Let us start with Rep. Aagard’s new proposed legislation on government records. HB122 would make certain documents off-limits that relate to litigation. It does so in a manner that overturns a basic provision of the Government Records Access Management Act (GRAMA) that calls for a test to weigh the importance of protection against the rights of public access. It passed the House on a 43-27 vote last Wednesday.
My first thought is that these are some of the most important documents that government has, since this is where power is being exercised in its most extreme manner. Second, according to the Deseret News Editorial Board, proponents of the bill could not state a single example where the public-interest balancing test has been improperly applied. GRAMA has functioned effectively for more than 18 years. Again, we have the Utah Legislature pushing for a solution where there is no problem.
HB122 is a step in taking away accountability of government exercise of power. I do suggest that you write or call on your senator to reject this bill to keep government under the people’s control by allowing public and media scrutiny. This isn’t the first time GOP leaders have tried to make it more difficult for Utah residents to view government documents. My guess is, it won’t be the last time either. The real question should be, “Why?”
My belief is that meaningful health care reform can only occur at the federal level, but let me also state, it is nice that state legislators are giving it a shot. I commend them for doing so.
Rep. Merlynn Newbold (R-South Jordan) is sponsoring HB165, a bill that would modify standards for the exchange of information between health care providers, health care insurers, and patients regarding payment for services.
Rep. James Dunnigan (R-Taylorsville) and Sen. Gene Davis (D-South Salt Lake) are sponsoring HB331, which would require certain contractors with the state to offer employees health insurance coverage during the duration of the contract. This is a great step forward and should be required of more contracts than provided for in the bill.
And, House Speaker Dave Clark (R-HD74) is sponsoring HB188, a bill that would expand access to the health insurance market, increases market flexibility, and provides greater transparency in the health insurance market. It also creates parameters for interaction between employees, employers, and the Internet portal.
It is my guess that HB188 will have the greatest impact. The good news is that it starts to create some community pools that help individuals and small businesses link with others to get more affordable health insurance. The bad news is that it allows insurers to skip certain state mandates and may lead to insurance that does not really cover anything.
I would encourage you to visit www.le.state.ut.us, and review these bills in their entirety.
As for Sen. Buttars, what can I say that hasn’t already been said? Political correctness seems to have new meaning – appeal to the prejudice of the people, but in a nice way. I was as concerned by his peers and Senate leadership when they announced that they agreed with 90 percent of what he said, and took away his committee chairmanship because he had agreed to keep his controversial mouth shut and did not.
Having spent some time with many friends who are also members of Utah’s GOP, it has become clear that this hot button issue has less to do with conviction and more to do with certain legislators’ beliefs that you — the voter -- are a bigot and that you will continue to elect them and give them campaign contributions. Ladies and gentlemen, this type of facade is poll driven. I was pleased when Gov. Huntsman stated his thoughts honestly, and when my LDS Church leaders stood up and stated that Sen. Buttars does not speak for the Church.
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