| RESEARCH REPORTS NEWS BECOME A MEMBER EDUCATION RESOURCES EVENTS CONTACT US |
Click here to support our independent, |
RSS Feed
| Today's political News... |
 |
Adjust the dates to find specific news articles. By default, the page shows all articles from the past 12 months. |
||
|
United Way survey identifies the greatest needs in Treasure Valley Idaho Statesmen (January, 29 2012) An unprecedented survey by the United Way of the Treasure Valley is identifying overlooked issues, inspiring new partnerships and energizing fundraising. Why is Turnout Falling in Utah Utah Data Points (January, 24 2012) Why is turnout declining in Utah relative to other states? We’re not talking about a national problem. We’re talking about a Utah-specific problem. That means the answer will be something specific to Utah. The caucus system: Repair or replace? Daily Herald (January, 15 2012) Small groups of Utah County neighbors are set to gather in countless homes in March in what is supposed to be the ultimate in grassroots politics, the purest form of American democracy. But is it really healthy? That depends on whom you ask. Bad news piling up Salt Lake Tribune (January, 14 2012) Utahns long ago gave up being ranked anywhere near No. 1 in public education, considering the lack of commitment among their legislators to creating a top-notch system. But dropping to eighth-worst in the latest Quality Counts national report should be cause for real concern. Economic concerns arise as fewer Utahns have college degrees Deseret News (January, 12 2012) Utah must grow post-secondary education levels to keep the state competitive, Gov. Gary Herbert and other business leaders said at the Utah Economic Review. Despite strengths, challenges lie ahead for Utah economy Salt Lake Tribune (January, 12 2012) Unease about Europe’s debt crisis, gridlock in Congress and slipping educational attainments in Utah are casting shadows over the state, even as evidence mounts that its recovery from the recession is outstripping the country. AARP Utah asks: Why aren’t more Utah state delegates over 65? Salt Lake Tribune (January, 12 2012) Older Utahns are politically active at the caucus level, with participation rates higher than their representation among eligible voters — until they hit age 65. Legislative three-card Monte: Roads win, everyone else loses Standard-Examiner (January, 09 2012) We ran a scary story last week about how much highways are going to cost Utah over the next 30 years. The tab is $69 billion, a chunk of that just in the Top of Utah. Because I had an educated mother who stayed home with me Deseret News (December, 26 2011) There is something that happens in those early years of rapid development as young minds are exploring and beginning to understand the world. It\'s a stage of connecting, of first perceptions, of significant brain development. Data show short-term lending not predatory Deseret News (December, 19 2011) Eyebrows raise when you hear about any interest rate on credit more than 30 percent. If you\'re discussing payday or title lending, the implied interest rates (in annual percentage rate) can be above 500 percent. Put in those terms, short-term consumer lending markets sound immoral and predatory. Considering the Caucus and Convention System Utah Pulse (December, 19 2011) Is Utah out of step in the critical process of picking political candidates, or is our unique caucus/convention system something to be treasured and maintained? Changes to Nominating System Will Wait Utah Pulse (December, 16 2011) A group of Utahns have decided not to run a citizen initiative in 2012 that could have provided an alternative route for a candidate to his party’s primary ballot. Our Unique Caucus System: The Pros and Cons RadioWest (December, 15 2011) According to a recent report, Utah\\\'s unique caucus system gives more power to convention delegates than any other state. Another report showed that caucus delegates don\\\'t represent mainstream Utah voters. A newly formed group of politicos is fed up with the system and they want to change the way Utahns pick their candidates. A diverse panel of guests will join Doug on Thursday to discuss the state\\\'s nominating system, how it does or doesn\\\'t work, and where the voters stand on all of this. Utah election reformers pull back from 2012 target Salt Lake Tribune (December, 15 2011) A push to change Utah’s nominating process backed by several prominent politicos, including former Gov. Mike Leavitt, is being put on hold for now, but backers say it could be back in 2014. Kirk Jowers, director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah, said his group remains convinced that something needs to be done to boost Utah’s voter participation, and that changing Utah’s unique convention system for nominating candidates could do that. To Caucus or Not to Caucus KCPW (December, 15 2011) A simmering debate over how political candidates are nominated in Utah is bubbling over into editorial pages, the blogosphere and now the radio waves. Do you think the state’s current caucus system is working? Cut Caucus-Convention Power Salt Lake Tribune (December, 07 2011) Gov. Jon Huntsman’s Commission on Strengthening Utah’s Democracy worked diligently to determine why Utah’s voter participation had tanked from leading the nation in voter turnout to a ranking that is now a miserable 50 percent. According to Commission Chair and Hinckley Institute of Politics Director Kirk Jowers, “The 800-pound gorilla of our democratic malaise is the caucus-and-convention system.” Public education\'s biggest problem is funding Deseret News (December, 01 2011) Utah\'s No. 1 education challenge unquestionably is funding. Utah\'s revenues are slowly improving. Forbes Magazine has again named Utah as the best state for business. It\'s time for the Legislature to reinvest in the future and the students if we are to maintain that status. Former governor seeks changes in Utah voting system The Examiner (November, 25 2011) Utah’s system of caucuses and conventions allows a small number of delegates -3,500 republicans and 2,700 democrats - to decide how we vote. If you are a delegate, you have power. If you are in a political minority or not a delegate, in Utah, you are dead in the water. Former Republican Governor Mike Leavitt thinks it’s time for a change. Utah\'s unique system for nominating candidates under scrutiny Deseret News (November, 23 2011) A small group of Republicans looking to change the state\\\'s unique system of nominating candidates is expected to decide in mid-December whether to take their case directly to voters through an initiative petition drive. Study finds party delegates have major influence on elections Daily Herald (November, 21 2011) If Rep. Chris Herrod, R-Provo, or Sen. Dan Liljenquist, R-Bountiful, want to knock off Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, in the 2012 elections, their easiest -- and cheapest -- route to winning the election will be knocking off Hatch in the state Republican Convention. Politicians may cater policies to caucus delegates Real Clear Politics (November, 20 2011) Utah\'s unique caucus system could push candidates and elected officials to cater policies to a small group of delegates instead of the general populous, a research group suggests in a new report. Reform Utah Politics Deseret News (November, 19 2011) Being out of touch with the rest of the nation isn\'t necessarily a bad thing. Good public policy should be based on more than just following trends. But the way Utah\'s major political parties nominate candidates isn\'t only unique, it discourages people from participating in the political process and may be contributing to disturbingly low voter turnout. Utah Foundation Report Says Access to Utah\'s Primaries is Too Difficult Ballot Access News (November, 18 2011) The Utah Foundation has just published a study of Utah’s unique primary system. Utah is the only state in which no one can get on a primary ballot for any non-presidential office unless the candidate has high support at a party nominating convention first. Utah\'s Nominating System and Reforming the Electoral College Utah Pulse (November, 18 2011) Two items of interest this week, first, a new research report on Utah’s unique convention/primary candidate nomination process is out. The Utah Foundation, a non-partisan public policy research organization, published this week an important historical/analytical paper on Utah’s convention/primary system. Utah Foundation studies candidate nominating system Deseret News (November, 17 2011) The Utah Foundation is trying to spark discussion about the state\'s unique system of nominating political candidates. The research group has just released a report on the caucus and convention system and will host a debate featuring Utah Republican and Democratic leaders next month. Group nears crunch time on proposed election reform Salt Lake Tribune (November, 17 2011) A group of prominent politicos, including former Gov. Mike Leavitt, is lining up financial backers and nearing a decision whether to launch a ballot initiative that could reshape Utah politics by wresting control of the candidate-nominating process from relatively small groups of devout party faithful. A new report on Utah’s nominating system Utah Data Points (November, 17 2011) Do Utah’s election laws and practices allow “full opportunity” for people to become candidates and for “voters to express their choice?” Help Wanted: 1 Million Educated Workers Utah Policy (November, 04 2011) A recent study by the Utah Foundation found that higher education was ranked by Utahns among the most important factors for a high quality of life. This isn’t surprising. Utahns have always taken pride in being well educated people. In fact, for several generations Utah has risen above the national average for educational attainment. Sadly, however, this is no longer the case. As World Population Increases, Utah Has Concerns of Its Own KSL (November, 04 2011) Amid the festivities existed an undercurrent of fear as people questioned whether future generations would have access to enough food and clean water, shelter and opportunities for education. And in Utah, home to a fraction of the world\'s population, similar concerns apply. Utahns dissatisfied with public education, according to survey KSL News (October, 17 2011) Poor results and crumbling schools contribute to a perception many Utahns have that the state\'s public schools are under-performing, according to Canyons Superintendent David Doty. Speaking about a Utah Foundation report on quality of life Wednesday morning, Doty said public schools are not performing as well as they should be, and residents aren\'t happy about it. Utah Could Be a National Education Leader The Daily Herald (October, 16 2011) Another study has slammed Utah for its funding of education. But at the same time, other developments show that Utah need not be left behind in the race to teach the next generation. Recently the Utah Foundation and Intermountain Health Care released a study of how Utahns view their quality of life. An important area of concern: public education. Rethinking Education Deseret News (October, 16 2011) This past week, Gov. Gary Herbert made a live address to Utah\'s high school students emphasizing the importance of obtaining higher education, and Utah State Superintendent Larry Shumway spoke directly to the state of Utah\'s schools. Challenges to Maintaining Utah\'s Quality of Life Utah Pulse (October, 13 2011) Utahns, in general, really like their quality of life here in the Beehive State. That much we know from any number of studies and/or anecdotal observations. But Utah does have problems – as well as many great opportunities. And it is going to take considerable effort and common determination to fix the “bad” things and keep the “good” things. Utah schools chief laments wilting funding Salt Lake Tribune (October, 11 2011) In his third annual State of Education speech Tuesday night, State Superintendent Larry Shumway praised teachers and Utah schools’ use of technology but had at least one major criticism: the state’s declining school funding effort. State of School address highlights success, funding woes Deseret News (October, 11 2011) The state superintendent of public schools is calling on the governor and other Utah lawmakers to throw their political might and checkbook behind education — outlining a host of budget priorities that include funding all-day kindergarten and new investments in technology. Healthy Environment, Strong Economy Can Co-Exist Salt Lake Tribune (September, 24 2011) The Utah Foundation recently released its first biennial Quality of Life Index, based on a rigorously designed survey of what a representative cross-section of Utahns consider most important to their well-being. Environmental quality was near the top of the list. Local Leaders at Sundance for Annual Executive Summit The Daily Herald (September, 22 2011) The movers and shakers are up at Sundance for the annual snapshot of Utah and the county. The Utah Foundation Quality of Life Index - Blog Post Utah Data Points (September, 20 2011) In Utah Foundation\\\'s survey on quality of life, the dichotomy between the types of factors that Utahns felt were of high importance, and those that were of high quality was pronounced. The items that were of highest importance were all things that can be considered a part of Utah’s infrastructure and economic vitality, and can be affected by government and public policy. Report: education, security key to quality of life Deseret News (September, 20 2011) Utahns care about safety, public education and jobs, but don\'t think the state is performing well in those areas, according to a quality of life report released by the Utah Foundation. Interview with Morgan Lyon-Cotti - Why Is Utah Such A Great Place To Live? KNRS - The Rod Arquette Show (September, 14 2011) Why is Utah such a great place to live? Podcast: Utah Foundation Releases Study on Utah\'s Quality of Life Utah Policy (September, 13 2011) Steve Kroes, President of the Utah Foundation, speaks with Managing Editor Bryan Schott about their latest study on how Utahns rate their quality of life. Report: Underfunded Utah schools threaten quality of life Salt Lake Tribune (September, 13 2011) The single most important thing Utah’s leaders can do to improve the state’s quality of life is boost public education, residents say in a new report. Interview on Quality of Life Index KCPW (September, 13 2011) Jennifer Napier-Pearce interviews Utah Foundation President Steve Kroes about its recent report on quality of life in Utah. (Interview begins at 38:30 in the podcast) Utah Teacher Salaries Deseret News (September, 06 2011) The Utah Foundation, a non-partisan research group, issued a report last week that laid out, in dry facts and figures, the truth about teacher salaries. Utah ranks in the middle of the pack among the Mountain States with which it typically has to compete for workers. Utah Salaries Salt Lake Tribune (September, 06 2011) A new Utah Foundation study finds that the salaries of Utah public school teachers are not at the bottom among neighboring states. That’s good news. Because Utah is often alone in the cellar when it comes to the states’ investment in education. Utah Teachers Earn Similar Salaries to Teachers in Other Mountain States KSL News (September, 02 2011) Utah\'s teachers earn comparable salaries to teachers in other Mountain States, despite national data that ranks Utah 49th in the nation for average teacher salary, according to a study released Thursday. Utah Teachers Earn Similar Salaries The Rod Arquette Show (September, 02 2011) Utah\'s teachers earn comparable salaries to teachers in other Mountain States, despite national data that ranks Utah 49th in the nation for average teacher salary, according to a study released Thursday. Utah Teachers Earn Similar Salaries to Teachers in Other Mountain States Deseret News (September, 01 2011) Utah\'s teachers earn comparable salaries to teachers in other Mountain States, despite national data that ranks Utah 49th in the nation for average teacher salary, according to a study released Thursday. New report says Utah teacher salaries may not be so bad Salt Lake Tribune (September, 01 2011) Utah may be 49th in the nation when it comes to average teacher salaries. But it’s near the middle among states in the mountain region when comparing starting and mid-career pay. Huntsman’s record on education draws mixed reviews Salt Lake Tribune (July, 05 2011) Of all the education bills Jon Huntsman signed as governor of Utah, at least one stands out in many Utahns’ minds: school vouchers. But amid the controversy that followed the signing — a referendum, TV commercials and millions of dollars poured into each side’s campaign — Huntsman himself did not stand out. Education Challenges Deseret News (July, 05 2011) Utah no longer can say with any credibility that it devotes a higher percentage of its residents\' personal income to fund public education than nearly every other state. That had been the standard comeback to the often-cited other side of the coin, that Utah spends less per pupil than any other state. A new study by the Utah Foundation, an independent research group, effectively lays that to rest. Education Effort Salt Lake Tribune (July, 01 2011) It’s an old myth held dear by many Utahns, including far too many state legislators: While it’s true that Utah spends less per student on public education than any other state, taxpayers are forking over more of their personal income for schools that other Americans. That once was true. But now it decidedly is not. McEntee: Remember Teachers Who Made a Difference Salt Lake Tribune (July, 01 2011) It’s not just about money when it comes to Utah’s system of public education. It’s about how much we’re able to value it. Last week, the Utah Foundation reported that, from 1992 to 2009, the state’s “funding effort” dropped from eighth in the nation to 26th. This on top of Utah’s long-standing rank at dead last in per-pupil spending and the Legislature’s unrelenting need to control it. Report: Big Drop in Utah\'s Education Funding Effort Deseret News (June, 30 2011) Funding for education in Utah isn\'t the priority it once was, according to a report released earlier this week by a local think tank. \"In reality, Utah is not exerting a heavy effort and has not since the 1990s,\" the Utah Foundation report states. Report Details Significant Drop in State’s Education Funding Effort KCPW (June, 29 2011) It’s already widely known that Utah spends the least amount of money per student in K-12 public education. But a new report from the Utah Foundation says on top of that, the effort put into public education funding has declined significantly since 1995. KCPW’s Jeff Robinson spoke with Steve Kroes, President of the Utah Foundation, about the report’s findings. Report: Decline in Utah ed funding effort is ‘unprecedented’ Salt Lake Tribune (June, 28 2011) The decline in Utah’s education funding effort over the past 16 years is “unprecedented,” according to a new Utah Foundation research report. The report, released Tuesday, says that Utah’s funding effort has fallen significantly since 1995, placing it 26th in the nation for the amount of money public education receives for every $1,000 in personal income. The report calls the decline “unprecedented, especially given the state’s history of high proportions of personal income dedicated to public education.” How do Schools Spend Your Money? Salt Lake Tribune (April, 17 2011) In Utah — a state with a high proportion of children and the lowest base per-pupil spending in the nation — school funding is a perpetual concern. But its often misunderstood. Utah’s system for funding schools is a complex web of programs, formulas and terminology that can make it difficult for average Utahns to understand exactly how their tax dollars pay for education. Redistricting winners, losers predicted Salt Lake Tribune (March, 23 2011) Population growth over the past decade should give more legislative seats to northern Utah County, southwestern Salt Lake County and Washington and Davis counties, a panel of leaders involved in redistricting said on Tuesday. Reining in state growth Deseret News (February, 19 2011) Utah may be among the nations best managed states, and it may be poised to move forward in a recovering economy while many other states are in a prolonged crisis, but that does not mean the Beehive State could not benefit from some better rules. Taxes are low, but do not expect that to last long Deseret News (February, 13 2011) I am guessing not many of you want to pay more in taxes, just as not many of you would volunteer for unneeded dental surgery or to use your head as a doorstop. At the same time, I am guessing not many of you think your current tax burden is too light. Taxes are to an adult what baths are to a child. No matter how little effort is involved, you would prefer to avoid it all together.
|
||