We need more clarity in the law. In this upcoming legislative session, we’ll see ethics legislation that pulls together what has been worked on by the Governor’s Commission, and the Legislature’s Ethics Committee. And some of the important aspects of the proposed initiative will be incorporated into the legislation.
2. How would you rate last year’s health care reforms? What may happen this year?
I think we’ve moved the mark a little closer to where we need to go. But we still have a long way to go. Utah is leading out in terms of addressing health care reform. We don’t want to see the federal government trump what we’re doing and we need to have Utah’s health care reform in place before the feds tells us what to do. Utah has one of the most affordable health care systems in the country which should not be trumped by a one-size fits all federal program. reform.
3. What is right or wrong with national health care reform plans?
It’s good that we are forcing this dialogue, because health care in this country is deeply flawed. It is forcing the debate, pushing states to get something done, where Utah has been pro-active in the last several years.
4. What proposals to balance the state’s budget do you favor?
I think the Governor’s budget is a good foundation. The Legislature is still looking at 5 percent cuts to give some wiggle room between the Governor’s budget and what the Legislature may have to cut further. We’ll know in February where the revenues really are. By the end of the session, we will have a balanced budget because it is our constitutional duty.
5. Do you agree with the Fair Boundaries plan to change legislative redistricting?
There isn't a lot of discussion on that issue right now. I think that’s a debate worthy of having. Partisanship is always going to be there, regardless of which party has control.
6. What legislation do you support regarding nondiscrimination in employment, housing, etc.?
I think local government has the right to make their changes according to what their constituents want. If we have that debate in the Legislature, it’ll be interesting to see where that goes. I believe we have to stick to the fundamental principle that is a constitutional right. It’s being handled on the local level. Nothing is planned for this session (no bill).
7. What should be done on the state level with respect to climate change?
I served on the Interim Public Utilities and Technology committee last year and we discussed how cap and trade could cripple our economy in Utah since we rely on coal as our major source of energy. We need to proceed cautiously. We need to move forward in terms of conservation and what we can do to reduce carbon emissions without costly mandates.
8. What bills will you be introducing this year, and why?
I have a 10th Amendment Resolution on state’s rights. With so much encroachment by the Federal government, we need to be in concert with other states, asserting our state sovereignty. People feel like the feds have more control of our lives than ever before. The money we send to the federal government could be used so much more efficiently if we could choose where it should be spent here at home as opposed to the federal government telling us how we have to use it.
Divestment of retirement funds in any companies doing business with energy sector companies in Iran (is another bill). Last year we passed a bill on reporting, this year we’re asking for full Divestment. It seems ridiculous we would put any money into an economy that is out to destroy our country. Iran is sending weapons of mass destruction into Afghanistan and Iraq. An expungement revisions bill (is another one). I was in a working group over the summer to streamline the expungement statute. The law has been very confusing, we have tightened it up in some areas, also made it more user friendly.
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