 The UtahPolicy.com daily newsletter gets you up to speed on the top local and national news about politics and public policy. Send news tips or feedback to bschott@utahpolicy.com, or message us on Twitter. Situational awareness - April 15, 2020Good Wednesday morning from Salt Lake CityTICK TOCK10 days to the Utah Republican and Democratic state conventions (4/25/2020)76 days to the 2020 Utah primary elections (6/30/2020)202 Days to the 2020 election (11/3/2020)280 days to inauguration day (01/20/2021)285 days to the start of the 2021 Utah Legislature (1/25/2021)Here are the stories you need to pay attention to this morning:
Thanks for subscribing to Utah's must-read daily political news rundown.If you know of friends or colleagues who would benefit from our daily news roundup, please encourage them to sign up for our emails. Today At Utah Policy Thursday's special session will be the first of many as lawmakers deal with coronavirus pandemicBy Bryan Schott, Managing Editor Thursday's special legislative session to deal with the coronavirus pandemic will likely be just the first of several special sessions between now and June.  Video: House Speaker Brad Wilson previews Thursday's special sessionBy Bryan Schott, Managing Editor House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, discusses the issues lawmakers will tackle during Thursday's virtual special session.  Bill would require the governor to give lawmakers 48 hour notice before taking some emergency actionsBy Bob Bernick and Bryan Schott While recognizing the independence and authority of the Utah governor in times of pandemics, one of the bills in the Thursday special legislative session says the governor -- in the current case, GOP Gov. Gary Herbert -- will tell legislative leadership about his plans for executive orders two days before issuing them.  Bernick and Schott on politics podcast - 'A dream come true'By Bryan Schott, Managing Editor Bryan Schott and Bob Bernick discuss the latest Utah political news.  Herbert makes it official. Utah schools will not re-open this yearBy Bob Bernick, Contributing Editor Utah grade schools will not reopen this school year Gov. Gary Herbert said Tuesday afternoon.  Analysis: Huntsman qualifies for the ballot. What does that mean for the rest of the field?By Bob Bernick, Contributing Editor So, even though I didn't think his campaign could do it, former GOP Gov. Jon Huntsman qualified via signature-gathering for the Republican Party's primary ballot on Monday -- the last day he could do so.  Hughes taps Washington County Commissioner Victor Iverson as his running mateBy Bryan Schott, Managing Editor Former House Speaker Greg Hughes picked Victor Iverson, a Washington County Commissioner, to be his Lt. Governor nominee on Tuesday. OTHER UTAH HEADLINESDeseret News
Salt Lake Tribune
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NATIONAL HEADLINESThe stories everyone will be talking about todayChinese officials did not warn the public that they were likely facing a pandemic for six days in January [AP]. President Donald Trump halted funding for the World Health Organization over their handling of the coronavirus [CNN]. "We're not there yet"Dr. Anthony Fauci said Tuesday the U.S. does not have the testing and contact tracing procedures it would take to begin restarting the nation's economy [AP]. President Donald Trump is itching to declare the country open by May 1, but it likely will take much longer than that [Washington Post]. Here's why President Trump can't just flip the switch to get the economy moving again [Politico]. The CDC and FEMA have created a plan to re-open America and combat the spread of the coronavirus [Washington Post]. The Great LockdownThe International Monetary Fund says the global economy will contract by 3 percent in 2020, which is the biggest economic downturn since the Great Depression [IMF]. Economic assistanceCongress is coming under pressure as a fund to provide loans to small businesses is almost out of money [Politico]. Major U.S. airlines have accepted the government's terms to tap into billions of dollars in aid and keep thousands of employees on their payrolls [CNN]. Two more years?Researchers predict that the U.S. may have to continue social distancing measures until 2022 unless a vaccine for the coronavirus becomes quickly available [Bloomberg]. Trump delays some stimulus checksIn an unprecedented move, the Treasury Department is ordering President Trump's name printed on stimulus checks. The move will delay the delivery of the checks by a few days [Washington Post]. Hmmm...A tax change added to the coronavirus relief package by Senate Republicans overwhelmingly benefits taxpayers who earn more than $1 million per year [Washington Post]. Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot.Indiana Republican Congressman Trey Hollingsworth said in an interview that letting more Americans die from the coronavirus is the "lesser of two evils" compared to the economic damage caused by the lockdown [CNN]. BUSINESS HEADLINES
Policy News The PPE pivot: Five questions about face shieldsOne of the more disheartening aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic is the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) for front-line healthcare workers. Warriors against the virus, these people need more and better facemasks, gowns, and other supplies.  WTC Utah webinar series: How to: PPP loans for 1099 contractors and sole proprietorsJoin WTC Utah, in partnership with Lendio, for a webinar focusing on Paycheck Protection Program Loans. PPP Loans are open for sole proprietors, 1099 contractors and other small business owners, but many are confused about eligibility, owners draw and which lenders will let them apply. More National Headlines
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY1861 - President Abraham Lincoln dies after being shot the previous evening by John Wilkes Booth. Vice President Andrew Johnson becomes President. 1892 - The General Electric Company is formed. 1922 - Senator John B. Kendrick of Wyoming introduces a resolution calling for an investigation of a secret land deal, which leads to the discovery of the Teapot Dome scandal. 1923 - Insulin becomes generally available for use by people with diabetes. 1947 - Jackie Robinson debuts for the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking baseball's color line. 1955 - McDonald's restaurant dates its founding to the opening of a franchised restaurant by Ray Kroc, in Des Plaines, Illinois. Wise WordsKnow Yourself "You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."Marcus Aurelius Lighter SideEaster "Easter doesn't feel at all exciting this year, probably because I've spent the last three weeks driving around looking for eggs already."- JIMMY KIMMEL Subscribers may receive special messages with information about new features, special offers, or public policy messages from clients and advertisers. |
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