There are few crimes that classify as more heinous than a sexual one performed on a child. Two bills this session address the penalties for those that commit these acts, both sponsored by Rep. Wimmer (cwimmer@utah.gov).
HB 256 is what is commonly referred to as 'Jessica's Law'. It would increase the penalities for rape, object rape and sodomy of a child to 25 years to life, and attempted sexual assault on a child to a minimum of 15 years. Source Judges do have some discretion on sentences, and may rule differently if they find it in the best interest of justice. These reasons must then be documented. Source Versions of Jessica's Law have been passed around the country, and the father of Jessica Lunsford, the bill's namesake, is here in Utah to testify in support of the bill.
HB 286 would permanently revoke the license of a teacher who molests a student or any other child. While the chances of the Board of Education allowing those that have been found guilty of these crimes to reobtain their teaching licences is currently very small, this bill would ensure that they are denied. It is mostly symbolic legislation, but the feelings this law represents are strong in any parent. Any teacher who violates the special trust they are given in such an atrocious way, should never be able to teach again.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
If we took a holiday...
Years ago there was a push in the Legislature to change the name of Human Rights Day (the 3rd Monday in January) to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. One particular legislator disagreed with the concept, saying that she wanted to honor all that had worked for civil rights, not just one individual. To prove her point she pushed for an amendment on the bill to change President's Day to Washington and Lincoln Day. The bill passed. So that 3rd Monday in February is still Washington and Lincoln Day here in Utah. Maybe Rep. Morley is thinking along those lines, that we should honor each person individually. He is carrying a resolution to celebrate Ronald Reagan Day on February 6, 2008. A one time holiday to remember the past president. While a nice gesture, I would be surprised if many outside the political circle this year even know when the day comes and goes.
On the subject of holidays, how about one more? Sen. Hickman is pushing for a State Family Day to fall on the Friday after Thanksgiving. I always like days off. My only fear about the new holiday and this bill, is that it crosses out the line providing employees one personal preference day a year. Hmmm....it may not be worth the trade.
On the subject of holidays, how about one more? Sen. Hickman is pushing for a State Family Day to fall on the Friday after Thanksgiving. I always like days off. My only fear about the new holiday and this bill, is that it crosses out the line providing employees one personal preference day a year. Hmmm....it may not be worth the trade.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
$1,000 Scholarships
Sen. Hillyard (lhillyard@utahsenate.org) has proposed a bill that would give every high school student that maintains a B average, takes four years of math, four years of English, three and a half years social science, three years of science and a foreign language would receive $1,000 toward college. The bill is still being written, so the details could be altered a little. The idea behind the bill is that it will increase the falling number currently enrolling in Utah's universities. There is also hope that by being reminded of the scholarship when a student is in eighth grade, it will motivated parents to start saving for college as well. I think this is a great bill, but I would like to see it go a little farther. We all know that college is not for everyone. There are great tech schools here in Utah, that teach valuable skills that can become excellent professions. I would love for that $1,000 to be applicable to those as well. Source
Monday, January 28, 2008
Update
Here is an update on where the bills are at that we have discussed thus far:
SB 14 Smoking Ban with Children Present: This bill passed out of the Senate this morning, it will now go to the House for their approval.
SB 36 & 37 Extracurricular Activities for all Students: SB 36 the bill covering charter and online students is on the Senate calendar to be argued on the floor. With regards to SB 37, the bill covering home and private school students, your letters must have worked, this morning SB 37 passed out of the Senate Education Committee!
SB 35 & 41 Teacher Pay & School Year Changes: Both bills cleared the Senate Education Committee and are on the Senate calendar to be debated.
HB 76 Privatization Committee for Recreational Facilities: It was not considered this morning, though it appeared on the committee's agenda. So if you haven't sent an email yet and planned on it, you still have a chance.
HB 133 & 326 Bills regarding CHIP: Both bills are sitting right now. I read today that the bill (HB 133) that had the provision disqualifying kids from CHIP if their parents are enrolled in UPP will probably be substituted. This means Rep. Clark, the bill sponsor, may change the bill so substantially it will be rewritten.
HB 236 Parental Controls for Abortion: Rep. Sandstrom's bill has disappeared for now.
SB 14 Smoking Ban with Children Present: This bill passed out of the Senate this morning, it will now go to the House for their approval.
SB 36 & 37 Extracurricular Activities for all Students: SB 36 the bill covering charter and online students is on the Senate calendar to be argued on the floor. With regards to SB 37, the bill covering home and private school students, your letters must have worked, this morning SB 37 passed out of the Senate Education Committee!
SB 35 & 41 Teacher Pay & School Year Changes: Both bills cleared the Senate Education Committee and are on the Senate calendar to be debated.
HB 76 Privatization Committee for Recreational Facilities: It was not considered this morning, though it appeared on the committee's agenda. So if you haven't sent an email yet and planned on it, you still have a chance.
HB 133 & 326 Bills regarding CHIP: Both bills are sitting right now. I read today that the bill (HB 133) that had the provision disqualifying kids from CHIP if their parents are enrolled in UPP will probably be substituted. This means Rep. Clark, the bill sponsor, may change the bill so substantially it will be rewritten.
HB 236 Parental Controls for Abortion: Rep. Sandstrom's bill has disappeared for now.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
That Terrible Idea
In my first post I referred to a terrible idea that inspired me to write this blog. Well, that terrible idea has evolved into a bill being carried by Rep. Frank. Here is the run down.
Rep. Frank's bill (HB 76) may make your local rec center be a thing of the past. The bill forces government entities (counties, cities, etc.) to create a commission that would evaluate if government run facilities such as rec centers, reception halls and golf courses unfairly compete with businesses. If it is found that they do unfairly compete, those facilities would have to be sold to the private sector. This is what that means, Gold's Gym could make a push and possibly get the South Davis Rec Center, or Dimple Dell Pool or the Clearfield Aquatics Center sold. Source
How is this right? We, as taxpayers, paid for these buildings to be built. They provide opportunities for recreation that most families could not afford otherwise. They also provide services to a sector of the community that is not targeted by the private recreation sector. Senior Citizens. How many Senior Citizens, who get to use many of these facilities for free or at a reduced rate, could find the same services elsewhere? If these establishments are cheaper than the private alternatives it is because we are subsidizing them with our taxes.
In the days when obesity reigns and most cities are not planned to be walkable, these recreational facilities play a vital role. Privatization in not always better. Let's keep these facilities accessible and affordable for our families.
Please write a letter. This bill will be heard on Monday morning by the House Government Operations Committee. The Committee members and their emails are listed below. Rep. Frank, the bill sponsor, could also profit from a note.
Rep. Frank cfrank@utah.gov
Rep. Donnelson, chair gdonnelson@utah.gov
Rep. Mathis, vice chair jmathis@utah.gov
Rep. Aagard daagard@utah.gov
Rep. Bigelow ronbigelow@utah.gov
Rep. Bowman bbowman@utah.gov
Rep. Fowlke lfowlke@utah.gov
Rep. Grover keithgrover@utah.gov
Rep. Hansen neilhansen@utah.gov
Rep. Hendrickson nhendrickson@utah.gov
Rep. Hutchings ehutchings@utah.gov
Rep. Oda coda@utah.gov
Rep. Wiley lwiley@utah.gov
Rep. Frank's bill (HB 76) may make your local rec center be a thing of the past. The bill forces government entities (counties, cities, etc.) to create a commission that would evaluate if government run facilities such as rec centers, reception halls and golf courses unfairly compete with businesses. If it is found that they do unfairly compete, those facilities would have to be sold to the private sector. This is what that means, Gold's Gym could make a push and possibly get the South Davis Rec Center, or Dimple Dell Pool or the Clearfield Aquatics Center sold. Source
How is this right? We, as taxpayers, paid for these buildings to be built. They provide opportunities for recreation that most families could not afford otherwise. They also provide services to a sector of the community that is not targeted by the private recreation sector. Senior Citizens. How many Senior Citizens, who get to use many of these facilities for free or at a reduced rate, could find the same services elsewhere? If these establishments are cheaper than the private alternatives it is because we are subsidizing them with our taxes.
In the days when obesity reigns and most cities are not planned to be walkable, these recreational facilities play a vital role. Privatization in not always better. Let's keep these facilities accessible and affordable for our families.
Please write a letter. This bill will be heard on Monday morning by the House Government Operations Committee. The Committee members and their emails are listed below. Rep. Frank, the bill sponsor, could also profit from a note.
Rep. Frank cfrank@utah.gov
Rep. Donnelson, chair gdonnelson@utah.gov
Rep. Mathis, vice chair jmathis@utah.gov
Rep. Aagard daagard@utah.gov
Rep. Bigelow ronbigelow@utah.gov
Rep. Bowman bbowman@utah.gov
Rep. Fowlke lfowlke@utah.gov
Rep. Grover keithgrover@utah.gov
Rep. Hansen neilhansen@utah.gov
Rep. Hendrickson nhendrickson@utah.gov
Rep. Hutchings ehutchings@utah.gov
Rep. Oda coda@utah.gov
Rep. Wiley lwiley@utah.gov
How to Write an Effective Email
In the coming weeks I hope you will feel inspired to write an email or two to the Utah Legislature. Here are a few ideas on how to make your email more effective.
Address it to relevant parties: Send the email to your legislator, but also send it to the bill sponsor and the committee members where the bill is being heard. I would copy and paste and send separate emails. If a Legislator sees it has been send out in mass, the may not give it as much consideration as if it is addressed just to them specifically.
Keep it brief and to the point: A few bullet points of your opinion will go a lot farther than a long rambling diatribe. Remember these guys are busy.
Give your first and last name, address & phone number: Many will not respond if this is not included.
Be respectful and polite: This should be a given. A little common courtesy is always appreciated. I always end by thanking them for their time and service in our behalf.
If you are ever unsure where to send your letters, send me a note and I'll get you the emails you need. (utahmomscare@gmail.com)
Address it to relevant parties: Send the email to your legislator, but also send it to the bill sponsor and the committee members where the bill is being heard. I would copy and paste and send separate emails. If a Legislator sees it has been send out in mass, the may not give it as much consideration as if it is addressed just to them specifically.
Keep it brief and to the point: A few bullet points of your opinion will go a lot farther than a long rambling diatribe. Remember these guys are busy.
Give your first and last name, address & phone number: Many will not respond if this is not included.
Be respectful and polite: This should be a given. A little common courtesy is always appreciated. I always end by thanking them for their time and service in our behalf.
If you are ever unsure where to send your letters, send me a note and I'll get you the emails you need. (utahmomscare@gmail.com)
Friday, January 25, 2008
Extending Opportunities to All Students
If students attend online, charter, private or home school they currently have limited access to extra-curricular and sports programs available to traditional public school students. Sen. Madsen is carrying two bills that will allow online, charter, private and home school students the opportunity to participate in all extra-curricular activities and sports programs offered at the public school if they live in that school's district and those programs are not offered at their own school. There is opposition to the bill. Critics argue that student athletes who are close to academic ineligibility would begin a home school program and then still be able to participate in their sport. The parents would only have to vouch for their child's academic performance. I would like to think only a small percentage of parents would support such a scheme to keep their kid on the team.
If you care about this bill, you may want to act. SB 37, the portion of the bill that affords the privileges to home schooled students stalled yesterday in the Senate Education Committee. The committee decided to hold the bill for more discussion. That can very well be a death sentence for a bill. Sen. Dayton (mdayton@utahsenate.org) is the chair of the Senate Education Committee. You can address your thoughts to her as well as to the bill sponsor, Sen. Madsen(mmadsen@utahsenate.org) encouraging him in his efforts.
If you care about this bill, you may want to act. SB 37, the portion of the bill that affords the privileges to home schooled students stalled yesterday in the Senate Education Committee. The committee decided to hold the bill for more discussion. That can very well be a death sentence for a bill. Sen. Dayton (mdayton@utahsenate.org) is the chair of the Senate Education Committee. You can address your thoughts to her as well as to the bill sponsor, Sen. Madsen(mmadsen@utahsenate.org) encouraging him in his efforts.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Mixed Messages
The House Republican Leadership vowed that Health Care was one of their top priorities this session. But two bills carried by House Leaders send conflicting views.
Rep. Curtis, who is the Speaker of the House, is carrying a bill (HB326) that would remove the enrollment cap currently placed on CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program). The program is capped between 45-48,000 kids. But Utah has roughly 90,000 uninsured kids, many of which are eligible for the program. Source This bill is a great step toward getting all Utah kids health insurance.
Unfortunately, another member of the House Leadership is carrying a bill that would make some of those kids ineligible for CHIP. Rep. Clark's HB 133 has a provision in it excluding children from CHIP if their parents are enrolled in UPP (Utah's Premium Partnership of Health Insurance). UPP closes the gap for people that can't quite pay for health insurance. Maybe a parent could afford health insurance for them self, but not for them and their kids with UPP. CHIP would then be in place to cover their children. If this bill passes parents lose that option. I think CHIP is a good program, and I hate to see kids go uninsured that are eligible.
Rep. Curtis, who is the Speaker of the House, is carrying a bill (HB326) that would remove the enrollment cap currently placed on CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program). The program is capped between 45-48,000 kids. But Utah has roughly 90,000 uninsured kids, many of which are eligible for the program. Source This bill is a great step toward getting all Utah kids health insurance.
Unfortunately, another member of the House Leadership is carrying a bill that would make some of those kids ineligible for CHIP. Rep. Clark's HB 133 has a provision in it excluding children from CHIP if their parents are enrolled in UPP (Utah's Premium Partnership of Health Insurance). UPP closes the gap for people that can't quite pay for health insurance. Maybe a parent could afford health insurance for them self, but not for them and their kids with UPP. CHIP would then be in place to cover their children. If this bill passes parents lose that option. I think CHIP is a good program, and I hate to see kids go uninsured that are eligible.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Increasing Teacher Pay
Yesterday two bills passed out of the Senate Education Committee, both carried by Sen. Stephenson addressing teacher pay.
The first (SB35) asks for a $5,000/year increase in pay for teachers of Science, Math & Special Education. Critics argue that it will be divisive among teachers, for some to make more than others. While there may be some truth to that point, we have to consider the law of supply and demand. If it is difficult for schools to find and fill these positions and a little pay incentive can keep teachers around, I think it is worth it. The real question may be is $5,000 enough?
The second bill (SB41) looks to lengthen the school year. If teachers are being utilized for more than 9 months a year, they will make more. This extension of the school year would not be statewide yet. It gives incentive money to school districts that come up with the best plan on elongating the school year. Then as those districts put their plans into place it will give other districts in years to come a model to follow. I know some of you hate your kids in year-round school. How would you like that to last through high school? It makes sense financially, but it may mean more driving and scheduling for us moms.
The first (SB35) asks for a $5,000/year increase in pay for teachers of Science, Math & Special Education. Critics argue that it will be divisive among teachers, for some to make more than others. While there may be some truth to that point, we have to consider the law of supply and demand. If it is difficult for schools to find and fill these positions and a little pay incentive can keep teachers around, I think it is worth it. The real question may be is $5,000 enough?
The second bill (SB41) looks to lengthen the school year. If teachers are being utilized for more than 9 months a year, they will make more. This extension of the school year would not be statewide yet. It gives incentive money to school districts that come up with the best plan on elongating the school year. Then as those districts put their plans into place it will give other districts in years to come a model to follow. I know some of you hate your kids in year-round school. How would you like that to last through high school? It makes sense financially, but it may mean more driving and scheduling for us moms.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
It's all politics
There are a few words in politics that get people riled up beyond the point of sanity. Gun control, the death penalty, abortion, vouchers (here in Utah). But these words can also be a rallying cry when a polititian feels threatened.
Representative Sandstrom this session is carrying a bill that would require parental approval for a minor seeking an abortion. At first thought that only seems right. The decision to have an abortion is not one that should be made lightly, and it is one that can carry with it some long lasting mental baggage. Of course a parent should have a right to know if their child is seeking that. But how many minors actually seek from the courts the right to get an abortion in Utah? Last year it was 8, and 6 of those were denied by the courts. Source The bill also forces parental involvement even in cases where there have been allegations of parental abuse. So is this bill something that is even needed? It might be if people are already lining up to run against you in the next election. I have an idea, if we want to address unwanted teen pregnancy (something that is rising here in Utah) how about doing something on the educational front? How about helping teens make the right choices before they are getting involved in the kinds of behaviors that get them pregnant?
Representative Sandstrom this session is carrying a bill that would require parental approval for a minor seeking an abortion. At first thought that only seems right. The decision to have an abortion is not one that should be made lightly, and it is one that can carry with it some long lasting mental baggage. Of course a parent should have a right to know if their child is seeking that. But how many minors actually seek from the courts the right to get an abortion in Utah? Last year it was 8, and 6 of those were denied by the courts. Source The bill also forces parental involvement even in cases where there have been allegations of parental abuse. So is this bill something that is even needed? It might be if people are already lining up to run against you in the next election. I have an idea, if we want to address unwanted teen pregnancy (something that is rising here in Utah) how about doing something on the educational front? How about helping teens make the right choices before they are getting involved in the kinds of behaviors that get them pregnant?
Don't Smoke & Drive (at least not with kids in the car)
We all know that it isn't a very good idea to smoke while your kids are in the car, but should it be illegal? Senator McCoy has a bill that would make it that. If this bill passes those that smoke with children under the age of 5 or with children in child restraint devices could face a $45 fine. That fine can be cleared if they can prove that they have enrolled in a smoking cessation program. The offense is a secondary one, meaning an officer cannot pull a driver over solely for smoking in the car with kids present. The bill passed out of a Senate committee today.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Who Represents You?
The other day I was reading about a bill that is going to be presented this session in the legislature. I thought, what a terrible idea! I bet if my friends knew about that they would all write their Senators and give them an earful. My second thought was that no one probably would, because we're moms! We're busy! We don't have time and many of us the interest to follow every bill that is floated every session. My hope and goal is that this blog will give you quick updates on what is happening up at the legislature that will affect you and your families. Then when those ideas arise that we hate or love passionately we can email our beloved representatives and give them that earful.
If you are wondering now how I have the time to follow all of that, I'll tell you the truth. I'm a junkie. I can't get enough. I happily give up sleep to read bills, email my representative, research laws in the Utah Code. I know, I know.....you don't have to tell me how crazy that is (I have a husband for that). Why do you think I got my degree in Political Science at USU? And working up at the Legislature for a session only seemed to feed my habit. So if nothing else, let my obsession work for you.
First things first. The session started today, do you know who your Senator and Representative are? Don't feel bad if you don't - you are with the majority. Just figure it out now with the link on the side of the page to the Utah Legislature. (If you live by me, it is Rep. Paul Ray and Sen. Sheldon Killpack.) Shooting off a brief email is the best way to let your legislators know that you are watching them and that you have an opinion too.
If you have questions, comments, opinions; let's hear them! I am not always right you know...
If you are wondering now how I have the time to follow all of that, I'll tell you the truth. I'm a junkie. I can't get enough. I happily give up sleep to read bills, email my representative, research laws in the Utah Code. I know, I know.....you don't have to tell me how crazy that is (I have a husband for that). Why do you think I got my degree in Political Science at USU? And working up at the Legislature for a session only seemed to feed my habit. So if nothing else, let my obsession work for you.
First things first. The session started today, do you know who your Senator and Representative are? Don't feel bad if you don't - you are with the majority. Just figure it out now with the link on the side of the page to the Utah Legislature. (If you live by me, it is Rep. Paul Ray and Sen. Sheldon Killpack.) Shooting off a brief email is the best way to let your legislators know that you are watching them and that you have an opinion too.
If you have questions, comments, opinions; let's hear them! I am not always right you know...
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