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Situational awareness - April 21, 2020 Good Tuesday morning from Salt Lake City
TICK TOCK 4 days to the Utah Republican and Democratic state conventions (4/25/2020) 70 days to the 2020 Utah primary elections (6/30/2020) 196 Days to the 2020 election (11/3/2020) 274 days to inauguration day (01/20/2021) 279 days to the start of the 2021 Utah Legislature (1/25/2021)
Here are the stories you need to pay attention to this morning: - Oil prices go negative.
- Congress tries to reach a deal on more small business funding.
- Utah lawmakers may provide legal protections for businesses that reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic.
- Rep. Chris Stewart has a huge lead over his GOP rivals.
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Today At Utah Policy  Poll: Rep. Chris Stewart has a big lead over his GOP challengers
By Bob Bernick, Contributing Editor
U.S. GOP Rep. Chris Stewart seems a shoo-in to win re-nomination to his 2nd Congressional District, a new UtahPolicy.com/KUTV 2News poll shows.
 McAdams joins bi-partisan plan to restart American economy
By Bryan Schott, Managing Editor
The bi-partisan "Problem Solvers Caucus" in Congress unveiled a comprehensive plan on Monday to reopen the economy.
 Lawmakers reach deal with Gov. Herbert on vetoed special needs scholarship bill
By Bob Bernick, Contributing Editor
When Utah legislators meet, again, in special session Thursday, the special needs private school program vetoed by GOP Gary Herbert will be amended and passed, it's sponsor, House Majority Whip Mike Schultz, tells UtahPolicy.com.
 Bill offers legal protections for businesses that re-open during coronavirus pandemic
By Bryan Schott, Managing Editor
Utah lawmakers and Gov. Gary Herbert are pushing to get some parts of Utah's economy back to work starting May 1. A bill set for debate when Utah lawmakers re-convene in their special session later this week offers some protection to businesses that reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic.
OTHER UTAH HEADLINES Deseret News Salt Lake Tribune Other
NATIONAL HEADLINES Oil wipeout Oil futures dropped below zero on Monday, settling at minus $37.63 a barrel as producers are running out of space to store crude that is set to be delivered in May [Bloomberg]. Policymakers in Washington are paralyzed over how to handle oil prices plunging into negative territory [Politico].
Small business loans The Senate is set to vote on a $450 billion package to provide more money for small business emergency loans. The original $349 billion allocated by Congress was snapped up in a matter of days [AP]. Banks are warning a new round of funding for small businesses could evaporate in two days [Politico]. Publicly traded firms claimed $300 million from the first round of funding meant for small businesses [AP]. The White House and Republicans in Congress are taking some heat after hotel and restaurant chains helped run the small business loan program dry [Washington Post]. U.S. restaurants are on track to lose $240 billion in total by the end of June [Reuters].
Immigration ban President Donald Trump said Monday he would "suspend immigration" into the U.S. in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and economic collapse [Politico]. Trump could sign an executive order banning the issue of new green cards and work visas in the next few days [New York Times].
No confidence A new poll finds most Americans rate President Trump's response to the coronavirus negatively, and belive it could be June or later before it will be safe for large gatherings [Washington Post].
Coronavirus in the states New York has canceled all public events in June [ABC7]. Georgia will allow some businesses, including gyms, bowling alleys and hair salons, to reopen on Friday as long as they can comply with social distancing standards and other safety guidelines [AJC]. Tennessee will not extend its stay at home order past April 30. Businesses in Ohio will be allowed to reopen at the end of the month [New York Times].
North Korea Kim Jong Un is reportedly in critical condition following a surgical procedure. Kim has not been seen in public since April 11. He missed the celebration of his grandfather's birthday on April 15 [CNN].
2020 Joe Biden's campaign begins the November election cycle $187 million behind the Trump campaign [New York Times].
BUSINESS HEADLINES
Policy News  Save Small Business Initiative applications open nowOn April 15, 2020, the U.S. Chamber its Save Small Business Initiative to address the immediate needs of the small business community, mitigate closures and job losses, and mobilize support for long-term recovery in the wake of the economic destruction of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 CYBER24 episode 78: Driving forces behind ransomware growthRansomware is a growing problem for American businesses - particularly small and medium-sized businesses. In just the first nine months of 2019, there were nearly 152 million ransomware attacks.
More National Headlines
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY 1649 - The Maryland Toleration Act, which provided for freedom of worship for all Christians, was passed by the Maryland assembly. 1836 - With the battle cry "Remember the Alamo!" Texas forces under Sam Houston defeated the army of Mexican Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at San Jacinto, Texas, opening the path to Texas independence. 1918 - Baron Manfred von Richthofen, the German ace known as the "Red Baron," was killed in action during World War I. 1977 - Annie opens on Broadway.
Self Motivation
"What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you."Ralph Waldo Emerson Listening to Protesters
"I'm sure that convinced the legislators.[imitating legislator]You know, the medical data doesn't back up an early reopen, but I heard some sound policy ideas from Lady Flag Screamer and Guy in a 'Purge' Mask."- STEPHEN COLBERT Subscribers may receive special messages with information about new features, special offers, or public policy messages from clients and advertisers. Advertise With Us | 
