10 years since Sandy Hook 😢 ; Deep Dive with Alan Matheson and Abby Ehman for The Point; Grant Wahl died of an aneurysm
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The Utah Policy newsletter is your one-stop source for political and policy-minded news. We scour the news so you don't have to! Send news tips or feedback to Holly Richardson at editor@utahpolicy.com.

 

Situational Analysis | Dec. 14, 2022

Good morning! It's Wednesday and there are (only!) 10 days left until Christmas Eve. 

It's also the 10th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Don't miss Lois Collins' interview with Robbie and Alissa Parker, who's 6-year-old daughter Emilie was killed. 💔 

Be in the Know

  • The Cox/Henderson administration has launched a "skills-first" initiative to focus on hiring based on who is best qualified to do a job, rather than focusing on specific college degrees. Gov. Cox said that eliminating bachelor’s degree requirements will broaden access to qualified talent and expand employment opportunities to attract diverse candidates, including underrepresented groups. This can lead to more jobs for candidates in rural areas, more opportunities for those returning to work after an extended absence through the state’s Returnship program, and more opportunities for apprenticeships and other on-the-job training opportunities facilitated by the Department of Workforce Services.  

Rapid Roundup

Deep Dive: Phase I of The Point

Alan Matheson, executive director of The Point, and Abby Ehman, principal at Innovation Point Partners join Utah Policy to discuss the just-unveiled plans for Phase I of The Point development.

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Holiday Service Opportunities

If you know of opportunities I've missed, please send them to me for inclusion here

 

Together, We Can Better Support Women in Business

Whether you’re a woman starting a business or looking to elevate your career, Inspire In Utah is dedicated to providing you with the resources to help on your journey. Find funding, training, and even inspirational stories in our dedicated resource center.

 

Utah Headlines

General

  • Here’s where, and how, Utahns are getting their news. Digital devices rule when it comes to how Utahns are getting their news these days. But trusted sources still matter, according to a new, statewide poll (Deseret News)
  • The Deseret News asked Mike Leach about New Year’s resolutions 3 years ago. Here’s what he said (Deseret News)
  • Survivors of northern Utah bus crash feel stranded, neglected by Greyhound (Fox 13)

Politics

  • A $20K pay raise for some Utah judges? A state commission recommends Utah lawmakers give judges a 10% total pay increase (Deseret News)
  • What auditors found in Utah’s 2022 primary election: no evidence of systematic problems, widespread errors or significant fraud (Deseret News)
  • Sean Reyes and Lance Sorenson: Why Utah supports the Indian Child Welfare Act (Deseret News)
  • Proposal to extend popular Bonneville Shoreline Trail moves forward in Congress (Deseret News)
  • Salt Lake County Council approves $19.9 million for arts, zoological nonprofits (ABC4)

Business

  •  What will the Point look like? Plans released for old prison site development (KSL)
  • Salt Lake Valley to get a ‘central park’ and much more at The Point (Salt Lake Tribune)
  • Happy workers get more done (and teamwork is key), says Utah professor (KSL Newsradio)

Culture

  • What is Santa Lucia, and why is it celebrated? The holiday honors St. Lucy for her compassion and generosity and is celebrated in Sweden, Norway and much of Scandinavia (Deseret News)

Education

  •  Citing inflation, Utah governor indicates tuition freeze is coming (KSL Newsradio)

Environment

  • Colorado River water users convening amid crisis concerns. Officials from Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming are focusing on how to use at least 15% less water next year, or have restrictions imposed on them. (Salt Lake Tribune)

Family

  • Perspective: Parents are responsible for their children’s screen use, not the government (Deseret News)
  • Marriage is declining. Get married anyway (Deseret News)
  • “A Not-So-Good-Faith-Estimate” from Wheatley Institute finds attending church services combined with religious practices at home bring robust benefits (Deseret News)
  • Stacey Fletcher: The silent tragedy of stillbirth and why it’s time to get loud about prevention. Passing the SHINE Act would gather crucial information about stillbirth. (Salt Lake Tribune)

Health

  • Do heart attacks increase around the holidays? Health experts and studies both agree that winter weather and habits, as well as holiday stress and indulgences can be bad for the heart (Deseret News)

National Headlines

General

  • Robbie and Alissa Parker on 10 years since Sandy Hook (Deseret News)
  • Idaho police dispel rumors about the University of Idaho homicides (Deseret News)

Politics

  • What will the Supreme Court say about free speech and gay rights?Legal experts predict that the justices will rule in favor of a web designer that does not want to create custom websites for same-sex weddings (Deseret News)
  • Lawmakers introduce bipartisan bill to ban TikTok in US (Deseret News)
  • President Biden signs amended Respect for Marriage Act in White House ceremony (Deseret News)
  • Church reacts to Biden signing Respect for Marriage Act into law (KSL Newsradio)
  • Utah ‘Dreamers’ urge Romney to back a pathway to citizenship for immigrants (Salt Lake Tribune)
  • McConnell steps up attacks on a weakened Trump (The Hill)
  • White House: GOP lawmaker’s call for martial law ‘disgusting affront’ to country’s principles (The Hill)

Ukraine 🇺🇦 

  •  Ukraine: Russian strikes thwarted, wreckage hits buildings (AP)
  • Ukraine’s Secret Weapon Is Ordinary People Spying on Russian Forces (Wall Street Journal)

World News

  • Based on new legislation, anyone born after 2008 will never be allowed to buy cigarettes in New Zealand (Deseret News)
  • Professional Iranian soccer player faces possible execution in connection to protests (Deseret News)
 

News Releases

Gov. Cox launches skills-first hiring initiative for state government

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced the state’s efforts to eliminate the requirement for bachelor’s degrees in its employee recruitment and emphasized similar support by local governments and the private sector. “Degrees have become a blanketed barrier-to-entry in too many jobs,” Gov. Cox said. “Instead of focusing on demonstrated competence, the focus too often has been on a piece of paper. We are changing that.”

The state executive branch has 1,080 different classified jobs. Of those, 98% – or 1,058 – do not require a degree. Instead, the state’s hiring managers and hiring committees consider comparable experience as equal to educational qualifications at every step in the evaluation and recruiting process. (Read More)


Historic plans released for phase 1 development at The Point

Yesterday morning, the Point of the Mountain State Land Authority (Land Authority) adopted detailed plans for the first phase of development at The Point. This important milestone for the largest and most significant economic and quality-of-life opportunity in Utah history signals a major leap forward in building Utah’s Innovation Community.

Located at the heart of The Point, the first phase of development encompasses approximately 100 acres, which is one sixth of the overall site. Plans include world-class retail, shopping and entertainment venues, a people-focused main street with biking, walking and transit options called “The Promenade,” and a place for The Point Innovation District efforts dubbed “Innovation Row.” (Read More)


Romney, colleagues urge Interior Secretary to withdraw guidance that would impede energy infrastructure projects

U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) with Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Angus King (I-ME), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Steve Daines (R-MT) today sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland urging the Administration to withdraw recent draft guidance proposed by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The guidance puts onerous requirements on energy infrastructure projects before allowing them to take advantage of permitting benefits, such as a structured process for enhanced coordination with agencies, that are available to them under the law. The guidance also imposes additional cost and delay on job-creating energy projects. (Read More)


Rep. Stewart joins Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy to discuss China and Ukraine

This week, Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT) joined Fox News’s Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy to discuss the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) growing threat and the situation in Ukraine.

“The most dangerous threat we currently face is the rise of the Chinese Communist Party,”…“We have to chew gum and walk at the same time – we need to keep our eyes on the global war on terror and prepare for the greater threat of confronting China.”

“We need to ask ourselves, what are our goals and objectives in Ukraine, and does President Zelenskyy align with our goals? President Zelenskyy would love to drag us into a direct conflict with Russia, and we must avoid that.” (Read/Watch More)


Utah’s homeless service providers to discuss what is working and the recommendations in Governor Cox’s budget

On Wednesday, December 14, at 1 PM, the Coalition of Religious Communities will be hosting a webinar featuring representatives from homeless service providers from Ogden, St. George, Midvale, South Salt Lake City and Salt Lake City.  Service providers will be sharing successes from the past year and discussing how the major new investments in domestic violence services and housing to reduce homelessness would change the lives of the people their agencies serve. (Read More)


USBE: Child and Adult Care Food Program

The Utah State Board of Education – Child Nutrition Programs, announces that the following institutions are sponsors of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The same meals will be made available to all children or adults enrolled at these institutions, at no separate charge regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.  Furthermore, there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

Children who are members of the Family Employment Program (FEP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) households, or who are economically qualified Head Start participants, are automatically eligible to receive free meal benefits. Adults who are members of SNAP, FDPIR, or who are SSI or Medicaid participants, are automatically eligible to receive free meal benefits. (Read More)


Executive Appropriations Committee adopts budget recommendations ahead of 2023 legislative session

Today, the Executive Appropriations Committee (EAC) adopted budget recommendations for the upcoming session that focus on Utah’s long-term wellbeing and economic stability. Lawmakers are committed to ensuring Utah is well-prepared for current and future needs by making strategic investments and wise budget decisions. (Read More)


Salt Lake County recognizes 32 years of service by Clerk Sherrie Swensen

This afternoon, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and the County Council issued a joint proclamation honoring retiring County Clerk Sherrie Swensen for her 32 years of service as the county’s first female clerk.

“Sherrie stepped up to serve back in 1990 when there weren’t many women in public office and has been not just a trailblazer for other women in public office, but has modernized, improved, and protected the safety of our elections in Salt Lake County. I thank her for her service and congratulate her on her well-deserved retirement,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. (Read More)


Utah Senate requests public comment on 3rd District Court Nominee

The Utah Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee is seeking public comment on Coral Sanchez, who Gov. Spencer J. Cox nominated to serve as a judge in the 3rd District Court.

Those who desire to comment should contact the Utah Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee electronically or by mail at the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2022. Electronic comments can be emailed to senatejudicialnominees@le.utah.gov. Written comments can be mailed to the Utah Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee at the Utah State Capitol, Suite W210, PO Box 145210, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-5210. All statements should include the respondent’s name, telephone number and mailing address. (Read More)

 

Number of the Day

Number of the Day, Dec 14, 2022
 

Tweet of the Day

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Upcoming

  • Utah Economic Outlook and Public Policy Summit with the Salt Lake Chamber — Jan. 12, 2023, Salt Lake City Marriott, 8 am - noon, Register here
  • Legislative session begins, Jan. 17, 2023, le.utah.gov
 

On This Day In History

  • 1799 - George Washington dies at Mount Vernon at age 67
  • 1863 - Abraham Lincoln pardons his sister-in-law, the widow of a Confederate general
  • 1897 - Margaret Madeline Chase Smith is born. She was the first woman elected to Congress in both the House and Senate (R-ME), serving 8 years in the House and 24 in the Senate. She was the first in the Senate to challenge Sen. McCarthy’s anti-communist crusade. 
  • 1889 - American Academy of Political & Social Science organized in Philadelphia
  • 1900 - The birth of quantum theory as German physicist Max Planck publishes his study on the effect of radiation on a “blackbody” substance.
  • 1902 - The first trans-pacific cable line is completed by the Commercial Cable Company. It connected San Francisco, CA to Honolulu, HI.
  • 1911 - Roald Amundsen and his team reach the South Pole, the first explorers to do so. 
  • 1914 - President Woodrow Wilson signs the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act, to regulate and tax production, importation, and distribution of opiates and coca products
  • 1939 - USSR expelled from the League of Nations 
  • 1961 - President’s Commission on the Status of Women is established to examine discrimination against women and ways to eliminate it. It was chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt.
  • 1985 - Wilma Mankiller is sworn in as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma – the first woman in modern history to lead a major Native American tribe
  • 1995 - The Dayton Agreement is signed in Paris by leaders of various governments ending the conflict in the former Yugoslavia including Slobodan MiloÅ¡ević, Alija Izetbegović, Franjo Tuđman and Bill Clinton
  • 2012 - Sandy Hook school shooting. Adam Lanza kills 20 students and six employees before killing himself.
  • 2020 - US Electoral College votes 306-232 to officially affirm Joe Biden's presidential election victory

Wise Words

“The whole point in women’s suffrage is that the Government needs the point of view of all its citizens and the women have a point of view which is of value to the Government.”

—Eleanor Roosevelt


On the Punny Side

Why do reindeer like Beyoncé so much?

She sleighs.

 

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