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Situational Analysis - February 2, 2021

Happy Tuesday! It's Groundhog Day - and doesn't it kind of feel we've been living in the 1993 movie since, oh, last March?? Did you know that Punxsutawney has been celebrating GroundHog Day since 1887?? It was the brainchild of local newspaper editor Clymer Freas, who sold a group of businessmen and groundhog hunters-known collectively as the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club-on the idea but the history actually goes back much further than that. Spoiler alert: This year we're looking at six more weeks of winter.

If you only have time for one thing today, you've got to check out this story from CNN. Some of those who attacked the Capitol, yelling that they were there to "Stop the Steal" did not even vote in the election. "One was Donovan Crowl, an ex-Marine who charged toward a Capitol entrance in paramilitary garb on January 6 as the Pro-Trump crowd chanted "who's our President?" Federal authorities later identified Crowl, 50, as a member of a self-styled militia organization in his home state of Ohio and affiliated with the extremist group the Oath Keepers. His mother told CNN that he previously told her 'they were going to overtake the government if they...tried to take Trump's presidency from him.'" And there's more, including a 65-year-old Georgia man was found in his van with a fully-loaded pistol and ammunition, and a Louisiana man who publicly bragged about spending nearly two hours inside the Capitol after attending Trump's "Stop the Steal" rally.....

Countdown

31 days to the end of the 2021 Utah Legislature (3/5/21)
71 days until the end of the Cox/Henderson administration's first 100 days (04/14/2021)
87 days until the Biden/Harris administration's first 100 days are up (04/30/2021)

Today At Utah Policy

Commentary: The serendipity of running for political office
By LaVarr Webb
For a lot of years I've been watching a group of talented, successful, young (compared to me) Republicans who I've thought would make excellent high-level elected officials. I've expected at least a few of them would be elected to a top office.But the reality is that most of them, while being plenty ambitious, may never win political office.Local leaders' efforts to address affordable housing and growth
By Utah League of Cities and Towns
Cities don't control market factors or build houses. But our Utah cities do work diligently and creatively to manage and foster smart growth. This benefits our own communities and our state as a whole. Cities create master plans, and we manage and oversee appropriate uses of land in our communities according to those plans. Cities provide the framework for unique communities-- places that knit together housing, transportation, jobs, and community. Tweets of the day
By Holly Richardson
Today's round-up includes a shout-out to the nation's first female self-made millionaire, the people of the Department of Workforce Services, McConnell is just done, some of the rioters in DC didn't even vote, a Utah school board member is making xenophobic remarks and Hawkeye Pierce from M*A*S*H has a message.

Utah Headlines

COVID Corner

Here is when kids can get the COVID-19 vaccine (Deseret News) - Dr. Fauci says expect kids to be able to get it before the end of the summer. Biden Covid adviser tells providers to stop stockpiling vaccine (Politico) - Providers should now be confident that there will be a steady supply of doses and that stockpiling "does not need to happen and should not happen." Seth Meyers Accuses Biden of Falling for GOP's Coronavirus 'Scam' (The Daily Beast) - The Late Night host criticized Biden for engaging in what he views as a "futile and preposterous exercise" by "indulging" Republicans' demands of "bipartisanship" when it comes to COVID relief. Why is Arizona worst for COVID-19 nationwide? Here are 7 contributing reasons (AZ Central) - Bars and restaurants remain open and Arizona does not have a statewide mask mandate, haphazard enforcement of mitigation measures, elected officials who downplay and deny the severity of pandemic and more. Captain Tom Moore, 100-year-old veteran who raised millions for coronavirus relief, has COVID-19 (USA Today) - The 100-year-old British Army veteran who raised nearly $45 million for his country's National Health Service has tested positive for the coronavirus. Two million Australians in lockdown after one COVID-19 case found (New York Post) - Authorities ordered a five-day lockdown of Perth after a security guard at a hotel used to quarantine people returning from overseas was found to have contracted the virus. Here's how the Biden administration is tracking vaccine progress (Yahoo News) - Detailed data from the day of their inauguration. FEMA has now established a Civil Rights Advisory Group "to help ensure equity in the allocation of scarce resources, including any additional future allocations of vaccine." Minority communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 infections and deaths, and early vaccine distribution has also seen racial disparities. Don't post your COVID-19 vaccination card on social media (Deseret News) - The BBB says hold off from sharing a selfie of you COVID-19 vaccination card because it can be used for identity theft. Fewer than 600 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Utah on Monday (Salt Lake Tribune) - The state's death toll rises to 1,668 as three more Utahns die.

Salt Lake Tribune

Critics see law firm's debt collection maneuver as an abuse of the court system - In 2020 the Law Offices of Kirk Cullimore filed 45% of all eviction lawsuits in Utah and a judge denounced their maneuvering as questionable, if not 'unconscionable.' Petition to remove Utah school board member cites comments about LGBTQ students, Black Lives Matter - Natalie Cline defends her statements, saying she's "the latest target of the mob." Registration fees in Utah for electric, hybrid cars may soon skyrocket to highest in the nation - Fees for some could quintuple under a bill that advanced on Monday. Utah State Prison allows inmates to connect with loved ones via video calls - The prison initially stopped in-person visits in March. Video visiting is available in most prison housing units. (Feels like this is long overdue) Utah Rep. John Curtis joins bipartisan group seeking to build bridges in evenly divided Congress - "Problem Solvers Caucus" was group that former Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, belonged to. Mitt Romney says Biden shows 'genuine interest' in working with GOP on pandemic aid package - They spend two hours discussing differences, but vow to keep discussion moving forward. Utah has its independent commission to help redraw voting boundaries for the coming decade - Governor names BYU professor Rex Facer as chair; GOP House speaker names former Congressman Rob Bishop. Utah's 10-year battle over disputed roads crisscrossing public lands likely just got a lot longer - Appeals court holds wilderness advocates are entitled to participate in lawsuits over 12,500 routes.

Other

Video visiting has launched across the Utah State Prison in Draper (KUTV) - To schedule a visit, email [email protected] AARP Utah offers advice and warnings for seniors seeking vaccines (Cache Valley Daily) - First, that Utahns over 70 now have priority in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine and secondly, that there are scammers afoot who want to take advantage of those seniors. Fourth Street Clinic begins mobile COVID-19 vaccinations for homeless population (FOX 13) - The homeless population can be difficult to track, but Fourth Street Clinic has partnered with other local organizations to come up with a system to reach members of the homeless community in time for their second doses. 'Hybrid and flexible:' Salt Lake Chamber looks to future of the workplace (FOX 13) - Teleworking has proven people can be just as, if not more productive, Derek Miller said.

Deseret News

How judicial activism on the right and left is threatening the Constitution - Former federal judge Thomas Griffiths says "Judges aren't supposed to make laws. They settle fights by interpreting them." The new Congress and the new president should be bipartisan in word and deed - From former Congressman Ben McAdams (D) - "I'm with Romney on this one." What to expect from President Biden on international religious freedom - People who know President Joe Biden say he cares deeply about helping persecuted people of faith around the world. 'Emotional' debate on changing Dixie State University name expected at Utah Capitol - Dixie State University President Richard Williams said discussions about the name have been going on for 30 years but intensified after protests across the country following George Floyd's death last summer. How did Mitt Romney, GOP senators' sit-down with President Biden on COVID-19 relief go? - there are differences in almost every area. "I can tell you there was not an agreement reached." Petition claims State School Board member's Facebook posts support 'racism, homophobia' - Natalie Cline says she is 'latest target of the mob,' believes parents have right to choose what is taught in classroom Case of slain Utah athlete Lauren McCluskey prompts new revenge porn bill - Utah lawmaker Craig Hall wants to allow charges to be brought in cases even after victims have died. Free COVID-19 testing continues as 3rd case of U.K. variant found in Utah - The variant, believed to be more contagious although the vaccines now in use are viewed as effective against it. Postcard vehicle registration reminders may be on the horizon for forgetful Utah drivers - In a clear case of "unintended consequences," people forgot to renew their plates without the postcard reminder. Oops.

National Headlines

Biden faces presidency-defining dilemma over Republican offer on Covid-19 rescue plan (CNN) - Hopes for a rare bipartisan deal at the start of a new administration still look doubtful An estimated 29 million people would lose out on stimulus payments under GOP proposal (CNN) - The GOP plan would cut off cash for individuals earning more than $50,000 a year and couples earning more than $100,000. 'Cancer for the Republican Party': McConnell condemns 'loony lies' in swipe at Marjorie Taylor Greene (NBC News) - "Somebody who's suggested that perhaps no airplane hit the Pentagon on 9/11, that horrifying school shootings were pre-staged, and that the Clintons crashed JFK Jr.'s airplane is not living in reality," McConnell said. Trump's lawyers will argue impeachment trial is unconstitutional after split with old legal team over voter fraud (USA Today) - They will claim it's unconstitutional because Trump is no longer the commander in chief, but it is still unclear whether they've entirely jettisoned Trump's allegations of election fraud, an issue that led to a rift with Trump's prior legal team. Myanmar's military detained its leader in a coup. Here's what you need to know (Deseret News) - What happened, who's in power now, why now, what's next and how does the US feel? Biden administration debating whether to call military takeover in Myanmar a 'coup' (CNN) - The designation would have ramifications for US assistance to the country's government, according to a State Department official and an administration official. Rep. Adam Kinzinger's new PAC hopes to pull the GOP away from Trump (Vox) - Kinzinger wants to change the GOP's focus. It's a lonely mission. Trump Official's Last-Day Deal With ICE Union Ties Biden's Hands (New York Times) - A whistle-blower accused Kenneth T. Cuccinelli II of an abuse of power in making sweeping concessions to pro-Trump Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Policy News

State Board of Ed. responds to requests for member removal
In response to recent inquiries regarding Board Member removal, Utah State Board of Education leadership, consisting of Chair Mark Huntsman, and Vice Chairs Laura Belnap and Cindy Davis, issued the following statement:AFP-Utah applauds transparency to taxpayers on appropriations requests
Americans for Prosperity-Utah (AFP-Utah) today praises the launch of the new Legislator Requests for Appropriations webpage where Utahns can now see who, what, and how much legislators are requesting of their hard-earned tax dollars. Utah Democratic Party unhappy with GOP appts to the independent redistricting commission
The Utah Democratic Party today responded to the appointments to Utah's independent redistricting committee made by the governor and leadership of the Legislature, stating a strong optimism at many of the commission appointments and disappointment at the politically-motivated appointments made by Senate Pres. J. Stuart Adams and Speaker Brad Wilson.The 2021 Clear the Air challenge kicks off
The Salt Lake Chamber, along with its partners UCAIR and TravelWise, kicked off the 12th Annual Clear the Air Challenge today. Issued by business, government and community leaders, the Challenge is a month-long competition designed to encourage Utahns to reduce their vehicle emissions by choosing alternatives to driving alone.State Auditor announces key recommendations from the Commission on Protecting Privacy and Preventing Discrimination
The Office of the State Auditor (Office) announces the release of two documents from the Commission on Protecting Privacy and Preventing Discrimination (Commission). The Commission was formed by State Auditor John Dougall in June 2020 to review the Attorney General's contract with Banjo and its public safety application that posed several complex technical and societal issues, including issues of privacy and potential algorithmic bias.

Business Headlines

Melvin Capital Lost 53% in January, Hurt by GameStop and Other Bets (Wall Street Journal) - It's the hedge fund that has borne the brunt of losses from the soaring stock prices of heavily shorted stocks. 'Wolf of Wall Street' Jordan Belfort lauds 'brilliant' stock revolt: 'This is a paradigm shift' (Fox News) - Jordan Belfort tells 'Tucker Carlson Tonight' small investors can finally 'play that same game' as hedge fund managers. Dow Jones Futures Rally As Biden, Republicans 'Hopeful' For Stimulus Deal; GME Stock Dives Another 23% Late (Investors.com) - Futures sharply higher early Tuesday after "productive" stimulus talks between President Joe Biden and a group of Republican senators. Google To Spend $3.8 Million To Settle Accusations Of Hiring, Pay Biases (NDTV) - The allegations stemmed from a routine compliance audit several years ago required by Google's status as a supplier of technology to the federal government.

On This Day In History

(From History.com)

1812 - Russians establish Fort Ross in California. 1839 - Black inventor Edmond Berger patented the spark plug. 1847 - The first member of the Donner Party dies. 1848 - The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, ending the Mexican-American war. 1862 - District of Columbia abolishes slavery. 1876 - The National League of baseball is founded. 1882 - James Joyce is born. 1887 - Groundhog Day is celebrated for the first time at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. 1897 - Black inventor Alfred Cralle patents the ice cream scooper. 1905 - Ayn Rand is born in St. Petersburg, Russia. She is the author of "Atlas Shrugged." 1913 - Grand Central Terminal opens in New York City. 1915 - Ernest E. Just receives the Spingarn medal for his pioneering work in cell division and fertilization. Despite having a PhD, he could not find work in the US as a Black scientist so he moved to Europe to continue his research. He was held as a prisoner--of-war by Nazis after their invasion of France. 1935 - Raven Wilkinson is born. At the age of 20, she became the first Black woman to receive a contract to dance full time with a major ballet company. 1943 - The Battle of Stalingrad ends as the last German troops surrender to the Red Army. 1971 - Idi Amin takes power in Uganda 2014 - Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman dies of an accidental overdose at age 46.