It's a great news day today--if you really like comedies....
1. Republicans attack health care reform for trying to "grow" government. Then, one page later, Republicans want to control college football---hmmm, which is the national priority? Do I prefer a discussion about expanding the duties of Health and Human Services or creating a new "U.S. Department of Football Rankings. Tough call.
2. The state attorney general accuses his opponent for the Senate of accepting questionable campaign contributions. All I can say is, pot meet kettle.
3. For the third, fourth, or possibly even fifth time this week, a Republican in Utah tries to explain what the Founding Fathers intended. As usual, the person is not a constitutional scholar, so I am not sure if he is getting his info by channeling a founding father or just Googling "Founding Father intent". Either way, I personally have serious doubts that the Founding Fathers ever contemplated that one day doctors would stop making house calls and something called an insurance company would decide which medical procedures a person may undergo. Or that elected officials in both state and federal government would start accepting massive donations from private industries and base their decisions more on the wishes of those donors than the people they are supposed to represent.
4. Legislators in Utah want to know if they actually have to follow a law they enacted or if they can infer their own intent and just ignore what the law actually says. Seems legislators unwittingly banned themselves from accepting tickets to Jazz games--a perk some are loathe to give up--so they have asked Legislative Counsel if they really have to forego the tickets for a whole basketball season until they can amend the law in 2010. Apparently a sense of entitlement runs deep in some legislators. What would the Founding Fathers say?
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Hatred Reigns
After watching the latest shenanigans in the Utah Senate, and the sheer boredom with which the president of that body dealt with comments of extreme hatred by one of its members, I stand appalled.Utah once welcomed the world and now tells a group of people "we hate you and we will applaud anyone in a position of power who will encourage further harassment and hatred against you." I am amazed at the audacity of our state Senate leadership who stand "foursquare" behind a fellow senator who compares people seeking equal rights to terrorists. I am stunned at the hypocrisy of this same group insisting on protecting the First Amendment rights of that senator while regularly seeking to prohibit protesters on the Capitol grounds and running bills to punish others who tried to exercise those same rights. How can people who claim to be the arbiters of what is decent in this state engage in such gross acts of indecency? Yes, everyone has the right to speak there mind, but that doesn't mean the senate can't seek to raise the bar on public discourse by sending its members a clear message that the body will NOT stand behind hate speech.
Monday, December 1, 2008
A Contribution Revolution
Having read and watched the latest news stories about the tangled webs woven between my former opponents extra large campaign contributions and his overly zealous support for the contributors, I did a little math. If each of the 237,000 plus individuals who voted for me in the November 2008 election had contributed $5, we would have raised over $1 million.
Imagine if we had been able to outraise a sitting incumbent based solely on $5 contributions from actual voters, not pay day lending corporations and multi-level marketers. What a message that would send to our politicos.
Okay, it's a utopian dream, and I am extremely grateful that each of you even voted for me, let alone contributing to the campaign. But perhaps if I start seeking individual contributions now, we could raise make it to the $500,000 mark by the 2012 election! Anybody have an extra $5?
Imagine if we had been able to outraise a sitting incumbent based solely on $5 contributions from actual voters, not pay day lending corporations and multi-level marketers. What a message that would send to our politicos.
Okay, it's a utopian dream, and I am extremely grateful that each of you even voted for me, let alone contributing to the campaign. But perhaps if I start seeking individual contributions now, we could raise make it to the $500,000 mark by the 2012 election! Anybody have an extra $5?
Monday, October 13, 2008
The $1000 Question
In a recent debate on KUED, Mark Shurtleff suggested that, despite his many questionable contributions in the tens of thousands of dollars range, one contribution for $6,000 that I received is the most controversial of the political season.
The problem, per the Shurtleff spin machine, is that I had stated on KUER that I was imposing a $5,000 limit. I then revamped the limit to $10,000. Shurtleff's hired guns claim that is because I realized I had already accepted a $6,000 contribution and, rather than give $1,000 back, I upped my limit.
The truth, of course, is much less interesting to Shurtleff. If his fact checkers had paid any attention, they would have first realized that the $6,000 was an in-kind donation. More importantly, the donation was space in a home for our campaign headquarters. The $6,000 was our estimate of the fair market rental for the space for a period of six months. In reality, we moved out of the space after 3 months. If you do the math, the actual value of the in-kind donation is actually $3,000 not $6,000 and we moved out long before I set the $5,000 limit.
I upped the limit to $10,000 after doing some research and finding that it was in line with both federal election standards and Gov. Huntsman's self-imposed limit. It seemed that going from no limit to $10,000 would be less daunting for those entrenched politicians who find it so difficult to make do without extra large checks from corporate donors.
The problem, per the Shurtleff spin machine, is that I had stated on KUER that I was imposing a $5,000 limit. I then revamped the limit to $10,000. Shurtleff's hired guns claim that is because I realized I had already accepted a $6,000 contribution and, rather than give $1,000 back, I upped my limit.
The truth, of course, is much less interesting to Shurtleff. If his fact checkers had paid any attention, they would have first realized that the $6,000 was an in-kind donation. More importantly, the donation was space in a home for our campaign headquarters. The $6,000 was our estimate of the fair market rental for the space for a period of six months. In reality, we moved out of the space after 3 months. If you do the math, the actual value of the in-kind donation is actually $3,000 not $6,000 and we moved out long before I set the $5,000 limit.
I upped the limit to $10,000 after doing some research and finding that it was in line with both federal election standards and Gov. Huntsman's self-imposed limit. It seemed that going from no limit to $10,000 would be less daunting for those entrenched politicians who find it so difficult to make do without extra large checks from corporate donors.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Mysterious Disappearance of the 8-Foot Sign
So, here we are in the midst of what had been a tough but professional campaign battle, when things turn juvenile.
I received a call from a friend who had posted one of my 8-foot signs on her fence along Bangerter Highway. It appears the 8-foot sign, complete with my head shot, has been STOLEN!
We might blame the disappearance of the sign on the wind, but at 8-feet, if the sign had somehow managed to blow off the fence (despite multiple anchors to keep it from doing so), it would have probably caused an accident on the highway.
While signs are expected to disappear during any campaign, this is a rather large sign (did I mention it is 8-feet long?). It is difficult to imagine how someone managed to tear it down and what on earth he or she will do with it now.
As for me, I thought about contacting UDOT to see if any of the cameras on Bangerter picked up the culprits, but there are better uses of both UDOT's and my time.
However, if you happen to see someone with a giant white and purple Jean Welch Hill sign in his or her living room, please let us know!
I received a call from a friend who had posted one of my 8-foot signs on her fence along Bangerter Highway. It appears the 8-foot sign, complete with my head shot, has been STOLEN!
We might blame the disappearance of the sign on the wind, but at 8-feet, if the sign had somehow managed to blow off the fence (despite multiple anchors to keep it from doing so), it would have probably caused an accident on the highway.
While signs are expected to disappear during any campaign, this is a rather large sign (did I mention it is 8-feet long?). It is difficult to imagine how someone managed to tear it down and what on earth he or she will do with it now.
As for me, I thought about contacting UDOT to see if any of the cameras on Bangerter picked up the culprits, but there are better uses of both UDOT's and my time.
However, if you happen to see someone with a giant white and purple Jean Welch Hill sign in his or her living room, please let us know!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
New Staff and a Day of Meeting the Voters
The schedule for yesterday required traveling from Box Elder to Salt Lake Counties on a non-stop tour from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Form a parade, to two speaking engagements, to the Avenues Street Fair, to the Greek Festival and ending at the U of U football game. Despite the, at times, difficult logistics, the day was a total success, thanks to my amazing campaign team!
With me throughout the day was my Campaign Manager Maryann Martindale and Deputy Manager Miguel Gallegos. Maryann and Miguel are a formidable duo with long resumes of local, state, and national campaign experience. We were also joined by one of our University of Utah interns--an amazing young woman interested in both politics and the law--and her adorable son.
Miguel was the first on the ground, arriving at my home at 7:00a.m. with a To Do list already half completed. He and I traveled to Brigham City for the Peach Days Parade, followed by our intern and her son. We were joined at the parade by Miguel's cousin and her three daughters. All were enthusiastic participants, handing out stickers, buttons, and candy.
However, we only had an hour to get from Brigham City to the Salt Lake City for the next engagement, the Women's Democratic Club luncheon where I was scheduled to speak. Parade attire and wind blown hair were not on the luncheon agenda, so Miguel scheduled a quick stop for a clothing change and hair and makeup redo.
We made the luncheon with about 90 seconds to spare before I was to speak. Fortunately, Maryann was already at the luncheon updating the leaders on our estimated time of arrival. With her was Tracy, an amazing volunteer who had arranged the array of brochures, envelopes, buttons, and signs and provided info to anyone who was interested. Tracy met me at the door, directed me to my seat and ensured that my missed lunch was packed and ready to go when I left the meeting.
We left moments after my speech to head to a meeting with UEA leaders. Maryann conducted the logistics for this event while Miguel headed off to meet up with another staffer, Chris Fleming, to get signs for the U of U game.
After another clothing change, Maryann and I headed for brief stints at the Avenues Street Fair and Greek Festival. Time with Maryann is well spent--she has a deep understanding of both state and national politics and is a voice of reason and experience on campaign strategy.
After meeting and greeting at the festivals, we headed to the U to be greeted by a sea of Jean Welch Hill campaign signs and join Miguel to meet the throngs heading into the game.
I am a U alumn and have enjoyed season tickets to the football games since my time as a student. Standing on the route to the game, I met so many friends I have not seen in ages--it helped keep my energy up after a long day of campaigning.
But fatigue finally hit when I joined my husband and two of my sons in our seats for the game. I missed them throughout the day and it was a relief to jsut sit down with them and watch a great game.
Many thanks to Maryann, Miguel, Jayme, Tracy, and Chris for a smooth, successful, and exhausting day!
With me throughout the day was my Campaign Manager Maryann Martindale and Deputy Manager Miguel Gallegos. Maryann and Miguel are a formidable duo with long resumes of local, state, and national campaign experience. We were also joined by one of our University of Utah interns--an amazing young woman interested in both politics and the law--and her adorable son.
Miguel was the first on the ground, arriving at my home at 7:00a.m. with a To Do list already half completed. He and I traveled to Brigham City for the Peach Days Parade, followed by our intern and her son. We were joined at the parade by Miguel's cousin and her three daughters. All were enthusiastic participants, handing out stickers, buttons, and candy.
However, we only had an hour to get from Brigham City to the Salt Lake City for the next engagement, the Women's Democratic Club luncheon where I was scheduled to speak. Parade attire and wind blown hair were not on the luncheon agenda, so Miguel scheduled a quick stop for a clothing change and hair and makeup redo.
We made the luncheon with about 90 seconds to spare before I was to speak. Fortunately, Maryann was already at the luncheon updating the leaders on our estimated time of arrival. With her was Tracy, an amazing volunteer who had arranged the array of brochures, envelopes, buttons, and signs and provided info to anyone who was interested. Tracy met me at the door, directed me to my seat and ensured that my missed lunch was packed and ready to go when I left the meeting.
We left moments after my speech to head to a meeting with UEA leaders. Maryann conducted the logistics for this event while Miguel headed off to meet up with another staffer, Chris Fleming, to get signs for the U of U game.
After another clothing change, Maryann and I headed for brief stints at the Avenues Street Fair and Greek Festival. Time with Maryann is well spent--she has a deep understanding of both state and national politics and is a voice of reason and experience on campaign strategy.
After meeting and greeting at the festivals, we headed to the U to be greeted by a sea of Jean Welch Hill campaign signs and join Miguel to meet the throngs heading into the game.
I am a U alumn and have enjoyed season tickets to the football games since my time as a student. Standing on the route to the game, I met so many friends I have not seen in ages--it helped keep my energy up after a long day of campaigning.
But fatigue finally hit when I joined my husband and two of my sons in our seats for the game. I missed them throughout the day and it was a relief to jsut sit down with them and watch a great game.
Many thanks to Maryann, Miguel, Jayme, Tracy, and Chris for a smooth, successful, and exhausting day!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Deseret News - Utah Gets Falling Grade for Loan Protections
By Jennifer Toomer-Cook - Deseret News August 28, 2008
Utah is failing consumers by not capping "abusive" interest rates on small-dollar loans that ultimately pull individuals into debt spirals and drag down the U.S. economy, according to a state-by-state scorecard released Wednesday by three national consumer groups.
Utah is failing consumers by not capping "abusive" interest rates on small-dollar loans that ultimately pull individuals into debt spirals and drag down the U.S. economy, according to a state-by-state scorecard released Wednesday by three national consumer groups.
The National Consumer Law Center, the Consumer Federation of America and Consumers Union listed Utah among 14 states receiving failing grades on four kinds of small-dollar loans: payday loans; auto-title loans; six-month, $500 unsecured installment loans; and one-year, $1,000 unsecured installment loans.
The failing rating came because Utah doesn't cap loan rates at 36 percent or less or prohibit payday or auto title loans. Utah also does not have a criminal usury law, the report said.
The other states with straight F's were Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, West Virginia and Washington, D.C., met all the criteria the consumer groups recommended.
"Utah is one of the states that sets no limits on what lenders can charge," said Jean Ann Fox, director of consumer protection for the Consumer Federation of America. "As we've learned in the meltdown of the mortgage market ... it costs not only the borrower but the community as a whole."
But Paul Allred, deputy commissioner of the Utah Department of Financial Institutions, says the consumer groups are just sore that they didn't get legislation passed that they wanted. He says the Utah industry is regulated, and interest rates are disclosed verbally and in writing.
"I believe if folks using these products take the time to understand and decide whether it's appropriate for them and keep it short term ... then I think those (regulations and disclosure rules) are adequate to protect people."
Payday lending in recent months has been debated by city and county councils, Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and the Utah Legislature.
Supporters of payday lenders say the industry provides a needed service for low-income residents, high-risk borrowers or those who find themselves in a short-term bind. Opponents say the businesses are predatory and trap low-income residents in debt.
Utah payday loans average 521 percent annual percentage rate in interest. University of Utah law professor Christopher Peterson has said the typical user spends $793 to pay off a $325 loan.
Ten local governments — including Orem, Sandy and West Valley, and Salt Lake County — have restricted the number of payday lenders allowed in their borders. Provo earlier this month started looking at similar restrictions.
Allred said potential borrowers are told twice the interest rate that they will pay, even when it's 521 percent. The state examines payday lenders every year to make sure they are complying with the regulations.
A new law requires the payday-loan industry to disclose information that includes minimum and maximum interest rates paid and the average amount of loans.
"In terms of protecting the citizenry, the Legislature, as a public policy decision, said that borrowing is not a right, it is a privilege," said Jerry Jaramillo, supervisor of savings and loans for the Utah Department of Financial Institutions. "It is up to the individual to make the judgment if the loan is in his best financial interest."
Allred said that capping the annual percentage rate at 36 percent would slash the lender's profit, "and you would find virtually no one willing to lend you $100 for a week."
Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff earlier this year said banning payday loans would hurt the poor and force more people into bankruptcy.
Peterson disagrees, noting usury laws have been around for centuries to protect the vulnerable.
Linda Hilton, director of the Coalition of Religious Communities, an advocacy group of Crossroads Urban Center, said the old consumer adage,"buyer beware" applies to payday loans.
"But to a point, you have to have some regulations to protect the consumer," she said. "The free market can't take care of itself without some oversight and regulation."
Hilton is trying to find a legislator to carry a bill capping annual percentage interest on payday loans at 100 percent. "I know that (number) sounds ludicrous, (but) it would be a great victory for the consumer."
She said she has found no lawmaker willing to be a sponsor.
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