In case you missed it, the Utah Legislature went into session yesterday, and Utah held its collective breath. It’s anyone’s guess what will come out on the other end. I’ll tell you one thing I want, though: less of it. In this case, I think less is more.
Michelle Mumford summed up my feelings well:
[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/#!/MichelleMumford/status/161649088226533376″]
That’s a goal we can all live with, right? We’d be ok with a break from new laws, new spending, and new regulation. Have we even figured out what to do with all the stuff from last year?
[cricket, cricket]
Anyways…onward and, well, upward, all the way to the state capital where it all goes down.
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Ignore the session at your own peril.
The State Capitol at night, during a snow fall on January 23, 2012. Photo by Jeremy Nicoll.
If you are intent on following what’s going on in the legislature, and I think its not a bad idea, there are a lot of ways to do it. This is the era of the internet, after all, and it’s easier than ever to get information fast, even when you can’t go hobnob at the State Capitol itself (especially if, like me, you’ve gotta keep your day job). Whether you follow the tweets and the stories from your favorite local reporter and/or legislator, read the paper, check into the Utah Senate and House web sites to research bills, or actually show up at the Capitol, here’s a short guide to some of the tools out there (with due credit, of course, to the reporting team over at the Salt Lake Tribune which suggested most of these sources):
- TOP ISSUES: Check out this issue by issue break down of what’s likely to come up this year in the legislature. Topping the list? Funding education. Also of note is Howard Stephenson’s bill to create a tax credit to allow low income children to attend private schools.
- WHO’S IN CHARGE: under the telling “herbert-elected-gov-governor” URL in part, the Salt Lake Tribune has also put a simple list of who’s who in the legislative leadership process, including their education and profession.
- WHO’S NEW? With all the resignations as past lawmakers take aim at higher office, whether it’s Congress or the Governor’s mansion, there have been more than a couple mid-term appointments. Check out who is new…though I do find it ironic that the picture is of Craig Frank, who is not.
- PAY & PERKS: even if the legislature is a part time job, it still comes with a meager income. Check out what the reimbursements are for working in the legislature.
- LOBBYISTS: Don’t forget the parasites–er, I mean, lobbyists. There are over 400 of them representing more than 300 clients. All joking aside, I do recognize that they play an important roll in our system….I think.
- CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR: Due to how insanely busy the session is, it’s actually probably a little late to do that, but if you really want to talk to someone, go for it using the following lists.
- Follow my favorite reporters on Twitter: Two of my favorite reporters are Robert Gehrke and Billy Hesterman. Both are savvy and smart reporters.
Last, and not least, check out the infographic below for a fun little summary of how the legislature breaks down along political lines, among other details.
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