Today at 11 a.m. on the House floor the education voucher bill will be
debated. HB 148 offers scholarships to private schools, ranging from
$3,000 for a child in a family of four with an income of $37,000 or less to
$
500 for a child in a family earning $92,500 or more.
Voucher proponents say parents need more choices for their children.
Opponents say public schools already offer many choices and taxpayer money
should not be used to subsidize private schools. The vote should be close.
This morning the HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE ( in W135 at 8) is discussing
i
mprovements in the U-PASS program, which tests student progress in public
schools. Charter school students would have to take U-PASS tests, too,
under HB 155.
In HOUSE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (at 7:30 in W125) HB 137 proposes a
2-year program to reduce deaths and other problems caused by misusing
addictive chronic painkillers.
Under a second bill, HB 155, it would be more difficult for a minor to
obtain a court order for an abortion without parental consent
And HB 249 asks the Governor to consider making in-home and community-based
services for adults who need long-term care a budget priority.
SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT (in W015 at 8:05) is
discussing SB 95, which would allow local governments to use their water
r
ights to preserve instream flows that protect water quality. And SB 190
would strengthen animal cruelty laws by making torture of an animal a third
degree felony.
This afternoon HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT (in
W135 at 2 pm) may have time to consider HB 192. It would repeal the laws
t
hat grant authority to the U.S. government to use state lands to establish
t
he Bear River migratory bird refuge.
SENATE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS (in W020 at 2 pm)
will discuss SB 211, which would eliminate satellite voter registration.
Satellite registration is offered 15 and 18 days before an election.
Without it, the last day to register would be 30 days before the election.
SB 211 would also allow provisional voting by voters who have registered
anywhere in the state, not just in the county where they vote.
Sandy Peck
League of Women
Voters,
(801)272-8683 fax (801)272-5942
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