I frequently pass on action information, but I think it's most effective if I pass on stuff that I'm willing to do myself. From now on, I'll only post actions that I've done myself.

I called Govenor Huntsman's office and ask him to veto house bill 148. It took less than 30 seconds. Guv's phone is (801) 538-1000 and his email is huntsman@utah.gov

From ( Read more... )

My 11 year-old and I attended the rally this afternoon in support of Gay/Straight Alliance clubs that was held at the state capitol this afternoon. I'm posting a few of the photos I took below.


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"Dear God, save me from your followers" - popular quote, author unknown

Deanna had a post on the "Buttars Bills" at Dee's 'Dotes. .

Apparently Buttars is offended that the Gov. considers them message bills:

"These are no message bills," Buttars said. "These are solid pieces of legislation that involve morality. Morality isn't a 'message bill.' "

The ( Read more... )

I had the opportunity this evening to briefly testify as a citizen at the House Business and Finance committee's meeting this afternoon against HB70. I had to bring my 11 year old with me to the meeting with a bribe for good behavior.

I'm not the world's best public speaker -- I get very nervous and tend to talk fast, so I'm not sure how well my ( Read more... )

Paul Rolly has similar feelings to mine about this legislative session -- seems to be a power grab for the legislative branch in this state. He also points out what I've been saying -- there's no incentive for our legislature to work for the public good:

"For one ( Read more... )

The first edition of the "Lawmaker Trading Cards" are now available. Created by PSYC (Progressive Student and Youth Council), the cards include a photo of our own Utah legislators with their stances on various issues.

You can buy a pack at Free Speech Zone (2144 S. Highland Dr), King's English Bookstore (1511 S 1500 E) or through the Utah ( Read more... )

Almost veryone knows that lobbyists exist, and that their job is to try to get legislation benefitting their organization/company/industry passed or to defeat legislation that negatively affects their organization/company/industry. I'm not sure how many people know just how much influence lobbyists have.

LaVar Webb from Utah Policy Daily wrote ( Read more... )

As if we didn't have enough sprawl along the Wasatch Front, Senator Al Mansell (R-Sandy) wants more of it. S.B. 170 would make good urban planning a nightmare.

What the bill would do is explained in an email from Save Our Canyons:

"With cities largely unable to turn down proposals from developers, it means new houses could pop up on steep slopes ( Read more... )

I was able to attend a citizen lobby training this evening co-sponsored by the Utah Rivers Council and HEAL Utah. These trainings are a great way to see how the process works and how you can get involved. They take you through the legislative process and teach you the best ways to communicate with your legislator during the busy 45-day session.

I'm ( Read more... )