These are classic discussions published back in April 2011

Veto Override — Gov’s Letter

April 29, 2011
The Gov just sent Legislators and the Media the following letter.  No surprise, based on my last post, but I disagree with his points on SB 229.  He raises a new point about possible Californication of Utah’s budget.  That seems to be an apples-to-oranges comparison, since the problem the Gov seems to allude to is control of so much of California’s budget through referenda, which of course is not the case with SB 229.  In any event, I give the Gov credit for laying out his case in writing.  Thanks, Governor Herbert! Here is the letter: Dear Legislator, In response to Tuesday’s announcement of a May 6 veto override session, I write to share some thoughts regarding the bills I vetoed and share developments since the end of March. Please know I appreciate your service to the State of Utah, as well as your role in determining public policy.  Furthermore, I understand the plethora of issues you address during a short 45-day general legislative session.  All... (read more)
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The Veto Override Session

April 27, 2011
Gov Herbert vetoed 4 bills.  The House and the Senate gathered the necessary 2/3 to override his vetoes (though the adage of not counting chickens before they hatch definitely applies to actual legislative votes).  A path forward seems to have been reached on 3 of the vetoed bills.  (Good work, Gov and Lege leadership!).  We’ll roll up our sleeves and brawl over the other bill (SB 229). SB 229 would dedicate a specified percentage of sales tax money to transportation. The Governor has stated, “SB229 . . . earmarks funding for transportation, but potentially risks the State’s ability to address other critical needs, like education. Maintaining the responsible fiscal prudence for which Utah is acclaimed includes protecting budget flexibility. I am confident that my positions serve the best interests of the people of Utah–now, and into the future.”  Hmm.  That has a very familiar ring to it.  The Gov’s very competent budget director (and my former House colleague of 8 years), Ron... (read more)
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My Status Report: Utah’s Public Records Act

April 26, 2011
A quick recap. Concerned about privacy and cost, the Utah Legislature amended Utah’s Government Records Access and Management Act (“GRAMA”). Governor Herbert signed the bill. Utahns suggested that the Legislature got it wrong (in a pitchfork and torch kind of way). The Gov called a special session. The bill was repealed. A study group is looking at the issue. I am on that study group. What we should do. Very little. I think the Legislature was focused on “what if” scenarios that theoretically could happen under the statute. But, those scenarios don’t seem to be happening with any alarming degree of frequency. With a few exceptions, GRAMA works well. Utah government is very transparent, and abusive requests are infrequent and mostly get resolved satisfactorily. That being the case, and with a very skeptical public, why chase cures to theoretical problems? If problems become more prevalent (e.g., requests become voyeuristic... (read more)
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