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Utah Moms Care

  • Hiatus

    I was recently asked to serve on an organization's Legislative Committee. With that new assignment, I fear anything written on this site would have to be so closely worded and guarded to protect against any breaches of confidentiality that it would become futile. I plan on saving this site's domain, [...]
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    Posted: August 31, 2009, 11:35am EDT

  • Questioning the Role of Bloggers in the Dissemination of 'News'

    Two weeks ago I began a post wrapping up the Legislative session, somewhere along the way I lost heart. So today, after finally wrestling the computer away from my midterm taking husband, this is the post I ended up with instead. Hope it is worth your time:

    It seems [...]
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    Posted: March 23, 2009, 8:50pm EDT

  • You can vote drunk; all you need to do is be able to recognize the R or D

    Sen. McCoy is carrying a bill this session allowing state liquor stores to stay open on election day. A Republican Senator joked, what if he had a little too much and voted for a Democrat? Don't worry though, as long as you are sober enough to recognize the R or' [...]
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    Posted: March 03, 2009, 8:29am EST

  • Chances: One in Five?

    Today I scanned all the bills that have been proposed this session limiting cell phone use and/or text messaging while driving. There are five. It seems that if five different Legislators are running the same or similar bills then the problem they are attempting to address is obvious. The two [...]
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    Posted: March 02, 2009, 8:11pm EST

  • A Carrot or a Stick - Motorcycle Helmet Laws

    Two bills address Motorcycle Helmet Laws this session. One has already crashed.

    Rep. Hansen's HB 158 attempted to raise the age mandating motorcyclists wear helmets to 21, that bill died in committee.

    Rep. Menlove's approach is a little bit different. If a motorcyclist receives a ticket while wearing [...]
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    Posted: February 24, 2009, 3:31pm EST

  • Quick Run Down of Important Bills & Where They Stand

    Find the bills that interest you in the list below and see where they stand.

    HB 90 Abortion Law Amendments (Rep. Ray) - The amendments increasing the penalty for performing an abortion, some controversy surrounding the wording of the bill and if it was constitutional There are fears it [...]
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    Posted: February 19, 2009, 7:45pm EST

  • Home Schoolers and Public School Extra-Curriculars

    Sen. Madsen has brought it back, he is again carrying a bill this session that would define the rights of home schooled or private schooled students participating in their local public school's extra curricular activites/sports. SB 61 is reminiscent of last years bill, as are all the arguments against it' [...]
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    Posted: February 19, 2009, 7:35pm EST

  • Forcing Insurance Companies to Cover Vital Formula

    Getting insurance companies to cover vital services seems to be a reoccurring theme this session. I already posted on Clay's Bill, SB 43, which would require insurance companies to cover autism therapy. Rep. Johnson's HB 124 addresses coverage of those with eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder that require a specialized formula [...]

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    Posted: February 05, 2009, 2:29pm EST

  • How About Legalizing Drunk Driving?

    The letters to the editor this week are killing me. Those stating that Utah's cell phone laws are fine just the way they are, because if they can talk on the phone and drive safely then why should it be illegal? (Wait, are you the girl I passed on I-15,' [...]
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    Posted: February 03, 2009, 2:00pm EST

  • Direct Elections for State School Board Members

    This past election cycle demonstrated that it is time for a change in how the State School Board Members are nominated and elected. (You can read about this year's mess here). Two seemingly identical bills, one carried by Rep. Moss (D) and one by Rep. Menlove (R) seek direct' [...]
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    Posted: February 02, 2009, 1:18pm EST

  • UPDATE: Kindergarten Amendment

    Rep. Black's bill that would have changed the date for Kindergarten enrollment to July 1st failed in committee this morning, even with an attempt to amend the bill to read that school districts could each set their own date for admission.' [...]
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    Posted: January 30, 2009, 2:50pm EST

  • Deja vu - Smoking Ban is Back

    Last year Sen. McCoy ran a bill that would ban smoking in the car with children present. It made it through the Senate, but never made it to the floor of the House. That bill is back, this time carried by Rep. Seegmiller. HB 284 would make it a secondary [...]
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    Posted: January 29, 2009, 7:02pm EST

  • Opposing Plans on Food Tax

    We have all heard the argument that sales tax on food is regressive, hurting those with modest incomes significantly more than those who are wealthy. This year the Governor has proposed doing away with Utah's tax on food altogether, but don't start budgeting less for groceries yet. An opposing idea [...]
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    Posted: January 28, 2009, 5:14pm EST

  • 10 Digit Dialing Starting March 1st, Unless....

    I'll be honest, I don't even know my best friend's number. I find her on my caller ID and hit phone, or scroll to her name on my cell and hit send. But I don't think I'm alone. I doubt she knows my number either.

    Like you I have' [...]
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    Posted: January 27, 2009, 2:01pm EST

  • And They're Off

    Today the Legislature heads back to the dome to begin the 2009 session. Here are a few things I anticipate we will see:

    Ethics Reform - There are a lot of bills already drafted proposing ideas. Everything from limiting lobbyist gifts to how quickly a person can go from [...]
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    Posted: January 26, 2009, 10:46am EST

  • SB 43 - Clay's Law

    Awhile ago I read about Clay and his fantastic mother Leeann Whiffen in an article in the Salt Lake Tribune. We began exchanging emails, and I asked her to send me information on the bill named after her son, Clay. Please read:

    UTAH LEGISLATORS INITIATE PLAN TO HELP CHILDREN [...]
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    Posted: January 23, 2009, 12:44pm EST

  • Looking Down from the Mountaintop

    I hope that regardless of who you chose in the ballot box this past November, that you were able to enjoy the profound importance of today in our history.

    Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said: I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. [...]
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    Posted: January 20, 2009, 9:11pm EST

  • Changing the Date for Kindergarten Enrollment

    Have a kid with a summer birthday? Have you wondered if you should hold them back for a year? Currently a child must be 5 by September 2nd to enroll in school for that year. A bill proposed by Rep. Laura Black (HB 242) would change that date to July [...]
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    Posted: January 16, 2009, 9:47am EST

  • THNX 2 MY BFF PHIL

    Okay, so I actually don't know Rep. Phil Riesen personally. I've seen him on TV pushing furniture, but that is the closest we've come in our relationship. STILL the guy gets my love for FINALLY running the bill I have been waiting for someone to suggest. His HB 95 would' [...]
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    Posted: January 13, 2009, 12:23pm EST

  • The end of Kid to Kid? Probably Not

    A new federal law that goes into effect on February 10th has the owner of Kid to Kid quoted in the LA Times as saying, "We will have to lock our doors and file for bankruptcy". The article has caused an uproar on discussion boards and blogs. Most of us, [...]
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    Posted: January 09, 2009, 2:03pm EST

  • The Legislature's Resolutions

    It's the beginning of the year and resolutions abound. The Utah Legislature has been busying writing a few of their own. Here is a quick explanation of what resolutions are, and some that are already being floated for this session.

    There are 3 types of Resolutions. The first is' [...]
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    Posted: January 05, 2009, 3:36pm EST

  • Not Forgotten

    This blog has not been forgotten, the holidays this year just bogged me down. Look forward to new posts soon as the session approaches. Hope you had a great December! [...]
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    Posted: January 02, 2009, 11:49am EST

  • Utah Education "Facts"

    Let's face it, anytime you find 'facts' or 'information' on the Internet, you have to be realistic about the source. The very content that is chosen shows bias. But that does not mean that web sites can't help you understand the issues or point you in a direction to learn [...]
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    Posted: December 06, 2008, 10:37pm EST

  • The Dis'appointments' Piling Up

    The 2009 Legislative Session is still 2 months away, and already I feel let down by the President Elect Waddoups' rule. Here are my two top grievances:

    Number One: I have to say I was surprised at the victory handed to Sen. Buttars by District 10 voters. But his' [...]
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    Posted: November 24, 2008, 8:40pm EST

  • The State School Board Mess

    As any follower to the State School Board knows, we seem to move from one mess to the next.

    Let's start at the beginning of the election.....
    Do you know how the candidates are even chosen? First, interested candidates file for office, they are then interviewed by a governor' [...]
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    Posted: November 18, 2008, 12:52pm EST

  • California's Prop 8 in Utah

    As expected the repercussions of the vote on California's Proposition 8 have come to Utah. The heavy involvement of the LDS Church leadership and it's members has put a spotlight on Salt Lake.

    Earlier today Equality Utah, an organization working for the rights of the gay, lesbian, bisexual [...]
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    Posted: November 10, 2008, 8:40pm EST

  • Housekeeping....

    Last month I became a Mom again. It is amazing how one little baby can increase the workload exponentially. Now that I think I am starting to get my life back under control I have had some thoughts about this website and it's future.

    First, thank you for reading.' [...]
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    Posted: November 07, 2008, 1:27pm EST

  • GO VOTE!

    Let's face it, there will probably be long lines, whinny children and some races where you will feel uninformed or undecided. BUT, none of these are excuses to stay home!

    Trade kids with your friend, have her watch your kids while you go and vice versa.

    Just skip [...]
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    Posted: November 03, 2008, 8:08pm EST

  • Utah State School Board District 1

    Today I received an email from Susie Campbell Ashliman with a link to find out more information about her. I do not have an email address for her opponent, Shelly Locke. State School Board District 1 encompasses Rich, Cache and Box Elder counties. Both candidates would be new to the [...]
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    Posted: October 31, 2008, 8:39pm EDT

  • Utah State School Board District 7

    State School Board District 7 encompasses Salt Lake City. The two candidates, Leslie Castle and incumbent Randall A. Mackey. Each sent me short bios and their motivations for running. Thank you to both candidates for their time.

    Leslie Castle
    lbcastle@hotmail.com

    I am married with 3 daughters. One [...]
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    Posted: October 24, 2008, 8:42pm EDT

  • Constitutional Amendment E

    E for Education?

    Constitutional Amendment E would allow money from the State School Fund to be invested in private equities. How the money is invested would be managed would be held to the Prudent Investor Standard. I do not know exactly how this standard works, only that it is said to [...]

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    Posted: October 23, 2008, 9:04pm EDT

  • Constitutional Amendment B

    Here is another easy yes vote.

    Constitutional Amendment B allows the Legislature to appropriate money into the state trust fund. This trust was set up originally with the 1998 tobacco settlement money, it also allowed money to be added through private donations. The amendment would allow money from other [...]
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    Posted: October 21, 2008, 6:49pm EDT

  • Constitutional Amendment A

    After wading through all the legalese, searching on the Internet, and sending out emails for more information, I still feel at a loss on Constitutional Amendment A. This amendment modifies how a vacancy in the Governor's office is filled. The majority of the amendment clarifies wording to the Constitution on [...]
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    Posted: October 18, 2008, 4:19pm EDT

  • Said and Done

    Now all the Presidential debates have taken place and been over analyzed by political pundits everywhere, have you made your choice? I did not find the debates to be very helpful in my decision making process. After each round I didn't feel I gained any more insight on the candidates. [...]
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    Posted: October 17, 2008, 11:27am EDT

  • Utah State School Board District 12

    Utah State School Board District 12 election features candidates Mark Cluff (incumbent) and Carol A. Murphy. District 12 covers Wasatch and Alpine counties. Thank you to both candidates for providing us with more information about themselves.

    Mark Cluff
    email: markcluff@comcast.net
    website: [www.markcluff.com]

    EDUCATION – Every Child [...]
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    Posted: October 09, 2008, 9:27am EDT

  • California's Proposition 8

    This year Californians will vote for or against the traditional definition of marriage. Proposition 8 is being watched all across the country by advocacy groups on both sides of the debate. It will set a precedent for years to come. In Utah, Proposition 8 has been in the news due [...]
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    Posted: October 08, 2008, 9:39am EDT

  • Utah State School Board District 4

    State School Board District 4 (Davis County) will be taken by a newcomer. The two candidates are Chris Dallin and Dave Thomas. Their information appears below; thank you again to both for taking the time to send us more about themselves.

    Chris L. Dallin
    email: chrisdallin@hotmail.com

    Chris [...]
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    Posted: October 07, 2008, 10:09am EDT

  • Constitutional Amendment C

    Constitutional Amendment C is an easy choice. For years the Utah State Legislature has been criticized for beginning the session on Martin Luther King, Jr Day. But the Utah Constitution required that the session begin on the 3rd Monday. This amendment simply moves the Legislature's starting date to the 4th [...]
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    Posted: October 02, 2008, 11:09pm EDT

  • Utah State School Board District 8

    In District 8 (the Granite School District area) Janet A. Cannon is the incumbent, being challenged by Trent E. Kaufman.

    Janet A. Cannon
    Website: [www.janetacannon.com]
    Email: janetcannon@gmail.com

    I seek re-election to Utah’s State Board of Education. My fellow board members elected me their Board Vice Chair. [...]
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    Posted: September 30, 2008, 1:34pm EDT

  • Utah State School Board Election

    As you may have noticed from your Utah Voter Information Pamphlet that arrived this week, there is no information on the candidates for the Utah State School Board. The pamphlet purely provides their district, name, address, phone number & email. In hopes that all of us can make a more [...]
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    Posted: September 30, 2008, 1:19pm EDT

  • For More Information

    To see who/what exactly you will be voting on, try this web site: www.leaveyourprint.com.

    The website also includes links to candidate submitted statements. Hope this helps you make an informed choice. [...]
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    Posted: September 29, 2008, 9:35am EDT

  • First Presidential Debate Tonight

    At 7 pm on PBS the first of three planned Presidential debates will take place (and yes, McCain will be there). The debate was to focus on international and homeland security issues, but will likely cover the domestic economic issues of the past week. Take the opportunity to watch it [...]
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    Posted: September 26, 2008, 10:08am EDT

  • There's More to Vote on Than President...

    On November 4th it is almost a guarantee that Utah will go for Sen. McCain. But there is so much more to vote for than just for President. Here are just a few key races that you could influence with your one vote:

    Jason Chaffetz knocked out Rep. Chris [...]
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    Posted: September 22, 2008, 10:12am EDT

  • VP Selection

    This post has been brewing around in my head since I heard of Sen. McCain's VP Selection on Friday. Hope by the time I am posting this you are not totally sick of the subject.

    I must admit my first reaction to the choice of Gov. Palin was not [...]
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    Posted: September 02, 2008, 4:45pm EDT

  • Disqualifying Children for CHIP

    During the 2008 session lawmakers vamped and revamped HB 133 a bill on Health Care Reform. The bill eventually created a task force that has been meeting in the interim and evaluating different proposals that will take the form of bills this next session.

    A few of the proposals [...]
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    Posted: August 18, 2008, 1:14pm EDT

  • Lick Away

    Your kids can go back to safely sucking on their toys again. The US House passed a bill this week strictly limiting the amount of allowable lead in products for children 12 and younger. The bill easily passed the House and should do the same in the Senate in the [...]
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    Posted: August 01, 2008, 9:45am EDT

  • McCain vs. Obama - Immigration

    The statistics can be staggering. Over 8.7 million illegal immigrants are currently residing in the United States, with that number increasing by about 500,000 a year. Of those 55% come from Mexico and an additional 20% come from other Latin American countries. source Over the last few years we [...]
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    Posted: July 21, 2008, 2:36pm EDT

  • McCain vs. Obama - Iraq

    On March 20, 2003 the U.S. led invasion of Iraq began. In these last 5 years the debate whether it should have occurred and what we as a nation should do now have become even more heated. The candidates take diametrically opposed views.

    Sen. McCain
    Sen. McCain has supported [...]
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    Posted: July 07, 2008, 12:22pm EDT

  • Election Results

    The results of yesterday's election may not be surprising, but the margins of victory are. Jason Chaffertz ousted 6-term Congressman Chris Cannon by 20% in Utah's 3rd district, Richard Ellis beat Rep. Mark Walker by 18%, and in Ogden Ryan Wilcox outdid Rep. Glenn Donnelson by 22%. In Bountiful, Becky [...]
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    Posted: June 25, 2008, 9:42am EDT

  • McCain vs. Obama - "Hot Button" Issues

    "Hot Button" issues may not be the correct title for this post. More like 'gut' issues. Those that no amount of arguing could ever change your mind about: same-sex marriage and abortion.



    Sen. McCain

    Abortion: McCain believes that Roe v Wade was a flawed decision that [...]

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    Posted: June 24, 2008, 1:49pm EDT

  • McCain vs. Obama - Taxes

    Now the two candidates from the major parties have been identified, the plan is to write a series of posts on their positions on various issues. I hope you find this helpful and worthwhile. Here is the first on taxes:


    Sen. McCain (R)
    Sen. McCain supports a gas [...]
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    Posted: June 16, 2008, 8:14pm EDT

  • Utah Teens

    Risky behavior among Utah teens in the last year

    12% had made a suicide plan
    16% had considered attempting suicide
    17% had carried a gun, knife or club
    30% had been in a fight
    14% rode with a driver who had been drinking
    5% had driven after they had [...]
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    Posted: June 06, 2008, 1:54pm EDT

  • Upcoming Primary

    To make sure you are registered to vote in the June 24th Primary, and check if there is anything to vote on in your district use this website: [https:]

    If you are not registered to vote you may do so at your county clerk's office until June 9th.
    [...]
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    Posted: June 04, 2008, 2:23pm EDT

  • There Oughta Be a Law

    The other day I was driving down a busy road when I heard a police siren. I scanned my mirrors, the oncoming traffic, the side streets....starting to panic that the siren is getting closer and I probably need to pull over. Just then it stopped, and I realized it was [...]
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    Posted: June 03, 2008, 11:33am EDT

  • IB Program Under Scrutiny Again

    I wanted to point your attention over to the Senate Site blog where a lively discussion is occurring on the merits of the IB Program. The IB Program first came to my attention when a bill allocating funding was killed in committee after Sen. Dayton stated the program was [...]

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    Posted: May 22, 2008, 11:03am EDT

  • What is happening in your neighborhood?

    Ever wonder what type of calls the police respond to in your neighborhood? Wonder if there are any sex offenders close by? The website: [www.crimereports.com] lists all the crimes the police have reported to in your city and also includes the sex offender registry. Though the web site has [...]
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    Posted: May 21, 2008, 2:37pm EDT

  • $$$

    I don't know if I believe in the theory behind it, but I sure didn't mind seeing an extra $1800 pop up in my bank account this week. Thank you Uncle Sam.

    Did you get yours yet? Where will you spend it? [...]
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    Posted: May 12, 2008, 9:50pm EDT

  • What Teachers/Parents Want

    Months ago I read an op ed piece in the Salt Lake Tribune on what teachers really want. Here are the seven requests made by this specific teacher:

    1. Manageable class sizes
    2. Adequate resources (supplies, aides, tutors, etc.)
    3. Supportive disciplinary policy
    4. Fair pay
    5. To be [...]
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    Posted: May 06, 2008, 2:06pm EDT

  • Car Seat Law Going Into Effect

    The new child restraint law goes into effect on May 5th. (I'm sorry I originally wrote July 1). Every child under the age of 8 needs to be some sort of car seat or booster seat. If your child is over 4'9" they are exempt from the law. (source) [...]
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    Posted: April 29, 2008, 8:27pm EDT

  • Ouch!

    The other day both our little car and our midsized SUV had to be filled up at the pump. We easily spent over $100!

    Remember a few months ago when everyone was talking about oil hitting $100/barrel, as of yesterday it was $118. This march upward is making me [...]
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    Posted: April 24, 2008, 1:32pm EDT

  • My Beautiful Mommy

    My Beautiful Mommy is a new book out by Dr. Michael Salzhauer discussing Mommy's plastic surgery. It's a helpful way to explain to Junior your new nose and bigger chest. Is anyone else concerned with this trend?

    Salt Lake City was voted one of America's Vainest Cities by Forbes [...]
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    Posted: April 21, 2008, 1:41pm EDT

  • Feeling Torn by the FLDS Raid

    There has been an ample amount of coverage and opining on the raid on the FLDS compound in Texas. I hesitated to post thoughts here, but it seems the debate is heating up rather than simmering down, and wanted to allow your thoughts to be posted here.

    As a [...]
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    Posted: April 17, 2008, 2:07pm EDT

  • The High Costs of Families Falling Apart

    It is estimated that 'family fragmentation' is costing us, not just emotionally, but fiscally roughly to the amount of $112 billion every year. These costs come from the court systems, Medicaid, housing assistance, WIC, Head Start, school breakfast & lunch programs, and many other resources available to those in poverty.
    [...]
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    Posted: April 16, 2008, 2:37pm EDT

  • Obama on Parenting?

    The other day I was listening to a talk radio show as I was driving around. They played this quote by Barack Obama then had reader's call with comments. I was surprised at the diversity of replies, and decided to open it up for discussion here. First, here's the quote:
    [...]
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    Posted: April 14, 2008, 1:45pm EDT

  • Unplug 'n Play

    Did you realize that by the time most students graduate from high school, they have spent more of their time in front of the television than in the classroom? That is crazy to think about. Especially when you factor in what is on television.

    April 21-27 is Unplug 'n [...]
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    Posted: April 10, 2008, 12:50pm EDT

  • You can do that?

    The last two days in the Salt Lake Tribune I have read articles that made me think, What? You can do that? How is that right?

    The first article dealt with the campaign of Jason Chaffetz against Rep. Chris Cannon. Chaffertz lives 2 miles north of district 3, [...]
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    Posted: April 07, 2008, 11:08am EDT

  • It's every mother's worst nightmare, every father's ...

    It's every mother's worst nightmare, every father's too. Your child is missing. Then hours or days later they are found, having had to experience untold trauma, and you never being able to offer comfort. As I read the paper this morning I cried for Hser Nay Moo, for her parents, [...]
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    Posted: April 02, 2008, 10:39am EDT

  • Curbside Recycling

    Would you pay $5/month for curbside recycling? Or do you already feel nickel & dimed by the government?

    I ask these questions as I contemplate my city, which is without curbside recycling. I have been following Woods Cross' new curbside recycling program. From my understanding it costs residents less [...]
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    Posted: March 31, 2008, 1:31pm EDT

  • Thoughts on the Caucus

    Last night I attended my first neighborhood caucus. I decided on attending the Democratic Caucus in my neighborhood, since I prefer my voter registration to remain unaffiliated. I was pleasantly surprised when I entered the music room at Syracuse Jr. High and found roughly 50 people there. Those from my [...]
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    Posted: March 26, 2008, 1:00pm EDT

  • 7pm Tonight

    Tonight both the Republicans & Democrats hold their district caucuses at 7pm. There has been encouragement from the newspapers, the LDS church, and today even at Zion's bank all the employees were wearing stickers reminding patrons to attend the caucuses.

    What to expect: At these local meetings, you will [...]
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    Posted: March 25, 2008, 2:13pm EDT

  • Head of the State

    Who do you want running the state? Here is a brief overview of your choices.

    Gov. Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. (R) www.huntsman08.com
    Elected in 2004, Huntsman has enjoyed a 64% approval rating (source). As with most incumbents, 4 more years of Gov. Huntsman will likely hold no [...]
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    Posted: March 20, 2008, 1:26pm EDT

  • Election Coverage

    Filing for state offices closed on Monday. Most races will see some competition. Since the primary will eliminate candidates from the same party, I will concentrate first on races where there are multiple Democrats or Republicans running. Quite a few candidates represent third parties as well. Both the Constitutional and [...]
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    Posted: March 18, 2008, 1:45pm EDT

  • No Contest

    The last day to file for State seats is Monday, March 17th. As of right now there are still quite a few candidates running unopposed. It is always nice to have choices. I hope that a few more qualified people will brave the election madness and give us some options. [...]
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    Posted: March 14, 2008, 2:31pm EDT

  • Questions for Candidates

    As we begin to look at the candidates that are filing for office, let's discuss what issues are important to Utah Moms. Here is a tentative list of questions I would like to know the answers to. Please add to it by commenting below, I am sure I have forgotten [...]
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    Posted: March 12, 2008, 2:35pm EDT

  • Email & Invitation

    Yesterday I posted a short paragraph on Cowboy Ted Hallisey, a candidate for the Utah House in Kane County. This morning I received an email from Cowboy Ted, stating he felt I misrepresented him as a 'gun totting rough guy'. He wrote:

    "I guess I opened myself up for [...]
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    Posted: March 11, 2008, 4:52pm EDT

  • A Millionaire, A Cowboy and More

    The filings for state offices have begun. Many of the usual suspects have signed up, but what you have to love is the obscure. It wouldn't be an election without a few characters.

    Monty 'Millionaire' Nafoosi is challenging Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. for his office. Nafoosi's website ([www.montyfafoosi.com]) [...]
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    Posted: March 10, 2008, 3:08pm EDT

  • For Better or Worse: It's Over

    It lasted up until the final seconds, the last bill in the House being voted on 27 seconds before midnight. Here's what lived, what died, and how it will effect you.

    What will go into effect on July 1st:
    • Your children will have to be in child restraint devices [...]
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    Posted: March 06, 2008, 10:38am EST

  • Memories of a Frantic Last Night of the Session

    Tonight is the last night of the session. It made me remember a night long ago in 2001, when as an intern for the Utah House I was running around the halls until midnight. Here's my favorite memory from those days:

    It was, as I said, the last night [...]
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    Posted: March 05, 2008, 1:17pm EST

  • Who Should Decide Where the Money Goes?

    With $25 million for education still up for grabs the debate rages, who should decide where that money goes? Should it be allocated to programs by the Legislature? Or should each district decide where they could use the money best?

    An education 'omnibus' bill has been written, combining numerous [...]
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    Posted: March 04, 2008, 2:13pm EST

  • Budget

    The budget is about complete. Here are some of the earmarks you mights find interesting:

    Education
    $100,000 for the I.B. Program (down from the $300k originally asked for, but finally some legislators realized this is a great program, one even Gov. Huntsman's son is a part of at West [...]
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    Posted: March 03, 2008, 1:26pm EST

  • Were You Represented This Session?

    Every Representative in the House, and half of the Senators are up for re-election this year. What did they do for you this session? What has their past record been? It's time for you to find out.

    Google their name, look them up on the Utah Legislature page, check [...]
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    Posted: February 29, 2008, 1:25pm EST

  • Rundown

    With less than a week to go in the session here is where many of the bills we have discussed lie:

    Through the Legislature and on to the Governor:
    HB 256 Jessica's Law for Sex Offenders
    HB 286 Permanent Teacher License Revocation for Sexual Activity with Students
    HB 327 [...]
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    Posted: February 28, 2008, 12:50pm EST

  • Your Thoughts & Opinions

    I love hearing from all of you, either through comments here, emails, or however else you grab my ear. Keep all the feedback coming, it makes it easier for me to write on what is important to you.

    Speaking of what's important to you, here are a few interesting [...]
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    Posted: February 27, 2008, 3:47pm EST

  • Utah's New Speedway

    How fast is too fast on I-15? 80? 90? 95?

    H.B. 406 from Rep. Dunnigan could increase the speed limit between Nephi and Cedar City to 80 mph. If the posted speed limit is 80, how fast will people drive? It seems generally acceptable to go 5-10 over the [...]
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    Posted: February 26, 2008, 12:44pm EST

  • IB Program, Anti-American?

    This week a bill that sailed through the House, hit a dead end in a Senate Committee through a claim by Sen. Dayton of anti-Americanism and promotion of the U.N. Agenda. HB 266 would increase funding for the International Baccalaureate(IB) program. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Carol Spackman Moss is trying [...]
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    Posted: February 25, 2008, 8:05pm EST

  • Is it over yet?

    For the session only lasting 45 days, it sure seems to go forever. Thank goodness we don't have a full-time legislature!


    With the session coming down to the end the real craziness begins. The budget still must be approved, as well as all those bills that are still [...]
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    Posted: February 25, 2008, 11:26am EST

  • Headed to the Capitol

    This Friday I plan on spending my morning at the capitol. I haven't been since it has reopened, and also wanted to see a little of the action for myself. If any of you will be up there as well, let me know by emailing me at utahmomscare@gmail.com and [...]
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    Posted: February 21, 2008, 2:55pm EST

  • Voting Present

    The other night my husband and I were talking about the upcoming elections. While expressing his distaste for all the candidates involved, he asked, Can't I just vote present?

    Speaking of wanting some real candidates to vote for, let's encourage some worthwhile candidates to run. We always want to [...]
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    Posted: February 20, 2008, 6:50pm EST

  • Smaller Class Sizes

    How many years now have we been hearing about class size reduction? Have you actually seen it in your kids school? Some schools have found ways to make it happen, but others have just tried to keep up with their enlarging enrollment. Rep. Morgan's HB 194 would give grants to [...]
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    Posted: February 19, 2008, 1:35pm EST

  • Take the 10 Second Survey

    Click on the link to the left or here to take a 10 second survey on the bills we have discussed so far. Plus give any opinions you have on other pieces of legislation and this blog. (I'm serious about the 10 second part) I'll publish the results sometime [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: February 18, 2008, 2:25pm EST

  • Headed to 3rd Grade in a Car Seat

    When Rep. Cosgrove's HB 140 passes all kids younger than 8 will need to be in a child restraint device. Whatever, it's fine. If it keeps my kids that much safer I am happy to do it, even if that means car pooling is a nightmare. It just makes me [...]
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    Posted: February 18, 2008, 1:49pm EST

  • Good Legislators vs. Not So Good Legislators

    I remember my first day as in intern at the Utah State Legislature. I felt intimidated by rubbing shoulders with those I had voted for, those I had seen on tv, those I had read about in the paper. I immediately felt small, and when I listened to many discuss [...]
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    Posted: February 16, 2008, 5:00pm EST

  • Where's Your Money Headed?

    The Budget will still be tweaked, but here are a few things considered priorites on the appopriation sub-committees reports.

    Utah's Schools
    WPU (weighted pupil unit) increase of 3% (76 million on going)
    Financial & Economic Literacy Education (100,000 on going & 150,000 one time)
    Teacher's Supplies (10 million one [...]
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    Posted: February 14, 2008, 2:35pm EST

  • Pointless Education?

    Yesterday HB 241 the bill repealing instate tuition for undocumented students who attended 3+ years of Utah public school passed the House of Representatives. If you'd like to see how your representative voted check here: [le.utah.gov]
    The bill was amended to not go into affect until September 2010.

    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: February 13, 2008, 11:34am EST

  • Hump Day

    It's day 23 of the 45 day session. Who will burn their white shirt? Maybe Rep. Donnelson could burn his shirt along with a state issued driving privledge card taken from an illegal immigrant. Just make sure it's a clean burn or The 'Real McCoy' may add this to his [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: February 12, 2008, 11:10am EST

  • Restricting Babies Born at Home

    I'll admit it, I couldn't do it. I like having my babies in the hospital, surrounded by lots of medical professionals that can help out if an emergency should ever occur. I'll also confess that I like the drugs. I've never flinched at the epidural needle, in fact it has [...]

     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: February 11, 2008, 10:08am EST

  • Who Now?

    I am going to go ahead and make the assumption that most of you that read this blog voted for Romney, since the majority of Utahns voted for him. Now he's out, what are you thoughts on your remaining choices?

    Will you vote for McCain? What if Huckabee is [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: February 08, 2008, 1:18pm EST

  • New Link

    Below this post is a lengthy update on the bills we have discussed. For your convenience I have added a link on the left to Find Your Legislator. Now you have no excuses. If something below bugs you or you'd like to sing a bill's praise - get writing! If [...]
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    Posted: February 07, 2008, 2:59pm EST

  • Updates on your (least) favorite bills

    There's still time to influence the political process. Here is where all the bills we've discussed thus far are down at the Dome.

    SB 14 Smoking in the car with your kids (Sen. McCoy) - This bill made has made it all the way through the Senate, through a [...]
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    Posted: February 07, 2008, 2:20pm EST

  • Sexting

    At 17 I sat at a computer in the front room with a cord running across the room into the kitchen to the nearest phone line to use a chat room on AOL. It was usually pretty harmless, every once in awhile someone saying something slightly crude or suggestive. But [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: February 06, 2008, 2:23pm EST
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