State and National

DABC announces new minimum salary levels for store personnel

SALT LAKE CITY (July 20, 2015) – The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will raise the minimum salary levels for the liquor store manager, assistant store manager and retail clerk II positions.

In addition to the 2.25 percent general increase for all state employees, the new minimum salary levels were generated by savings from the consolidated management program and hot spot funding identified in the Governor’s Budget and approved by the Legislature.

$3,000 reward added to solve wild horse death

Humane Society of Utah offers reward for arrest in wild horse shooting case

Utah troops allowed to carry weapons at military facilities

SALT LAKE CITY (July 18, 2015) – Approximately one year ago, Utah state policy was changed to accommodate the carrying of weapons by soldiers at National Guard facilities in accordance with state law. In response to the recent attack of military facilities in Chattanooga, Tenn., Gov. Gary R. Herbert has directed General Jeff Burton, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, to explore additional ways to protect our men and women serving in the Armed Forces.

The Myths About Fracking Are Many And Damaging
By Merrill Matthews

Fracking media coverage is a confused mess. One day there's a news story implying that fracking is causing earthquakes or groundwater contamination; the next day there's a different story asserting there's no clear connection.

No wonder the Gallup Polling Co. recently found that an equal number, 40 percent, supported and opposed fracking.

One problem is that people, and especially reporters, frequently confuse fracking with wastewater injection.

STATE LEADERS ANNOUNCE FRAMEWORK FOR MEDICAID EXPANSION

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah State leaders announced today that they have found consensus around a conceptual framework for Medicaid Expansion.

Governor Gary Herbert’s Schedule

July 20, 2015 - July 25, 2015

**The Governor’s schedule is subject to frequent change**

Media representatives are welcome at events designated with “Media Access”

Monday, July 20

10:30 a.m. - Phone call with Governors John Hickenlooper and Terry McAuliffe

Location: Governor’s Office

11:15 a.m. - Meeting with Congressman Chris Stewart

Location: Governor’s Office

Obama's Deliberate Insult

Commentary: According to news reports, President Obama is planning to have the U.N. Security Council vote on the Iran deal before Congress reviews it, meaning some sanctions could be lifted before U.S. lawmakers vote.

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Hatch Lauds Passage of Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2015

Washington, D.C.—Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, senior Republican in the United States Senate and member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions issued the following statement on the passage of the Older Americans Act:

Lee Introduces Bill to Drive Down Costs of Federally Funded Infrastructure Construction Projects

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee introduced a bill that reduces the inflated costs of federal construction projects on our nation’s transportation infrastructure. The “Davis-Bacon Repeal Act” also reduces burdens on federal contractors who train and employ low-skilled workers, while saving the American people billions of dollars in taxpayer money.   
 

Lee Votes Against Federal Control of Education

WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) issued the following statement Thursday regarding his vote against the Every Child Achieves Act.
 
“Not only did the Senate miss an opportunity to put states back in control of education policy,” Lee said, “but the Every Child Achieves Act also expands the Department of Education’s role in early education policies.”