O:9:"MagpieRSS":22:{s:6:"parser";i:0;s:12:"current_item";a:0:{}s:5:"items";a:25:{i:0;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-8805411309496820560";s:9:"published";s:29:"2010-01-19T15:34:00.003-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2010-01-19T15:39:19.420-07:00";s:5:"title";s:27:"The Difference a Week Makes";s:12:"atom_content";s:650:"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://senatesite.com/blog/uploaded_images/nosmog1-775129.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 203px;" src="http://senatesite.com/blog/uploaded_images/nosmog1-775126.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Fresh snow in the mountains and clean air in the valley. What more could we ask for as we get ready for the 2010 session?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-8805411309496820560?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=8805411309496820560&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/8805411309496820560";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/8805411309496820560";s:4:"link";s:61:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2010/01/difference-week-makes.html";s:11:"author_name";s:15:"Billy Hesterman";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/02321936845439221454";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:1;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-6428078300324711009";s:9:"published";s:29:"2010-01-18T18:51:00.004-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2010-01-18T18:56:08.095-07:00";s:5:"title";s:33:"Leadership Elections on Wednesday";s:12:"atom_content";s:1529:"The Senate Majority is meeting in caucus Wednesday morning.  First (or second) on the agenda is a special leadership election.<br /><br />From the<a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705359391/GOP-hopefuls-line-up-for-Killpacks-seat.html"> DNews</a>:<br /><blockquote>Senate Republicans will pick a new majority leader in a closed caucus Wednesday morning. Currently, only two candidates are in that race, Senate Majority Whip <span style="font-weight: bold;">Scott Jenkins</span>, R-Plain City, and Sen.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Curt Bramble</span>, R-Provo, who served as majority leader before Killpack defeated him last year.<br /><br />Jenkins said if he wins that election, Senate Majority Assistant Whip <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wayne Niederhauser</span>, R-Sandy, is the only candidate for majority whip.<br /><br />Four GOP senators have expressed interest in becoming assistant whip if that position is open, Jenkins said. They are Sens. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pete Knudsen</span>, Brigham City; <span style="font-weight: bold;">Allen Christensen</span>, North Ogden; <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dennis Stowell</span>, Parowan; and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kevin Van Tassell</span>, Vernal.<br /></blockquote>We'll post results here on the <a href="http://senatesite.com/blog/">Senate Site</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-6428078300324711009?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=6428078300324711009&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/6428078300324711009";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/6428078300324711009";s:4:"link";s:73:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2010/01/leadership-elections-on-wednesday.html";s:11:"author_name";s:15:"The Senate Site";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/11695078870269183604";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:2;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-9101244183123523054";s:9:"published";s:29:"2010-01-16T14:45:00.002-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2010-01-16T15:03:16.138-07:00";s:5:"title";s:8:"Decision";s:12:"atom_content";s:1006:"<span style="font-weight: bold;">By <a href="http://www.senatesite.com/profile-killpack.php">Sheldon Killpack</a></span><br /><br />I spent the evening considering my options and discussing them with my wife, family and trusted friends.  My heart weighs heavy.  I have a tremendous amount of respect for the legislative process, my legislative colleagues and for my constituents.  At this time the Legislature would be a distraction from what is most important and, frankly, I find that I have become a distraction to the Legislature.  In light of that I have decided to tender my resignation as Majority Leader and as a Utah State Senator, effective immediately.<br /><br />I am sincerely grateful and touched for the outpouring of support and love expressed to my family by so many of my constituents and friends.  Thank you.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-9101244183123523054?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=9101244183123523054&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/9101244183123523054";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/9101244183123523054";s:4:"link";s:48:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2010/01/decision.html";s:11:"author_name";s:15:"The Senate Site";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/11695078870269183604";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:2:"10";}}i:3;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-120605826036792791";s:9:"published";s:29:"2010-01-15T12:44:00.007-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2010-01-15T13:18:53.123-07:00";s:5:"title";s:40:"Statements regarding the Majority Leader";s:12:"atom_content";s:1392:"In a press release we sent today, Senate President Michael Waddoups said the following:<br /><blockquote>Senate Majority Leader Sheldon Killpack was arrested late Thursday night on suspicion of driving under the influence. Senator Killpack was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail and later released. The Utah Highway Patrol is working with the appropriate authorities on what is now a legal matter.<br /><br />This is a difficult time for Senator Killpack and his family. He has requested privacy as he addresses the situation with those closest to him.  When he and I spoke this morning he indicated he is accountable for his actions and I respect him for that.  Senator Killpack has served this state, and the Senate, with distinction and he remains in our hearts and prayers.</blockquote>Majority Leader Sheldon Killpack also made a brief statement:<br /><blockquote>I am deeply sorry for the impact this incident will have on those who support and trust me -- my colleagues in the senate, my constituents and, most importantly, my family. I am a firm believer in responsibility and personal accountability, and am prepared to accept all personal, legal and political consequences for my actions.</blockquote><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-120605826036792791?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:88:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=120605826036792791&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/120605826036792791";s:9:"link_self";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/120605826036792791";s:4:"link";s:76:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2010/01/statements-regarding-majority-leader.html";s:11:"author_name";s:15:"The Senate Site";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/11695078870269183604";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"5";}}i:4;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-5716357750318362352";s:9:"published";s:29:"2010-01-13T09:47:00.000-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2010-01-13T12:03:11.965-07:00";s:5:"title";s:17:"Wednesday Workout";s:12:"atom_content";s:1711:"<ol><li><a href="http://utahpolicy.com/">Utah Policy Daily</a></li><li><a href="http://www.le.utah.gov/">Legislature Website</a><br /></li><li>SLTrib: <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14174963?source=rss">Higher ed cuts are akin to eating the 'seed corn'</a></li><li>Herald Journal: <a href="http://hjnews.townnews.com/articles/2010/01/13/news/news03-01-13-10.txt">Legislators, county to have weekly meetings</a></li><li>DNews:                                  <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705358068/Charter-schools-to-get-funding-fix.html?linkTrack=rss-30">Charter schools to get funding fix?</a></li><li>KSL: <a href="http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&amp;sid=9320719">Senator considers cutting school bus costs</a></li><li>DNews: <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705357981/Stop-busing-high-schoolers-Sen-Chris-Buttars-suggests.html?linkTrack=rss-30">Stop busing high schoolers, Sen. Chris Buttars suggests</a></li><li>DNews: <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705358092/More-higher-ed-cuts-opposed.html?linkTrack=rss-30">More higher-ed cuts opposed</a></li><li>Standard Ex: <a href="http://www.standard.net/topics/utah-legislature/2010/01/12/tobacco-tax-hike-one-idea">Tobacco tax hike one idea</a></li><li>KSL: <a href="http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&amp;sid=9318151">Lawmaker resurrects tobacco tax increase</a></li><li><a href="http://sausagegrinding.blogspot.com/2010/01/turning-grinder-pt-4.html">Pyrah on the Legislature</a><div id="page_headline">                     </div><br /></li></ol><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-5716357750318362352?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=5716357750318362352&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/5716357750318362352";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/5716357750318362352";s:4:"link";s:57:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2010/01/wednesday-workout.html";s:11:"author_name";s:7:"Laura B";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14032602921031218349";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:5;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-4450426500290388292";s:9:"published";s:29:"2010-01-12T15:21:00.004-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2010-01-12T15:23:55.163-07:00";s:5:"title";s:29:"SenateRadio: Senator Hillyard";s:12:"atom_content";s:796:"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.garageband.com/mp3/Senator_Hillyard_reports_on_today_s_appropriat.mp3?%7Cpe1%7CWdjZPXLrvP2rYVezY2tmAg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 78px;" src="http://senatesite.com/images/SenateRadio1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Confused as to what is going on here today? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Senator Hillyard</span> explains on <a href="http://www.garageband.com/mp3/Senator_Hillyard_reports_on_today_s_appropriat.mp3?%7Cpe1%7CWdjZPXLrvP2rYVezY2tmAg">SenateRadio</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-4450426500290388292?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=4450426500290388292&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/4450426500290388292";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/4450426500290388292";s:4:"link";s:68:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2010/01/senateradio-senator-hillyard.html";s:11:"author_name";s:7:"Laura B";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14032602921031218349";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:6;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-7100050934559378666";s:9:"published";s:29:"2010-01-12T12:58:00.003-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2010-01-12T13:05:45.606-07:00";s:5:"title";s:16:"January 12, 2010";s:12:"atom_content";s:597:"<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2FUtahSenate%2Falbumid%2F5425885663356438737%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-7100050934559378666?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=7100050934559378666&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/7100050934559378666";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/7100050934559378666";s:4:"link";s:55:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2010/01/january-12-2010.html";s:11:"author_name";s:15:"The Senate Site";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/11695078870269183604";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:7;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-723140036842024644";s:9:"published";s:29:"2010-01-12T11:34:00.001-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2010-01-12T11:36:04.776-07:00";s:5:"title";s:21:"Extraordinary Session";s:12:"atom_content";s:364:"Listen to the Extraordinary Session <a href="http://www.le.utah.gov/">LIVE at noon</a>. We will be confirming the Governor's appointments and swearing in our newest senator, Ben McAdams.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-723140036842024644?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:88:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=723140036842024644&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/723140036842024644";s:9:"link_self";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/723140036842024644";s:4:"link";s:61:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2010/01/extraordinary-session.html";s:11:"author_name";s:7:"Laura B";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14032602921031218349";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:8;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-7890548629410750953";s:9:"published";s:29:"2010-01-08T15:59:00.001-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2010-01-08T15:59:29.811-07:00";s:5:"title";s:12:"Another Test";s:12:"atom_content";s:192:"Another test.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-7890548629410750953?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=7890548629410750953&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/7890548629410750953";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/7890548629410750953";s:4:"link";s:55:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2010/01/another-test_08.html";s:11:"author_name";s:15:"The Senate Site";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/11695078870269183604";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:9;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-6036128273564254640";s:9:"published";s:29:"2010-01-08T14:46:00.002-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2010-01-08T14:53:53.595-07:00";s:5:"title";s:47:"Senate seeks public comment on Judicial Nominee";s:12:"atom_content";s:1910:"<span style="font-weight: bold;">MEDIA ADVISORY</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span><br />January 6, 2010<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Senate to Consider Confirmation of Judge Stephen L. Roth as a Judge of the Court of Appeals</span><br /></div><br />The governor has appointed Judge Stephen L. Roth as a Judge of the Court of Appeals.<br /><br />Senate Rule 24.04.1 establishes the procedures of the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee. That rule requires the committee to hold public meetings prior to full Senate action. To assist in determining the scope of that public hearing, Senator Scott K. Jenkins, Chair of the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee, is seeking public comment regarding the appointment of Judge Roth.<br /><br />Anyone desiring to submit comment on this appointee is invited to contact Mr. Jerry D. Howe at the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, Utah State Capitol Complex, House Building, Suite W210, P.O. Box 145210, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-5210, by 5:00 p.m., Monday, February 1, 2010. Statements from the public should include the presenter's name, telephone number, and mailing address.<br /><br />In addition to Chair Jenkins (R-Plain City), the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee is comprised of four other members: Senator Jon J. Greiner (R-Ogden), Senator Lyle W. Hillyard (R-Logan), Senator Karen Mayne (D-West Valley City), and Senator Michael G. Waddoups (R-West Jordan).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">###</span><br /></div><br /><a href="http://senatesite.com/Documents/2010/PressReleaseCourtofAppeals.pdf">PDF of Press Release</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-6036128273564254640?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=6036128273564254640&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/6036128273564254640";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/6036128273564254640";s:4:"link";s:79:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2010/01/senate-seeks-public-comment-on-judicial.html";s:11:"author_name";s:7:"Laura B";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14032602921031218349";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:10;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-3306905827124796751";s:9:"published";s:29:"2010-01-06T12:53:00.005-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2010-01-08T13:11:58.141-07:00";s:5:"title";s:11:"Tobacco Tax";s:12:"atom_content";s:848:"<a href="http://sausagegrinding.blogspot.com/">Joe Pyrah</a>, of the <a href="http://heraldextra.com/news/local/article_b01271e2-ede6-580c-9909-2793ca3777e1.html">Daily Herald</a>, wrote about <span style="font-weight: bold;">Senator Allen Christensen's</span> proposal regarding the tobacco tax:<br /><blockquote>"The North Ogden Republican will be carrying a bill in the 2010 legislative session that would raise the tobacco tax. It's a controversial issue that has myriad philosophies and powerful lobbies on both sides."<br /></blockquote>Read the whole article <a href="http://heraldextra.com/news/local/article_b01271e2-ede6-580c-9909-2793ca3777e1.html">here</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-3306905827124796751?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=3306905827124796751&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/3306905827124796751";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/3306905827124796751";s:4:"link";s:51:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2010/01/tobacco-tax.html";s:11:"author_name";s:7:"Laura B";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14032602921031218349";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"2";}}i:11;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-3169075808192314656";s:9:"published";s:29:"2010-01-05T17:11:00.002-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2010-01-05T17:13:26.303-07:00";s:5:"title";s:30:"Navajo Trust Fund Suit Settled";s:12:"atom_content";s:4842:"<span style="font-weight: bold;">NEWS RELEASE</span><br />For Immediate Release<br />January 5, 2010<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">NAVAJO TRUST FUND LAWSUIT TENTATIVELY SETTLED FOR $33 MILLION</span><br /></div><br />After nearly 18 years of litigation, a tentative agreement has been reached to settle a federal lawsuit filed against the state of Utah over its management of a trust fund for Navajos living in San Juan County. Under the proposed settlement, Utah would pay $33 million to the Utah Navajo Trust Fund over the next four years.<br /><br />“This settlement was a fair way to get funds directly to help San Juan County Navajos and put an end to spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for interest and ongoing legal and accounting costs,” says Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff. “This agreement is in the best interest of the citizens of Utah and will bring money to the most impoverished area of our state.”<br /><br />Pelt v. Utah, a class action lawsuit filed in 1992 asked that Utah account for its management of a trust fund created in 1933 by the federal government. The trust was to provide for “the health, education and general welfare” of approximately 8,000 Navajos living in San Juan County. The trust’s funding came from 37 ½ % of royalties from oil found on lands in Utah added to the Navajo reservation in 1933. Utah was appointed to act as trustee.<br /><br />“While a trial might have meant different results, that would have been years from now and at great additional expense to all involved. Settlement of the case means an end to litigation but more importantly it means money more quickly into the trust to aid the beneficiaries,” says Brian Barnard, one of the attorneys for Navajo beneficiaries. “The eight individuals who brought this class lawsuit look forward to the help the increased fund can bring to San Juan County Navajos in the future.”<br /><br />Litigation over management of the oil royalties first started in 1960. This most recent 1992 suit claimed the trust fund was mismanaged, kept inadequate records and either lost or spent money improperly. Under the law of trusts, a trustee can be held personally liable for losing money and failing to keep complete records.<br /><br />Beginning in June of this year, attorneys for the Navajo beneficiaries and the state of Utah began meeting with a court-appointed mediator to see if a settlement could be reached. United States Court of Appeals Senior Judge William C. Canby oversaw the discussions.<br /><br />Although Utah could account for the money it spent directly, the state could not fully account for royalty money sent to the Utah Navajo Development Counsel (UNDC), a non-profit that was supposed to spend on behalf of the Navajos; and Utah Navajo Industries (UNI), which received more than $11 million and ran some ill advised businesses. Nearly $20 million is for interest because the events happened so long ago.<br /><br />The lawsuit followed a 1991 legislative audit that alleged mismanagement and accounting deficiencies with the trust. In response to the audit, the legislature passed the Utah Navajo Trust. No allegations of mismanagement or failure to account for funds have surfaced after the 1992 act was passed.<br /><br />The proposed settlement would provide $1 million on July 15, 2010, $5 million in 2011, $13.5 million in 2012 and $13.5 million in 2013. After payment of court approved attorney fees, expenses and court costs incurred on behalf of the beneficiaries the balance of the settlement would go directly into the trust fund to aid all beneficiaries. No individual beneficiary will directly receive any money from the settlement.<br /><br />The agreement is tentative and must be approved by Governor Gary Herbert and the Utah Legislature, which would also have to appropriate the funds during the 2010 session. Once that occurs U.S. District Judge Tena Campbell is expected to order that notices explaining the settlement be provided to class members.<br /><br />In the meantime, plaintiffs’ counsel plan to travel to San Juan County to discuss the settlement with the Navajo beneficiaries. “We will make detailed presentations to beneficiaries and the Court on the reasonableness of this compromise and then seek final approval,” says Barnard.<br /><br />The parties expect that a hearing seeking Judge Campbell’s final approval of the settlement will occur next Spring. Assistant Attorneys General Philip Lott and David Sonnenreich represented Utah in the settlement discussions.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">###<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-3169075808192314656?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=3169075808192314656&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/3169075808192314656";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/3169075808192314656";s:4:"link";s:75:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2010/01/navajo-trust-fund-suit-settled_4000.html";s:11:"author_name";s:15:"The Senate Site";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/11695078870269183604";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:12;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-623849447318578801";s:9:"published";s:29:"2010-01-01T12:10:00.005-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2010-01-01T12:28:37.888-07:00";s:5:"title";s:11:"Happy 2010!";s:12:"atom_content";s:912:"<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ksl.com/emedia/weatherpics/4/441/44144.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 490px; height: 367px;" src="http://www.ksl.com/emedia/weatherpics/4/441/44144.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Winter Sunset Across Utah Lake - Photo by Lonnie Martinez, <a href="http://www.ksl.com/?nid=313&amp;sid=5201110">published on KSL.com</a><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- Oprah Winfrey<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-623849447318578801?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:88:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=623849447318578801&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/623849447318578801";s:9:"link_self";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/623849447318578801";s:4:"link";s:50:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2010/01/happy-2010.html";s:11:"author_name";s:15:"The Senate Site";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/11695078870269183604";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:13;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-8499423056622454114";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-12-29T22:14:00.005-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2010-01-01T12:56:26.247-07:00";s:5:"title";s:41:"Trib: Putting a lid on out-of-state trips";s:12:"atom_content";s:347:"In case you missed it over Christmas break, Robert Gehrke posted some <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/Utah/ci_14070112">research on the legislature's travel budget. </a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-8499423056622454114?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=8499423056622454114&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/8499423056622454114";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/8499423056622454114";s:4:"link";s:78:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2009/12/trib-putting-lid-on-out-of-state-trips.html";s:11:"author_name";s:15:"The Senate Site";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/11695078870269183604";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:14;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-3751009466252943774";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-12-17T17:28:00.003-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-12-17T17:47:51.908-07:00";s:5:"title";s:18:"Legislator Pay Cut";s:12:"atom_content";s:2944:"Remember Utah State Legislators <a href="http://senatesite.com/blog/2008/09/legislature-makes-cuts-to-its-own.html">rejected last year's recommendation</a> from the Legislative Compensation Commission?  They went even further and cut their own salary by 10 percent.<br /><br />I don't know who <span style="font-style: italic;">Get the Facts People</span> is but he (or she) makes it easy to respond to <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705351916/Pay-raise-for-Utah-legislators.html">this dumb frenzy</a>.<br /><div class="comment"><blockquote>                     <div class="commentText">                         <b>Get the Facts People!</b> | 10:33 a.m. Dec. 16, 2009                    <br /><br />They won't take the pay raise.  Are you all ignoring the fact that they took a 10% cut last year?<br /><br />They're NOT paid for 365 days.  Not even close.  They're paid for the days they are in session and for the 8 or 9 interim days during the rest of the year. <br /><br />Personally knowing how much my state Senator and Representatives work and how much they are paid for their time, it probably works out to be $2 an hour.  Seriously.<br /><br />And to the people who are recommending we abolish "full-time state legislators"- no need.  We don't have full time state legislators.  These people all have other full-time jobs that they have to do in addition to managing the "best-run state" in the nation (see Forbes magazine).  Utah is in a far better place financially than the states that DO have full-time legislators (like California).<br /><br />Utah has what is called a citizen legislature.  Why don't you learn the facts about your state's government before bashing it?                     </div></blockquote><div class="commentText"></div>                 </div>This one seems apt as well:<br /><div class="comment">                     <div class="commentName">                         <b></b></div><blockquote><div class="commentName"><b>Stop hyperventilating</b> | 11:57 a.m. Dec. 16, 2009                     </div>                     <div class="commentText">                         Stop whining you bunch of self-righteous ninnies.  This ridiculous article is stirring up a problem where there is not a problem.  NO ONE is talking about a pay raise.  It is automatic and the legislature DECLINED it last year (and actually REDUCED their salaries in addition).  I guarantee you that they will DECLINE it again this year.  So, stop getting all worked up.  Our state legislators make very little and we have a well-run state.  Sheeesh people.  Think about the facts before you get all worked up over something that has NOT even happened.                      </div></blockquote><div class="commentText"></div>                 </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-3751009466252943774?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=3751009466252943774&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/3751009466252943774";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/3751009466252943774";s:4:"link";s:58:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2009/12/legislator-pay-cut.html";s:11:"author_name";s:12:"Ric Cantrell";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12538494096680864888";s:12:"author_email";s:18:"ric@senatesite.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"2";}}i:15;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-4346697148348077751";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-12-16T14:47:00.001-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-12-16T21:33:28.318-07:00";s:5:"title";s:18:"Love in the Senate";s:12:"atom_content";s:639:"So, it appears <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Love">Big Love</a>'s Bill Henrickson is <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-4819-Cable-TV-Examiner%7Ey2009m12d16-Big-Love-returns-to-HBO-for-season-four">contemplating a run</a> for the Utah State Senate (see 4th paragraph).   Best of luck to him.<br /><br />Every senator in Utah serves with a strong, supportive spouse at their side.  Mr. Henrickson - it appears - has at least that much going for him.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-4346697148348077751?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=4346697148348077751&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/4346697148348077751";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/4346697148348077751";s:4:"link";s:57:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2009/12/love-in-senate_16.html";s:11:"author_name";s:15:"The Senate Site";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/11695078870269183604";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"2";}}i:16;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-3219524493791628749";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-12-16T12:09:00.006-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-12-16T13:18:29.032-07:00";s:5:"title";s:16:"2010 Budget Work";s:12:"atom_content";s:1010:"We met yesterday to wrap our heads around the budget situation and start the work of the 2010 session.   The next round of revenue estimates will be available in February and we'll post them here on the Senate Site.   In the meantime we're going to budget just a little tighter than we hope our income will be, just to be safe.<br /><br />Robert Gehrke and Bob Bernick have the key details, <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/ci_14002769">here </a>and <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705351742/GOP-leaders-find-Herbert-budget-too-rosy.html">here</a>.<br /><br />KCPW posted a <a href="http://kcpw.org/blog/local-news/2009-12-16/lawmakers-direct-state-agencies-to-prep-for-4-percent-cuts/">good quick analysis</a> of the Exec Approps meeting, with insight from our budget chairs, Representative Bigelow and Senator Hillyard.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-3219524493791628749?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=3219524493791628749&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/3219524493791628749";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/3219524493791628749";s:4:"link";s:56:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2009/12/2010-budget-work.html";s:11:"author_name";s:12:"Ric Cantrell";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12538494096680864888";s:12:"author_email";s:18:"ric@senatesite.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:17;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-3241243115686970857";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-12-11T18:36:00.007-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-12-11T18:48:57.206-07:00";s:5:"title";s:42:"Senator Steve Urquhart :: All Star Blogger";s:12:"atom_content";s:989:"You know him as the senator who <a href="http://steveu.com/blog/2009/12/utahs-2010-budget.html">doesn't want to raise taxes</a>, but <a href="http://www.ncsl.org/">NCSL</a> (the National Conference of State Legislatures) knows him as one of America's <a href="http://ncsl.typepad.com/the_thicket/2009/12/allstar-legislative-bloggers.html">All Star Legislative Bloggers</a>.<br /><br />Respect.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.steveu.com/blog/">www.SteveU.com</a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.steveu.com/blog/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 108px; height: 121px;" src="http://senatesite.com/blog/uploaded_images/allstar-763273.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-3241243115686970857?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=3241243115686970857&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/3241243115686970857";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/3241243115686970857";s:4:"link";s:62:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2009/12/senator-steve-urquhart.html";s:11:"author_name";s:15:"The Senate Site";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/11695078870269183604";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:18;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-895540931197055626";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-12-10T22:29:00.004-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-12-11T10:18:19.928-07:00";s:5:"title";s:47:"Live Stream: Governor Herbert's budget proposal";s:12:"atom_content";s:1602:"The work of the next legislative session kicks into a higher gear Friday when Governor Herbert announces his budget proposals.  11:00 a.m.  You can watch the live-stream here:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ustream.tv/channel/Utah-Senate-Live"></a><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="400" height="320" id="utv319860"><param name="flashvars" value="autoplay=false&amp;brand=embed&amp;cid=710161"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://www.ustream.tv/flash/live/1/710161"><embed flashvars="autoplay=false&amp;brand=embed&amp;cid=710161" width="400" height="320" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" id="utv319860" name="utv_n_394201" src="http://www.ustream.tv/flash/live/1/710161" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><a href="http://www.ustream.tv/" style="padding: 2px 0px 4px; width: 400px; background: #ffffff; display: block; color: #000000; font-weight: normal; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Free video streaming by Ustream</a><br /></div><br />Or go to <a href="http://utahsenate.org/">UtahSenate.org</a> and click the video tab.  Would love to hear your comments on the proposal.  If you tweet, use the <a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23utpol">#utpol</a> tag so we can hear you.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-895540931197055626?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:88:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=895540931197055626&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/895540931197055626";s:9:"link_self";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/895540931197055626";s:4:"link";s:76:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2009/12/live-stream-governor-herberts-budget.html";s:11:"author_name";s:12:"Ric Cantrell";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12538494096680864888";s:12:"author_email";s:18:"ric@senatesite.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"3";}}i:19;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-6241579628702009699";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-12-10T15:15:00.003-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-12-10T15:24:42.580-07:00";s:5:"title";s:63:"Senate seeks public comment on Fourth District Judicial Nominee";s:12:"atom_content";s:2040:"<span style="font-weight: bold;">MEDIA ADVISORY</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span><br />December 10, 2009<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Senate to Consider Confirmation of Mr. Thomas L. Low as a Judge of the Fourth District Court</span><br /></div><br />The governor has appointed Mr. Thomas L. Low as a Judge of the Fourth District Court.<br /><br />Senate Rule 24.04.1 establishes the procedures of the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee. That rule requires the committee to hold public meetings prior to full Senate action. To assist in determining the scope of that public hearing, Senator Scott K. Jenkins, Chair of the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee, is seeking public comment regarding the appointment of Mr. Low.<br /><br />Anyone desiring to submit comment on this appointee is invited to contact Mr. Jerry D. Howe at the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, Utah State Capitol Complex, House Building, Suite W210, P.O. Box 145210, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-5210, by 5:00 p.m., Thursday, December 31, 2009. Statements from the public should include the presenter's name, telephone number, and mailing address.<br /><br />In addition to Chair Jenkins (R-Plain City), the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee is comprised of four other members: Senator Jon J. Greiner (R-Ogden), Senator Lyle W. Hillyard (R-Logan), Senator Karen Mayne (D-West Valley City), and Senator Michael G. Waddoups (R-West Jordan).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">###<br /></div><br /><a href="http://senatesite.com/Documents/2009/PressReleaseFourthDistrictJudge.pdf"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pdf of press release</span></a><br /><br /><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-6241579628702009699?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=6241579628702009699&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/6241579628702009699";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/6241579628702009699";s:4:"link";s:77:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2009/12/senate-seeks-public-comment-on-fourth.html";s:11:"author_name";s:7:"Laura B";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14032602921031218349";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:20;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-7522252295648369802";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-12-10T11:43:00.002-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-12-10T11:47:36.999-07:00";s:5:"title";s:40:"President Waddoups on the Budget Outlook";s:12:"atom_content";s:941:"From <a href="http://kcpw.org/blog/local-news/2009-12-10/senate-president-discusses-state-budget-outlook/">KCPW</a>:<br /><blockquote>"Tomorrow, Governor Gary Herbert will release his 2011 budget proposal.  If he’s true to his word, it will contain no tax or fee increases.  But how much will that influence the legislature, which has to do most of the heavy lifting on the budget during the legislative session from January to March?"</blockquote><br />KCPW’s Jeff Robinson spoke with <span style="font-weight: bold;">President Michael Waddoups</span> about the possibility of a tax hike.  <a href="http://kcpw.org/blog/local-news/2009-12-10/senate-president-discusses-state-budget-outlook/">Click here</a> to read the whole article and listen to the audio.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-7522252295648369802?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=7522252295648369802&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/7522252295648369802";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/7522252295648369802";s:4:"link";s:76:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2009/12/president-waddoups-on-budget-outlook.html";s:11:"author_name";s:7:"Laura B";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14032602921031218349";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:21;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-781949306057403185";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-12-09T14:34:00.004-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-12-09T21:23:10.593-07:00";s:5:"title";s:41:"I-15 Reconstruction: Lehi to Spanish Fork";s:12:"atom_content";s:3249:"<span>More bang for your buck.  Originally we (you) were going to fund and build I-15 from American Fork to Provo for $1.7 Billion.  Now - due to the economy and other factors - UDOT can build it from Lehi to Spanish fork for the same price. It might even be done by Christmas, 2012.<br /><br />Go to the <a href="http://www.i15core.utah.gov/">project web site</a> for more information. UDOT press release:<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">UDOT Announces Next Milestone for I-15 CORE Expansion Project</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Provo River Constructors Selected to Reconstruct I-15 from Lehi Main Street to Spanish Fork Main Street; Construction to Begin this Spring</span><br /></div><br />SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 9, 2009) - UDOT today announced the contractor team that will build the Utah County I-15 Corridor Expansion (I-15 CORE), which will include improvements from the Lehi Main Street interchange to the Spanish Fork Main Street interchange.<br /><br />Provo River Constructors (PRC), a consortium of expert local, regional and national contractors and engineers, proposed the greatest value solution within the fixed budget. The team is headed by Fluor Corporation, Ames Construction Company, Inc., Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company, Inc. and Wadsworth Brothers Construction Company, Inc., who all have experience working on large transportation projects in Utah and other areas of the country.<br /><br />“Each proposal was meticulously reviewed and rated in areas of project scope, schedule and plan for mitigating traffic inconveniences during construction,” said Dal Hawks, I-15 CORE project director. “PRC proposed innovative and creative strategies, while upholding UDOT’s quality, mobility and safety standards.”<br /><br />I-15 CORE expands the freeway by two lanes in both directions from Lehi Main Street to Spanish Fork Main; extends the express lane from University Parkway in Orem to Spanish Fork; rebuilds and reconfigures 10 freeway interchanges; replaces and restores 55 bridges; and provides additional improvements that will meet or exceed travel demands through the year 2030 including using 40-year concrete pavement along the entire corridor.<br /><br />The contractor team also set an aggressive timeline designed to minimize inconvenience to the public. PRC anticipates starting construction in spring 2010 and completing construction as early as December 2012. PRC will maintain the current number of lanes of traffic open both southbound and northbound during the majority of construction.<br /><br />The 2009 Utah State Legislature approved a $1.725 billion bond to expand and rebuild I-15 CORE.<br /><br />RESOURCES (Available after 2 p.m. today): Additional I-15 CORE information can be found on the project Web site, <a href="http://www.i15core.utah.gov/">www.i15core.utah.gov</a>, including project maps and a video flyover of the project area.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">-UDOT-<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-781949306057403185?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:88:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=781949306057403185&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/781949306057403185";s:9:"link_self";s:70:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/781949306057403185";s:4:"link";s:75:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2009/12/i-15-reconstruction-lehi-to-spanish.html";s:11:"author_name";s:15:"The Senate Site";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/11695078870269183604";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:22;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-8796662986157142161";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-12-07T10:28:00.005-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-12-07T10:57:08.312-07:00";s:5:"title";s:20:"Rubber Hits the Road";s:12:"atom_content";s:2305:"The Governor releases his proposed budget this Friday.<br /><br />Here's <a href="http://www.fox13now.com/about/station/newsteam/kstu-max-roth,0,7947458.story">Max Roth</a> re: The 2010 Question (taxes v. cuts) and the latest <a href="http://utahpolicy.com/featured_article/utahs-budget-and-taxes">UPD Insiders Poll</a>:<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" salign="l" flashvars="&amp;titleAvailable=true&amp;playerAvailable=true&amp;searchAvailable=false&amp;shareFlag=N&amp;singleURL=http://kstu.vidcms.trb.com/alfresco/service/edge/content/b048f33c-7602-49e8-98f9-bb151371e2df&amp;propName=kstu.com&amp;hostURL=http://www.fox13now.com&amp;swfPath=http://kstu.vid.trb.com/player/&amp;omAccount=triblocaltvglobal&amp;omnitureServer=fox13now.com" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" menu="true" name="PaperVideoTest" bgcolor="#ffffff" devicefont="false" wmode="transparent" scale="showall" loop="true" play="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" src="http://kstu.vid.trb.com/player/PaperVideoTest.swf" width="300" align="middle" height="450"></embed><br /><br /><br />Senator Urquhart <a href="http://steveu.com/blog/2009/12/utahs-2010-budget.html">talks budget and makes a case for no new taxes</a> on StevU.com:<br /><blockquote>Because Utah balances its budget, the money is real. A dollar really is a dollar. Depending on tax policy, each dollar can either be in the pocket of the person who earned it, or it can be collected and shifted to someone else. Utah already takes too many dollars out of people's pockets. Each additional dollar we take is one less dollar that the worker could have spent on food, shelter, charity, business development, etc. Government simply does not multiply the benefits of a dollar like the owner of a dollar does. Thus, while taking additional dollars out of people's pockets could work to shore up the State's budget issues, it would not be in the long-term best interests of Utah's citizens or economy.</blockquote><a href="http://steveu.com/blog/2009/12/utahs-2010-budget.html#comments">Read the comments too</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-8796662986157142161?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=8796662986157142161&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/8796662986157142161";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/8796662986157142161";s:4:"link";s:56:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2009/12/rubber-hits-road.html";s:11:"author_name";s:12:"Ric Cantrell";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/12538494096680864888";s:12:"author_email";s:18:"ric@senatesite.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}i:23;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-2517679729218227567";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-12-05T13:40:00.005-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-12-05T14:14:24.191-07:00";s:5:"title";s:43:"Senator Dayton: What the Jobs Summit Missed";s:12:"atom_content";s:2663:"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://senatesite.com/blog/2009/12/senator-dayton-what-jobs-summit-missed.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://senatesite.com/blog/uploaded_images/IMG00058-20091203-1034-799312.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">By <a href="http://senatesite.com/profile-dayton.php">Margaret Dayton</a></span><br />Utah State Senator<br /><br />On Thursday I attended the <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705348945/Romney-Let-private-sector-flourish.html">ribbon cutting</a> for <a href="http://www.apxalarm.com/">APX Alarm</a>'s new cooperate headquarters and conference center.  It was interesting to me that the event coincided with the so-called Job Summit being held by the White House.  As I looked around the room, I realized that there could easily be more brains and expertise at the APX event than were gathered at the White House.  While this may sound presumptuous, I truly think it is reasonable to say that private business, entrepreneurs, and the hard working ambitious individual Americans have much more effect on the job market than the federal govt.<br /><br />The jobs government is best at creating are more govt and bureaucratic jobs which <span style="font-style: italic;">impede </span>growth of the economy.   The federal government doesn't - and shouldn't - manufacture, build homes, or create businesses.   So when the impressive leaders at APX had economic-guru Mitt Romney attending their event, and the governor representing a state that does not function in the red - but promotes a business friendly environment, it is realistic to say that the White House Job Summit folks could have learned a lot at yesterdays event!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Pictured, above, are Todd Petersen (the man who, frustrated at being turned down as a salesman, focused his frustration on creating his own company - which now employees several thousand people), Governor Herbert, Mitt Romney, myself - a proud promoter of less govt regulation and lower taxes, President Matt Holland of UVU, VP Val Hale of UVU who helps to promote the </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.uvu.edu/sbdc/">UVU Small Business Development Center</a><span style="font-style: italic;">, Provo's mayor-elect John Curtis and Deputy Mayor Cory Norman.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-2517679729218227567?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=2517679729218227567&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/2517679729218227567";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/2517679729218227567";s:4:"link";s:78:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2009/12/senator-dayton-what-jobs-summit-missed.html";s:11:"author_name";s:15:"The Senate Site";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/11695078870269183604";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"7";}}i:24;a:13:{s:2:"id";s:59:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464.post-3605395214210782601";s:9:"published";s:29:"2009-12-04T17:36:00.008-07:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2009-12-04T18:34:38.841-07:00";s:5:"title";s:28:"New Senator for District Two";s:12:"atom_content";s:2172:"<lbarlow@utahsenate.org>Senator McCoy resignation was effective 36 minutes ago.<br /><br />So. . .  people living in Senate District Two now need a senator.  <a href="http://www.slcountydems.com/">Word from the SLCounty Dems</a> says that election will take place:<br /><blockquote style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, December 19th, 2009<br />2:00 p.m. (Doors open at 1:30)<br />Salt Lake County Council Chambers<br /><span>2001 S State St, North Building</span><br /></blockquote></lbarlow@utahsenate.org><lbarlow@utahsenate.org>County delegates for the Democratic Party  who live in Senate District 2 (all 164 of you) are eligible to vote.  </lbarlow@utahsenate.org>Anyone with questions can <a href="http://www.blogger.com/justin@slcountydems.com">Email Justin Miller</a> or call him at <span lang="ru"> 801-573-8810</span><br /><lbarlow@utahsenate.org><br />Mechanics from the Democrat Party’s Constitution:<br /><blockquote>“If two candidates are on the ballot and one candidate receives sixty percent (60%) of the votes, that person shall be declared the nominee. If two or more candidates are on the ballot, and no candidates receive at least sixty percent (60%) of the vote, a second vote will take place between the two (2) candidates receiving the highest number of votes. The candidate with a majority of votes on the second ballot shall be declared the nominee.”  </blockquote>The name chosen will then be sent to the Governor.  He'll send us an appointment letter and we'll and then we'll swear the new senator in.<br /></lbarlow@utahsenate.org><lbarlow@utahsenate.org><br />Worth thinking about: <span style="font-style: italic;">People </span><span style="font-style: italic;">used to fight small wars over transfers of power like this. </span><span>Now we get together, listen, think, and vote.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.utdemocrats.org/events/view/1287/">Here's the press release</a>. </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></lbarlow@utahsenate.org><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/15796464-3605395214210782601?l=senatesite.com%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>";s:12:"link_replies";s:89:"https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=15796464&postID=3605395214210782601&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/3605395214210782601";s:9:"link_self";s:71:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default/3605395214210782601";s:4:"link";s:78:"http://senatesite.com/blog/2009/12/selecting-new-senator-for-district-two.html";s:11:"author_name";s:15:"The Senate Site";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/11695078870269183604";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}}}s:7:"channel";a:14:{s:2:"id";s:34:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15796464";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2010-01-19T17:03:30.594-07:00";s:5:"title";s:15:"The Senate Site";s:8:"subtitle";s:35:"Unofficial Voice of the Utah Senate";s:9:"link_self";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default";s:4:"link";s:27:"http://senatesite.com/blog/";s:8:"link_hub";s:32:"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/";s:9:"link_next";s:81:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/15796464/posts/default?start-index=26&max-results=25";s:42:"link_http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed";s:35:"http://senatesite.com/blog/atom.xml";s:11:"author_name";s:15:"The Senate Site";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/11695078870269183604";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:9:"generator";s:7:"Blogger";s:10:"opensearch";a:3:{s:12:"totalresults";s:4:"1814";s:10:"startindex";s:1:"1";s:12:"itemsperpage";s:2:"25";}}s:9:"textinput";a:0:{}s:5:"image";a:0:{}s:9:"feed_type";s:4:"Atom";s:12:"feed_version";N;s:8:"encoding";s:5:"UTF-8";s:16:"_source_encoding";s:0:"";s:5:"ERROR";s:0:"";s:7:"WARNING";s:0:"";s:19:"_CONTENT_CONSTRUCTS";a:6:{i:0;s:7:"content";i:1;s:7:"summary";i:2;s:4:"info";i:3;s:5:"title";i:4;s:7:"tagline";i:5;s:9:"copyright";}s:16:"_KNOWN_ENCODINGS";a:3:{i:0;s:5:"UTF-8";i:1;s:8:"US-ASCII";i:2;s:10:"ISO-8859-1";}s:5:"stack";a:0:{}s:9:"inchannel";b:0;s:6:"initem";b:0;s:9:"incontent";b:0;s:11:"intextinput";b:0;s:7:"inimage";b:0;s:17:"current_namespace";b:0;s:13:"last_modified";s:31:"Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:15:47 GMT
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