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| 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 [email protected] Situational Analysis - March 2, 2021It's Tuesday and "Read Across America Day." It's also National Banana Cream Pie Day. The Utah legislature finished up committee hearings for half of the committees yesterday. The other half finishes today. If you only have time for one thing today: Read a Dr. Seuss book to a child. The rhymes are catchy and fun. Our 6-year granddaughter came with us to the Northeast last fall and when she saw this sculpture of Dr. Seuss, she ran up to it, patted his arm and said "You write awesome books." Countdown 3 days to the end of the 2021 Utah Legislature (3/5/21) (Technically, 4, as they will go until midnight) Today At Utah PolicyThe 'she-cession' is hitting moms hardBy Holly Richardson The pink recession, or "she-cession" has hit America's moms particularly hard. This is one policy area we simply must get right. Tweets of the day: #utleg roundup, consumer protection and tragedy in Arkansas By Holly Richardson Lee Davidson has been a journalist for 40 years and is a fixture in Utah politics. He retired yesterday. Plus, privacy oversight on the docket, the Inland Port 'bank' is moving forward, a bill to help people finish their college degrees, it's Consumer Protection Week and an absolute tragedy in Arkansas. Education bills moving forward in the legislature By Holly Richardson Some of the bills heard in yesterday's Senate Education committee included the Dixie State name change, Campus Safety Amendments, brought forward after Lauren McCluskey's murder, homeschol tax credits, student religious accommodations and a "Civic Thought and Leadership Initiative" at UVU. All bills presented in the last Senate Education committee of 2021 passed out favorably. HB428 also passed out of House Government Ops. It would strip local school boards of their authority in some situations. Utah HeadlinesDeseret News 'It's all just so much': A look at the pandemic's ripple effects on mothers - The pandemic-sparked 'pink' recession has hurt women, especially working mothers, most. The joy of the big, messy family - From Manhattan to the beltway, the big family is back. Who is Mark Hofmann and what did he do? - His forgeries and murders that threw Salt Lake City into chaos for two days in October 1985 are the subject of a three-part true crime documentary titled "Murder Among the Mormons" airing on Netflix starting Wednesday. Dr. Seuss told us of all the places we will go. Does that mean we move on from him? - If there's anything to learn from Dr. Seuss, it's that we all grow up and find our own places to go. Is Dixie still an option for university name? Latest proposal before Utah Legislature doesn't rule it out - Revised bill to change Dixie State University's name advances to the Utah Senate. Pandemic 'endgame': Utah House to hear bill laying out the end of COVID-19 restrictions - Ray's bill drew a mix of public reaction, from those against mask mandates and government control, to those concerned that the bill would end Utah's COVID-19 restrictions too early. 2 of 3 tax cut bills for seniors, veterans, families get final OK, await governor to sign - The House voted 70-2 to approve Sen. Lincoln Fillmore's SB153, which would set aside nearly $55 million to expand the dependent exemption. SB153 would reduce taxes for over 388,400 taxpayers by an average of $140 a year, according to the bill's fiscal note.Salt Lake Tribune Federal judge rules against girls trying to create sanctioned, separate high school football in Utah - UHSAA, three school districts aren't in violation of Title IX or the Equal Protection Clause, ruling says. Mitt Romney takes a fall that knocks him unconscious - The Utah senator needed stitches after he fell this weekend while visiting his grandkids in Boston. Utahns sought COVID-19 vaccine in good faith. But their slots were a state mistake, and they feel vilified. - An error by state tech employees seemed to confirm rumors of wider vaccine access. Utah reports the fewest new coronavirus cases in 6 months - The Utah Department of Health reported just 257 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, the lowest number the state has seen since it reported 256 on Aug. 30. Utah prosecutors, public defenders denounce 'bad faith repeal' of bail reform - One opponent of bail reform repeal says it poses 'an existential threat of going backwards'. Funding plan for inland port projects advances over objections the public is being shut out - Senate committee advances a bill to create what backers described as an "infrastructure bank"Other Mitt Romney knocked unconscious, suffers black eye during fall (New York Post) - With noticeable bruising under his right eye, Romney infused some humor into the situation. "I went to CPAC, that was a problem," the Republican lawmaker joked, After weekend glitch, eligible Salt Lake County residents can register for COVID-19 vaccine (ABC 4) - On Monday, those 16 and up with certain underlying health conditions in Salt Lake County can register for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. 'Absolutely insane': Regulations for certain Lehi homes could raise costs for homebuilders (ABC 4) - Homes in some developments are required to have 51% stone, brick, or cement on each exterior face, which can add substantially to the cost. Developer blames 'outdated' Salt Lake City ordinance for enabling squatters (FOX 13) - Ordinances have been updated multiple times since 2012, first with the city council choosing to make it more difficult for developers to demolish buildings without a new building permit in hand. Memorial to COVID-19 victims lights up downtown SLC (Fox 13) - The Salt Lake City Council and Mayor Erin Mendenhall declared March 1 COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day.COVID Corner I hate masks, but I still wear one (Deseret News) - Derek Miller writes "I look forward to celebrating our nation's birth on the Fourth of July by declaring independence from my itchy, uncomfortable mask." Fauci: U.S. must stick with two-shot strategy for Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna vaccines (Washington Post) - Delaying a second dose to inoculate more Americans creates risks, infectious-disease expert says. Canada vaccine committee advises against use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 shots for 65 years and above (Yahoo!) - Because the vaccine trial did not include people over 65, there is a lack of information about efficacy in that age group. COVID-19 vaccine trials underway for children, pregnant women (News4Jax) - There need to be separate trials for children "mainly because children's immune systems are still developing, and they develop at a different rate. As a result, how they respond to the vaccine can be significantly different than adults." Here's when the US will see a lot more vaccine doses (CNN) Soon - by the end of March, hundreds of millions of doses will be available. By the end of April - the end of Biden's first 100 days - 100 million people will be vaccinated and enough vaccine for the entire country to be vaccinated will be available by the end of July. A Covid Vaccine Side Effect, Enlarged Lymph Nodes, Can Be Mistaken for Cancer (New York Times) - The condition is becoming more common as immunization rates increase. Experts are suggesting ways to ease patients' fears and avoid needless testing. U.S. administers 75.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines - CDC (Yahoo! Finance) - As of Sunday, 49,772,180 people had received at least one vaccine dose while 24,779,920 had received the two doses. Can the COVID-19 vaccine end long-term symptoms? (Deseret News) - Dr. Brian Lamb said there have been some long-haulers who have seen their symptoms disappear after the first COVID-19 vaccine dose.National HeadlinesInside Joe Biden's decision to dive into the Amazon union drive (Politico) - The quasi-endorsement was weeks in the making, spurring on by private talks with labor leaders and Democratic officials. Cuomo Accused of Unwanted Advance at a Wedding: 'Can I Kiss You?' (New York Times) - The young woman's account follows two separate accusations that Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed two female state employees. Democrats unveil an ultramillionaire tax on the top 0.05% of American households (Business Insider) - Democrats have proposed a 2% tax on household net worth over $50 million, 3% for net worth over $1 billion. DeSantis, Noem are breakout stars at CPAC, but Trump maintains grip on party (Fox News) - Trump approval sky high in CPAC straw poll, but Florida Gov preferred by one in five to be 2024 nominee. Senate confirms Miguel Cardona as Biden's education secretary (USA Today) - Cardona, confirmed in a 64-33 vote, will oversee an Education Department that employs thousands and has an annual budget of more than $60 billion. He comes with more than 2 decades of experience in public education. Inside the Biden team's deliberations over punishing the Saudi crown prince (Washington Post) - Defining the Saudis as bad actors was one of the few issues on which there was bipartisan agreement among a majority of U.S. lawmakers. Biden says Mexico an 'equal' as he dismantles Trump immigration policies (Fox News) - "You are equal," Biden said. "And what you do in Mexico and how you succeed impacts dramatically on what the rest of the hemisphere will look like." Trump Wins CPAC Straw Poll, but Only 68 Percent Want Him to Run Again (New York Times) - "Donald J. Trump ain't going anywhere," Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said on Friday to thunderous applause. A Proud Boys leader acquired a lookalike's passport to possibly flee the country following Capitol attack, court documents say (Business Insider) - A new court filing details the weeks-long planning by Proud Boys members ahead of the Capitol siege. D.C. National Guard commander added as witness to hearing on Capitol attack (Washington Post) - The investigation - which congressional officials said could take more than a year - is far-reaching, with requests for information from multiple agencies and departments. Opinion: The GOP is now just the party of white grievance (Washington Post) - The party has been swiftly repositioned as an instrument of white grievance. It refuses to condemn racists within its congressional ranks. Its main national legislative agenda seems to be the suppression of minority voting. The whole Trump movement, and now most of the Republican Party, is premised on the social sanctification of pre-cognitive fears and disgust. Biden officials urge patience on immigration amid border surge (The Hill) - President Biden is facing pressure from all sides as migration swells at the southern border - posing one of the first major policy tests for his administration.Policy NewsSL Chamber announces business resource page for vaccination efforts and trainingThe Salt Lake Chamber's Roadmap to Recovery Coalition recognizes the importance of vaccine education and resources for your organization. The rapid administration of the vaccine will save lives and hasten our efforts to fully engage in Utah's economy. The Chamber sent out a vaccine survey, in collaboration with the Utah Community Builders, and sought feedback from the business community and used that knowledge to build out a vaccine business resource page for organizations. The Coalition is also partnering with state leaders to ensure Utah's business community instills vaccine confidence with our workforce.St. George Chamber to recognize outstanding Women of Achievement The St. George Area Chamber of Commerce (SGACC) announces its 2021 Element Award Honorees, who will be recognized at a dinner ceremony on March 26, 2021. This event will take place during Women's History Month, a month dedicated to celebrating business, political and community achievements of women.Sen. Lee, colleagues introduce bill to permanently ban earmarks Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) today joined Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), along with several of their colleagues, to introduce legislation to permanently ban earmarks. This follows a partisan agreement between Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy and House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro to bring the practice back to Congress.Some love for the Romney/Cotton minimum wage bill Policy leaders and writers expressed support for U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Tom Cotton's (R-AR) newly introduced Higher Wages for American Workers Act, legislation which would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $10 and mandate E-Verify to ensure the wage increase only goes to legal workers. The bill will also index future minimum wage increases to inflation and includes protections for small businesses.Sen. Lee, colleagues urge CDC to help reopen schools Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) on Friday led his colleagues in sending a letter to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky regarding their concerns about continued school closures and their harmful effects on children, parents, and the economy, as documented in recent research. In light of scientific research showing low community transmission in schools, especially among younger children, the letter also calls on the CDC to revise its guidelines to help schools reopen. Business HeadlinesAll Apple retail stores in U.S. open for first time in almost a year; stock jumps (MarketWatch) - Apple shares rose more than 5% on Monday, their best showing since a 6.4% gain on Oct. 12. Stocks jump on stimulus vote and J&J vaccine news, with Dow up 600 points (CBS News) - Much of the focus on Wall Street was on the bond market, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury note falling to 1.45% after going as high as 1.5% last week, the highest level in more than a year. Higher interest rates can slow the economy and discourage borrowing. Trump property next to Mar-a-Lago hits market for $49M (Fox Business) - The property, sitting directly next to Mar-a-Lago's Beach Club, is owned by a limited liability company tied to the Trump Organization. It was last sold in May 2018 for about $18.5 million to the limited liability company. Walmart dropping $35 minimum for Express Delivery service (Fox Business) - Effective immediately, customers will no longer have to pay a $35 minimum in order to receive food and merchandise in under two hours, the Arkansas-based retailer announced Monday.On This Day In History(From History.com) 1778 - Nathanael Greene is appointed Quartermaster General of the Continental Army under George Washington. 1807 - Congress abolishes the African slave trade within the jurisdiction of the United States. The widespread trade of enslaved people within the South was not prohibited, however, and children of enslaved people automatically became enslaved themselves. 1836 - Texas declares independence from Mexico. 1865 - Freedman's Bureau founded for Black Education 1877 - US Electoral Commission declares Rutherford B. Hayes (R) winner of the presidential election with an electoral vote of 185-184 against Samuel J. Tilden (D) 1899 - Mt. Rainier National Park is created. 1903 - The Martha Washington Hotel opens in New York City, the first exclusively for women. 1904 - Theodore Giesel is born. 1917 - Puerto Ricans become US citizens and are immediately recruited for the war effort. 1923 - Hovenweep National Monument, located in Utah and Colorado, is established. 1955 - Black teenager Claudette Colvin was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to give up her seat to a white woman on a public bus. 1958 - 1st surface crossing of Antarctic continent is completed in 99 days. 1965 - "The Sound of Music" is released. It goes on to become one of the most popular musical films of all time. 1968 - 19 year-old American Peggy Fleming wins her 3rd consecutive World Ladies Figure Skating Championship in Geneva, Switzerland; announces her retirement, turns professional and eventually goes into broadcasting. 1974 - Grand jury concludes that President Richard Nixon is involved in the Watergate cover-up. 1978 - Grave robbers steal Charlie Chaplin's body. Weird, right?! 2000 - Former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet heads home after being told the UK would not extradite him on torture charges. 2016 - US astronauts Scott Kelly and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko return to earth after nearly a year (340 days), setting an ISS record.Wise Words"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child." ~Dr. Seuss Lighter SideLighter Side"When beetles fight these battles in a bottle with their paddles and the bottle's on a poodle and the poodle's eating noodles......they call this a muddle puddle tweetle poodle beetle noodle bottle paddle battle." ~Dr. Seuss in his book, Fox in Socks Subscribers may receive special messages with information about new features, special offers, or public policy messages from clients and advertisers. |
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