill, East Office Bldg., Olmstead room.
- Feb 17: Speaker Greg J. Curtis to speak to Leadership Utah, 12 p.m.
- Feb 17: Salt Lake City Shundahai Network to host a showing “Silkwood,” the story of Karen Silkwood, an employee of a nuclear facility who was purposefully contaminated, and possibly murdered to prevent her from exposing blatant safety violations at the plant,  7 p.m., Free Speech Zone, 2144 South Highland Drive, Suite 130, Salt Lake City. For more information visit http://www.shundahai.org/upcomingevents.htm or 801-533-0128.
- Feb 18: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the Washington County Lincoln Day Dinner, 8 a.m., The Garden Center at Dixie College, St. George.
- Feb 18: Meet and Greet with John Jacobs, candidate for Utah's 3rd Congressional District, 10:15 a.m., Parks Library, 4870 S 2800 W, Taylorsville. For questions or to RSVP, call Brad Jowers at 801-473-8606, or visit www.electjohnjacob.com.
- 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 18: Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for US Senate, to speak at the Utah Valley State College Linux Users Group Meeting, 12:30 p.m., Computer Science building Room 404, Orem. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.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.
- Feb 21: Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee, 12 noon, Beehive Room, East Capitol.

- See the entire calendar