Situational awareness - January 25, 2018

Utah Breaking News

Brought to you by Utah Policy

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Sources: Romney expected to announce Senate bid next week, will gather signatures to get on the 2018 ballot

By Bob Bernick, Contributing Editor

Sources close to Mitt Romney tell UtahPolicy.com that the former GOP presidential nominee will announce next week that he is running for the U.S. Senate this year.

Read more...

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Good Thursday morning from Salt Lake City. 

Herbert delivers his eighth State of the State address. An anti-abortion bill on Capitol Hill may be unconstitutional. Lawmakers look to cut more than $160 million from the base budget. Trump heads to Davos.

Tick Tock:

• 42 days until the final day of the 2018 Utah Legislature (3/8/2018)
• 43 days until the filing period for candidates in the 2018 election opens (3/9/2018)
• 49 days until the filing deadline for the 2018 elections (3/15/2018)
• 54 days until the statewide caucus meetings for Utah Republicans and Democrats (3/20/2018)
• 86 days until the Utah GOP State Convention (4/21/2018)
• 93 days until the Utah Democratic State Convention (4/28/2018)
• 152 days until the 2018 Primary Election (6/26/2018)
• 285 days until the 2018 midterm elections (11/6/2018)
• 368 days until the first day of the 2019 Utah Legislature (1/28/2019)
• 1,013 days until the 2020 presidential election (11/3/2020)

If you have any story ideas, tips, suggestions or complaints, I'm always available at bschott@utahpolicy.com.

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Here's what's driving the day:

State of the State

Governor Gary Herbert delivered his eighth State of the State speech on Wednesday night. It was a unique (for him) address that spent time looking back and forward to chart a path for Utah's future [Utah Policy].

Cut, cut, cut

Legislative leaders have told lawmakers that they should take seriously $162 million in base budget cuts identified by fiscal analysts [Utah Policy].

Picking a constitutional fight over abortion

Republicans in the House advance a controversial bill to ban abortions when the sole reason for terminating the pregnancy is the baby would be born with Down syndrome. Legislative lawyers are warning the bill may be declared unconstitutional [Utah Policy].

Romney gets closer to launching his campaign

Former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney met with top advisers in Salt Lake City on Tuesday to discuss policy positions he'll take during his run for U.S. Senate. A close confidant says Romney will likely launch his campaign by the end of the month [Utah Policy]. 

Handsfree cell phone bill battle

Lawmakers are proposing two separate bills to ban the use of handheld cell phones by drivers. One would completely outlaw the use while the other would prohibit them in school zones only [Utah Policy].

Reducing penalties for some drivers

Good news for drivers who get pulled over without proof of insurance. A proposal would eliminate fines and penalties if they can prove they were insured at the time of the traffic stop [Utah Policy].

Other Utah headlines:

• Lawmakers are worried that costs for the new prison are getting "out of control" as the tab is now approaching $700 million [Deseret News].
   
• Gov. Gary Herbert will undergo surgery to have kidney stones removed on Friday. Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox will act as governor in his stead [Tribune].
   
• The Utah House advanced a bill to reduce the number of days Utahns can shoot off fireworks [Deseret News, Tribune].
   
• The Senate moves forward with a proposal detailing how some counties can remove elected officials from office if they become mentally incapacitated [Deseret News].
   
• A proposal to allow a toll road in Little Cottonwood Canyon was approved unanimously by a Senate committee, which could lead to more toll roads statewide [Tribune].
   
• A Senate panel approved a bill raising the fees for concealed carry permit fees over the objections of the NRA [Deseret News].
   
• A proposal to extend family-planning and birth control to low-income women in Utah is gaining some momentum on Capitol Hill. The measure would be mostly funded by the federal government [Tribune].
   
• The Riverton City Council gave new Mayor Trent Staggs a 35% salary increase just three weeks after he his inauguration [Tribune].
   
• The widespread use of portable classrooms in Utah may be putting students at risk [Tribune].
   
• The White House wants a federal court to move lawsuits challenging changes to Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments to Utah [Tribune].

National headlines:

• President Donald Trump said he is "looking forward" to testifying under oath to special counsel Robert Mueller as part of his investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election [Washington Post].
   
• The Justice Department is warning Congressional Republicans that it would be "extraordinarily reckless" to release a memo that uses classified information to cast doubt on the origins of the Russia investigation [New York Times]. 
   
• Former national security adviser Michael Flynn was interviewed by the FBI about his communications with Russian officials the day after President Trump was inaugurated. He kept the meeting secret from the Trump administration [NBC News].
   
• Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee say testimony from Donald Trump Jr. about the Russia investigation should be made public [Politico].
   
• Some in Congress are worried about a so-called "secret society" in the FBI that is working to take down President Trump. However, the genesis of the "secret society" seems to be a benign text message between two FBI agents. Read for yourself [ABC News].
   
• President Trump landed in Switzerland early Thursday morning for the Davos Global Economic Forum [CNN].
   
• President Trump signaled on Wednesday that he might extend the deadline for DACA past March 5 to give lawmakers more time to come up with a solution [Roll Call]. The president also suggested he is open to a path to citizenship for the "dreamers" [New York Times].
   
• Republicans are betting their tax reform package will lead to higher paychecks, but most workers probably won't notice that they're getting paid more [Politico].
   
• Sen. Orrin Hatch wants to more than double the number of temporary visas for highly-skilled workers from foreign countries [Bloomberg].
   
• Terrifying. Cape Town South Africa will run out of water on April 12 of this year [CNN].

On this day in history:

• 1890 - Journalist Nellie Bly completed a trip around the world that lasted 72 days.
   
• 1915 - Alexander Graham Bell inaugurates transcontinental telephone service, speaking from New York to Thomas Watson in San Francisco.
   
• 1959 - The first transcontinental flight took place, a non-stop trip from California to New York.
   
• 1961 - President John F. Kennedy delivers the first live televised news conference.

Today At Utah Policy

Herbert urges lawmakers to consider how their actions will be viewed a century from now
By Bryan Schott, Managing Editor
Missing were the references to Utah being ranked as one of the best states for business. Instead, Governor Gary Herbert delivered a soaring and forward-looking State of the State speech Wednesday night....

'Scene' on the Hill - Day #3
By Bryan Schott, Managing Editor
Our reporters bring you some quips and tidbits from day #3 of the 2018 Utah Legislature....

Two bills aim to ban the use of handheld cell phones for Utah drivers
By Bob Bernick, Contributing Editor
State lawmakers can now choose between two bills that would restrict the use of handheld telephone devices while driving a vehicle....

House Republicans advance Down syndrome abortion bill despite being advised it's likely unconstitutional
By Bob Bernick, Contributing Editor
Over the objections of the two Democrats on the committee, the House Rules Committee Wednesday morning advanced HB205, the Down syndrome abortion bill, even though legislative attorneys say there it is likely unconstitutional....

Report: Romney had policy meeting related to possible Senate run on Tuesday
By Bryan Schott, Managing Editor
Former GOP presidential candidate and likely U.S. Senate candidate Mitt Romney reportedly met with some top advisers on Tuesday in Holladay....

Legislative leaders want to cut $162 million from the base budget, but lawmakers aren't taking the request seriously
By Bob Bernick, Contributing Editor
In no uncertain terms, rank-and-file GOP House members were told by their leaders Tuesday they had better take seriously the $162 million suggested cuts to the state's "base budget," or the money-saving process will just be scrapped....

Lawmaker wants to remove penalties for motorists who are insured, but can't produce proof
By Bryan Schott, Managing Editor
If a driver gets pulled over without proof of insurance, a proposed bill will allow them to waive the penalties or fines if they can prove they had insurance at the time....

Policy News

Utah maintains AAA credit rating from all major rating agencies, saves taxpayer dollars
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and Treasurer David Damschen announced that S&P Global, Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings have reaffirmed the State's AAA credit rating the highest rating a state can receive....

Local Headlines

Salt Lake Tribune

Holly Richardson: Why do we need Better Days 2020? Because we have forgotten our heritage.

Utah's portable classrooms put kids at risk, engineering experts say

Utah's support for legalizing medical marijuana hasn't budged, with 76 percent of voters in favor, a new poll says

Utah lawmakers move ahead with expanding birth control coverage for low-income women

Trump's team wants Bears Ears, Grand Staircase lawsuits filed in D.C. sent back to Utah

Utah may end an anti-underage-drinking program - though the liquor stores that fund it brought in a record $427M last year

Utah House votes for fireworks restrictions - fewer days to shoot them off and higher fines for violations

Bill to enable toll road in Little Cottonwood Canyon advances - may lead to expanded tolls that replace state gasoline tax

This Utah mayor receives a 35 percent salary increase three weeks after taking office

No new initiatives, instead Utah Gov. Gary Herbert uses State of State address to praise Operation Rio Grande, working together

Gov. Gary Herbert, Senate leader call for Utah to follow feds' lead on taxes, but it doesn't look like that will happen

Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox to be governor during Herbert surgery

Deseret News

Jay Evensen: Thinking of new ways to take money from your wallet

A. Scott Anderson: How 'I can' will change the world

Boyd Matheson: Seize the moment and leave the swamp behind

Editorial: Disabled Utahns deserve compassionate care and better housing options

This new report says Utah is better than Arizona when it comes to retirement. Here's why

Utah Rep. John Curtis tells lawmakers he's packed a lot into first two months on the job

Bill to remove mentally unfit elected officials gets preliminary approval in Utah Senate

Senate panel endorses bill for driver license, gun permit fee increases

Senate committee moves proposal to eliminate decals on exempt plates

Bill to create toll road into Little Cottonwood Canyon rolls on

Bill aims to give Medicaid patients access to family planning services in Utah

Utah Senate committee favors replacing Philo T. Farnsworth statue in U.S. Capitol

Low-level offenders could train for jobs instead of serving Utah jail sentences

Utah lawmakers pass bill reducing fireworks days for July holidays

Herbert touts Utah's 'unique spirit of collaboration' in State of the State speech

Lawmakers worry costs 'out of control' as prison project nears $700 million

Other

Point of the Mountain Commission presents regional vision (Daily Herald)

Lehi solar company debuts in Sam's Clubs (Daily Herald)

Expansive West Mountain rezone approved by commission to prevent new gravel pits (Daily Herald)

John Curtis discusses government shutdown, DACA at town hall (Daily Herald)

Weber County officials hold off on UTA appointment over procedural issue (Standard-Examiner)

Dual language immersion headed to middle school (Logan Herald Journal)

National Headlines

Evidence suggests a massive scandal is brewing at the FBI (New York Post)

Al Gore Defends Trump's Solar Tariff Decision At Davos (Daily Caller)

WaPo Staffers Fighting for Better Wages Told to Sit Down, Shut Up, and Be Grateful for Jeff Bezos (Splinter)

GOP feud with FBI ratchets up (The Hill)

Trump says he is 'looking forward' to testifying under oath for Mueller's Russia probe (USA Today)

Trump puts path to citizenship for some 'dreamers' on the table in immigration deal (Washington Post)

Senate narrowly approves Brownback for religious freedom job (Chicago Tribune)

Medicaid recipients sue to block new work-requirement rules (ABC News)

Cecile Richards expected to step down from Planned Parenthood (Washington Post)

Pointing to Trump Tax Cuts, J.P. Morgan Chase to Add 4,000 Jobs in the U.S. (Fortune)

Starbucks expands its paid sick leave and parental leave after tax cuts - and employee requests (Washington Post)

Wise Words

Task on Leadership

"The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been." Henry Kissinger
 

Lighter Side

Exercise

"After his doctor earlier this week said that he would recommend Trump exercise more, the president said yesterday that he gets "more exercise than people think." Does he? I am not sure backpedaling on campaign promises counts as exercise." James Corden