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Democracy at Work

Parents for Choice in Education publishes an essay by former Sen. Steve Poulton about the common practice of interest groups targeting legislators who disagree with them. See below.

USTAR Update

USTAR Complements White House Tech Initiative

The global economy is entering a new phase – one emphasizing knowledge, technology and the implementation of technology, according to a top Bush Administration official.

Utah’s USTAR economic development initiative precisely accomplishes what is necessary to keep the state’s economy strong in the Knowledge Economy. That’s why it is crucial that the Legislature provide full funding for the initiative.

President Bush announced the American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) in his recent State of the Union address. This week, Deputy U.S. Secretary of Labor Steve Law visited Utah business leaders to discuss the initiative in person. He met with Utah tech and science leaders in a CEO Roundtable discussion hosted by the Utah Information Technology Association and Utah Life Sciences Association.

As reported by the Morning News, Law said, “We are entering into a dynamic new kind of economy called the Knowledge Economy. It’s an economy not just based on the old industrial norms. It’s based on new kinds of knowledge, new kinds of technology and the application of those kinds of technologies. And they way to stay on the cutting edge in that kind of economy is to continuously and aggressively invest in knowledge.”

Law said it is critical that the U.S. take seriously the White House call for preparing a new generation of “knowledge workers” who are adequately prepared to compete in the future.

“In many ways, times are fairly good right now,” Law acknowledged. “However, we can’t afford to rest on our laurels. We need to move forward. We need to make sure America stays at the forefront of innovation of technology and science and education and in the talent development of our work force.”

Jack Sunderlage, president and CEO of ContentWatch and UITA chair, noted that the USTAR initiative meshes extremely well with President Bush’s new plan.

“Through USTAR, Utah is actively engaged in investing in research and education and in partnering with Utah businesses in the creation of new high-paying jobs in the future high-tech market,” he said.

USTAR Update Archive


News Highlights Hot legislative news: The House, Senate and Gov. Huntsman agree on $160 million tax cut "framework" for breaking the budget stalemate and avoiding a Legislative special session (Deseret Morning News, Salt Lake Tribune, and Associated Press). Gov. Huntsman says he would veto Sen. Chris Buttars' evolution, school-gay-club measures (Morning News). Sen. Bob Bennett says Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney is "certainly my choice" for the GOP presidential nomination in '08 (Morning News); speaks to the Utah Senate and House (Morning News and Daily Herald); backs U.S. attorney for Utah hopeful Brett Tolman (Tribune).

Quote of the Day "With the license now in hand, PFS will begin the process of marketing the facility to nuclear power plant operators across the country that are in need of safe, secure storage for spent nuclear fuel rods." -- Press release from Private Fuel Storage, which wants to build a nuclear waste storage site on the Goshute Reservation. Sen. Bob Bennett says PFS is “not dead yet.” (Morning News).

Friday Buzz Written by LaVarr Webb & Associates
Candidate Tracking Service Send Us Candidate Info Check out Utah Policy Daily’s candidate tracking service and be sure to send us information about congressional, legislative, State School Board and 2007 SLC mayoral candidates. The tracking service is not entirely up-to-date yet, but we’re working to check off progress of candidates. You can also get to the candidate listings by clicking Candidate Tracking in the blue navigation bar at the Utah Policy Web site. Blog Watch The Senate Site did a fun thing Wednesday by having “Laura the Intern” interview and record 23 of the 29 senators commenting on how the session is going. Just click on a name to listen to each sound bite. It’s an excellent demonstration of how audio can be effectively used on a blog. Soon we’ll be listening to and watching a lot more audio and video on blogs. Other blog action: At the Senate Site blog, Sen. John Valentine reports: "It appears we may have an acceptable framework for agreement on the budget, tax reform and tax cuts this year. The Governor, Speaker and I hope to outline the details at a press conference on Friday"... Evolution in Utah says of SB96: "Funny thing about this anti-evolution bill -- it does more evolving than we do"... The UAC blog asks: "Who would have thought that the year the state had record surpluses would be the year counties see the least amount of appropriations?"... Gayle Ruzicka told The Tom Barberi Show that she chose to be heterosexual... The Utah Amicus covered Phil Riesen's candidate announcement speech... Planet Legislature announces the nominees for this year's Golden LaVar Awards... Utah Conservative passes along an email from Rep. David Cox about school vouchers (see also here)... Wilf Sommerkorn discusses a property rights law in Oregon that's "being cited as part of the reason for other similar actions cropping up in other states, like a ballot measure moving forward in Washington state, and even for SB170 in Utah"... Bilmo's Log mocks Kanab's non-binding "Natural Family Resolution"... Amerikansk politik interviewed Senate candidate Pete Ashdown... 08 Acres says Mitt Romney's got Utah's electoral votes sewn up in '08. Podcast Watch Jennifer Napier-Pearce’s InsideUtah.com podcast this week features advocate for the homeless Pamela Atkinson (:38) on why now is not the time to raise the minimum wage or remove the sales tax on food; Real Salt Lake spokesman Josh Ewing (8:26) on why the public should help fund a pro-soccer stadium in Sandy; and big screen guru Tori Baker (14:56) with an indie film preview. UF Researches Degree Value The Utah Foundation has followed up its December '05 report, What is a Utah College Degree Worth?, with a research brief that more deeply explores "what a college degree is worth to graduates over their lifetimes." To read it, click here. CPPA Newsletter Analyzes Tax Issues The University of Utah's Center for Public Policy & Administration website has posted a special legislative edition of its e-newsletter, Policy Perspectives. This edition features two articles on Utah tax policy issues. To read it, click here. UAC Legislative Wrap-Up Meeting The Utah Association of Counties is inviting county officials "to relive the highs and lows of the 2006 General Legislative Session" at the UAC Legislative Wrap-Up meeting, scheduled for Thursday, March 16 at the UAC office. For more info, click here. UDOT Open House The Utah Department of Transportation will sponsor a roll-out open house for "Partners for the Road Ahead," a guide to prepare businesses for transportation construction projects, from 1 to 2:30 pm on March 3 in the Jordan Commons Director's Suite (9400 S. State in Sandy). For more info, click here. Casual Friday Get Out Into the Country If you have cabin fever after the long winter, here are some ideas to get out into the fresh air. -- The Snow Goose Festival, an amazing opportunity to see flocks of snow geese at Gunnison Bend Reservoir, west of Delta, will be held this weekend and March 3-4. (More info) -- A trip to Hardware Ranch to take a wagon ride through the middle of hundreds of wild elk is always a great experience, especially for kids. (More info) -- There’s obviously still lots of snow in the mountains for skiing. For those who like to get away from the crowds, cross county skiing is great fun and a terrific way to get into the back country. Utah has hundreds of miles of groomed trails. (More info) -- Ice fishing is still going strong on many lakes and reservoirs. The Division of Wildlife Resources has excellent statewide fishing reports about where to go and what to use. Also check out the fishing discussion forums to read first-hand reports from other anglers.

Democracy at Work

Paid Advertorial by Parents for Choice in Education

By Steve Poulton

In Sunday’s Salt Lake Tribune, Paul Rolly chided Parents for Choice in Education for targeting legislators who have consistently voted against parental choice. If this article were the only exposure someone had to Utah politics, they would believe PCE is plowing new ground by recruiting and supporting candidates based on a single issue. Conspicuously absent from his article was any hint that other interest groups—the banks, the teachers union or the credit unions, for example—routinely recruit and support candidates based on those candidates’ stances on specific issues.

Although Mr. Rolly finds them distasteful when performed by political groups with whom he does not agree, these tactics are an inherent part of representative democracy. Interest groups, or “factions,” as Publius wrote in Federalist 10, identify, recruit and support potential candidates who embrace their vision, and candidates in turn ask voters to embrace that vision.

Perhaps the clearest example of an interest group targeting a legislator over a single issue is former Rep. Chad Bennion. In 2002 he and Sen. Howard Stephenson sponsored the Voluntary Contributions Act (VCA), which required unions to obtain explicit permission from their members before collecting political contributions from them. Since then, the UEA PAC has been hemorrhaging political dollars. As numerous reports have documented, their donations have declined by 90 percent, and their cash on hand has fallen by more than 50 percent.

Determined not to be the only one who lost in that fight, the teachers union painted a target on Rep. Bennion’s back, and went after him in the 2004 elections. They recruited Tim Cosgrove to run, and gave him $6,048.91. In total, all Utah unions gave him $10,248.91, or 37.5 percent of his contributions. Coupling their generous donations with thousands of hours of volunteer help for Cosgrove, the UEA ousted Rep. Bennion.

The 2000, 2002 and 2004 campaigns featured banks and credit unions squaring off in House district 13. Elected in 2000, Rep. Paul Ray received $12,936—43.8 percent of his total that year—from Utah credit unions. In 2002 the banks helped elect Rep. Dana Love, despite Rep. Ray receiving another $6,479 from the credit unions. The 2004 campaign reprised the banks and credit unions squaring off in the race, with the credit unions and Rep. Ray prevailing.

Individually, these sums may not sound like much. The UEA’s overall political spending offers a glimpse at the larger picture. Since January 7, 2002, they have spent $753,253 on various candidates, and their parent organization, the NEA, has spent another $371,300 just in Utah. The thousands of hours their members devote in support of their political agenda are probably worth twice that much.

Not surprising, for those who understand the liberal agenda of the teachers Union, is the divergence between the UEA’s political giving, and the political affiliation of their members. While they have approximately 5 Republican members for every 1 Democrat; they give approximately $7 to Democrat candidates for every $1 they give to Republicans.

Of course, that divergence is entirely within their prerogative. They are just as welcome, and history shows them quite adept, at using the tactics Mr. Rolly finds distasteful in the activities of Parents for Choice in Education. This is, after all, representative democracy at work.

And quite frankly, it is delightful to see an organization like Parents for Choice in Education take on historically the most powerful special interest group in the state, the teachers union. The education lobby—led by the teachers union—has long been without a counterbalance of any kind. To absolutely no one’s surprise, their consistent mantra has been to protect and expand the status quo to their benefit. Unfortunately, that agenda has too often harmed Utah children.

A former State Senator, Steve Poulton is on the board of Parents for Choice in Education.

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Friday
February 24, 2006

National Headlines

Columnist David Broder interviews HHS Sec. Mike Leavitt about his efforts to make hurricane-stricken New Orleans "a model of a new design for delivering health care in this country" (Washington Post).

Sen. Ted Kennedy slams Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney for outsourcing jobs to India and Utah (Boston Herald).

Local Headlines

Deseret Morning News

- Huntsman brokers a tax-cut deal

- Buttars' bills may face vetoes

- Bennett says Mitt is strongest GOP candidate for 2008

- Bennett promises more dialogue

- Weapons detector to undergo Utah tests

- NSA seeks linguists at BYU to staff Utah center

- House passes hate-crimes measure

- House members voting against HB90

- Jordan District braces for exodus of teachers

- PFS says it's ready to look for customers

- City Council overrides Rocky's veto of benefits plan

- Council backs 2 TRAX stations near Gateway

- S.L. may ask voters to fund new public safety buildings

- Expanded suit sought against Summit

- Clearfield's new mayor resigns

- Photo: Remedy for ice-cream cravings

- 'Pie in the sky' class-size reduction bill clears panel

- Clock ticking to repeal law on in-state tuition

- House OKs bill targeting violent video games

- Anti-bullying resolution passes the Legislature

- House widens scope of Carson Smith eligibility

- House panel OKs funding to boost English skills

- Pricey permits: BYU study finds big disparity among Wasatch Front cities

- Black Chamber opens today

- 11 Utah firms are top manufacturers

- Hearings are set on Wal-Mart bank plan

- Bob Bernick Jr.: Egos seem to be fueling tax-cut impasse

- Editorial: Wrestling with property rights

- Editorial: Bird flu's relentless flight

Standard-Examiner

- Violent games bill goes to Senate

- Weber State hosts torture talks

- Editorial: Junction City's 'Junction'

Daily Herald

- Budget strategy expected today

- Bob Bennett visits Utah Legislature

- S. Fork weapons maker expands

- School prayer resolution passes committee

- House OKs compromise bill on hate crimes

- Student clubs bill clears Senate

- Olympic exposure may give Utah ski season second wind

Tooele Transcript Bulletin

- Agency OKs license for N-waste storage

KSL Editorial Board

- Olympic city

Davis County Clipper

- Clearfield mayor abruptly resigns

- Woods Cross tables plan to close 800 West

Salt Lake Tribune

- Budget deal is in works

- U.S. will scrutinize Wal-Mart's bank plans

- SLC Council opts for 2 TRAX stops

- Bennett also backs U.S. attorney hopeful

- Gay activist blazed a trail in fight for equal benefits

- SLC Council says its plan is about making a difference, not a point

- Full Text: Jill Remington Love's Motion

- Utah may be part of a pilot program for NCLB goals

- Hunters call on Gov. Huntsman to weigh in on mercury emissions

- Buttars likes some personal records shared

- Bill gets nod from Senate amid 'clarity' questions

- Hunting Guns for Kids

- Legislative briefs

- Bill would help schools with fees

- Violent Games: Adults would be punished as felons for providing them to kids

- Games fuel Park City boom

- Draper Council leery of plans for a Deseret Industries store

- Swimming pool cover maker named Utah's top manufacturer

- Editorial: State Archaeologist: The future can wait for some work on our past

Political Calendar

Please submit calendar items to Daily@UtahPolicy.com

- Feb 24: Bonding bill available to legislators by noon and final action taken on it by calendared closing time.
- Feb 24: Last day to pass bills with fiscal note of $10,000 or more.
- Feb 24: Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for US Senate, to speak at the Murray Chamber of Commerce Eggs and Issues Forum, 7:30 a.m., Mimi's Cafe 5300 S State, Murray. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Feb 24: League of Women Voters' daily legislative update on 88.3 FM KCPW, 7:40 a.m.
- Feb 24: Midday Metro on KCPW at 10 a.m.: legislative update with Julie Rose; Utah House Minority Leader Ralph Becker and Utah House Minority Caucus Manager Rep. Roz McGee talk about hits and misses for Utah’s minority party this legislative session; Director Larry West and cast members Anita Holland and Thomas Marcus talk about the Babcock Theatre’s production of Angels in America; and U history professor Peter Sluglett on the history of Iraqi Jews.
- Feb 24: Hinckley Institute of Politics Forum "Terrorist Financing: Preventing Another 9/11," 10:45 a.m. Jeff Breinholt, Acting Chief, Counter terrorism Section, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice.
- Feb 24: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the Opening Ceremony of the Black Chamber of Commerce, 11 a.m., 1747 S. 900 W., Salt Lake.
- Feb 24: RadioWest on KUER FM 90: "Navigating Changes in Medicare," 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. The Medicare drug benefit is the most expensive change in the Medicare program since its beginnings in the 1960s, but many users have found it confusing and difficult. On this edition of Your Personal Economy, Dan Bammes is joined by his regular guest John Bird, Medicare users Bob and Nikki Zito, Rob Ence of AARP and Kerry Brown of Olympus Pharmacy for a look at how the program works, and what might be done to make it better.
- Feb 24: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the Weber County Lincoln Day Dinner, 5:30 p.m., Eccles Conference Center in Ogden.
- Feb 24: Davis County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner, 7 p.m., Davis Conference Center, Layton. This event will feature Larry H. Miller as keynote speaker. Other invited guests include Sen. Orrin Hatch, Rep. Rob Bishop and Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert. Contact Duard Pedersen for details at dpederson@utdavisgop.org or call 801-554-1875.
- Feb 24: Salt Lake City Shundahai Network to host a series of 4 short films about nuclear waste storage and transportation: “Nuclear Power Industry Transportation Claims Debunked”, “Nuclear Waste Project Yucca Mountain”, “What’s the Deal with Yucca Mountain” and “Nuclear Energy/Nuclear Waste”, 7 p.m., Free Speech Zone, 2144 South Highland Drive, Suite 130, Salt Lake City. For more information see Shundahai Network website or call 801-533-0128.
- Feb 24: Candidate for U.S. Senate Pete Ashdown Meet and greet hosted by Dr. Raymond Ward, Lakeview Hospital Community Classroom, 630 Medical Dr, Bountiful. Discussion on Democracy 2.0 and health care solutions. For more information contact Brett Garner, 801-983-7383 or brett@peteashdown.org.
- Feb 25: Utah Rally for Peace meeting, 2:15 to 5 pm, Salt Lake City Main Library Auditorium.
- Feb 25: Lt. Gov. Herbert to Keynote the Box Elder Lincoln Day Dinner, 6 p.m., Maddox Ranch House in Perry.
- Feb 26: Last day for a motion to reconsider in 2006 General Legislative Session.
- Feb 26: Last day to consider bills from own house.
- Feb 27: General appropriations bill, supplemental appropriations bill, and school finance bill available to legislators by calendared floor time and final action taken on each bill by calendared closing time.
- Feb 27: Chamber Legislative Affairs Committee, 12 noon, Beehive Room, East Capitol.
- Feb 27: State Chamber Government Affairs, 12 to 2 pm, 4112 State Office Bldg.
- Feb 28: Chamber Board Of Governors, 7:30 am, Chamber, Eccles Bd. Room.

- Mar 1: Second supplemental appropriations bill available to legislators by calendared floor time and final action taken by noon.
- Mar 1: Last day of 2006 Legislative Session.
- Mar 1: Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for US Senate, to speak to Local 77 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), 7 p.m., AFL-CIO hall 1975 W 3500 S. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Mar 2: Fundraiser for Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for US Senate, hosted by Ceri Jones and Amy D'Amico, 5 p.m, Alta Club, 100 East South Temple Salt Lake City. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Mar 2: Salt Lake Friends Meeting (Quakers) Witness for Peace, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Federal Building Plaza, 125 S State Street, Salt Lake City. For more information visit the Utah Activist Calendar.
- Mar 3: Closing the Achievement Gap for Hispanic Youth Presentation for community leaders concerned about Hispanic youth, 7 to 8:30 a.m., Lamb's, 169 S Main. Presentation by Barbara Lovejoy. For more information contact Barbara Lovejoy at 801-466-1117 or bclovejoy@msn.com.

- Mar 7-17: 2006 election candidate filing period.
- Mar 9: Davis County Central Committee Meeting/Caucus Training, 7 p.m., DATC in Kaysville (behind Davis High). This meeting is for all precinct chairs and vice chairs, as well as all elected officials.
- Mar 11: Utah Rally for Peace meeting, 2:15 to 5 p.m., Salt Lake City Main Library, meeting room C.
- Mar 13: Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for US Senate, to speak to the Hurricane Rotary Club, 12 p.m., JB's Restaurant, 635 W. State, Hurricane. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Mar 14: Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for US Senate, to speak to the Cedar City Rotary Club, 12:15 p.m., Sullivan's Steak House, 301 S. Main Street, Cedar City. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Mar 15: United Way of Salt Lake 1st Annual Report to the Community Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown, 75 S West Temple. Learn about United Way of Salt Lake’s public policy success during the 2006 Legislative Session and receive a comprehensive overview on current initiatives and their impact on the community. For more information, please contact Jennifer Andrs at 801-736-7787 or jennifer@uw.org.

- Mar 18: Lincoln Day Breakfast, Emery County 9:00 am.

- Mar 21: Last Day for Governor to Sign or Veto Bills.

- Mar 21: Republican Caucus Meetings.
- Mar 21: Republican Party State Wide Precinct Caucus Meetings.
- Mar 22: Republican Training for Newly elected Precinct Officials begins.
- Mar 22: Meet and greet with Pete Ashdown, candidate for U.S. Senate, 6 p.m., the home of Barb Guy, 1191 S 800 E, Salt Lake City.
- Mar 23: Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for US Senate, to speak to the Logan Rotary Club, 12 p.m., Coppermill Restaurant, 55 North Main, Logan. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Mar 25: Utah Rally for Peace meeting, 2:15 to 5 pm, Salt Lake City Main Library Auditorium.
- Apr 4: Pete Ashdown, Democratic candidate for US Senate, to speak to the American Fork Rotary Club, 12 p.m., Jim's Family Restaurant 834 E State Rd, American Fork. For more information contact Brett Garner at brett@pashdown.org.
- Apr 6-7: Utah League of Cities and Towns 2006 Mid Year Conference, Dixie Center, St. George. For more information and to register, see ULCT website.
- Apr 15: Utah Rally for Peace meeting, 2:15 to 5 p.m., Salt Lake City Main Library, meeting room C.
- Apr 19-20: Senator Bob Bennett, in conjunction with the Utah Rural Development Council, to host the Fifth Annual Rural Business Conference at Western Park in Vernal. Kathleen Clarke, BLM director, and JoAnn Wagner, CEO, chairman, and president of SOS Staffing, will give keynote speeches at the conference. Registration is $20. For more information, please visit www.ruralutah.com.
- Apr 19: Uintah County Republican Convention, 6:30 pm, Vernal Junior High School.

- See the entire calendar