There is so much nail biting about budget shortfalls and necessary cuts to funding that everyone seems to be digging in to protect the items of their greatest concern. For me, public education is of very great concern. I will be sending more information about education issues in the legislative session but today I want to specifically address funding and local control.
The benefits of an educated public cross over into just about every area of public policy. Strong public education fosters a versatile and creative workforce, vigilant voters, a social conscience, better health, safety, and economic security. A decision to short change public education would bring about a decline in all these areas.
There are a mountain of education-related bills facing the legislature this year, as in previous years. This year, however, the budget constraints cast a shadow on everything. Drastic cuts have been proposed to both public education and higher education. Superintendent Randy Merrill has reported that any time the legislature talks about one percent of the education budget, it translates to half a million dollars in the Provo School District. The proposal to cut 15% would, says Dr. Merrill, leave us with a school system that you would not recognize. He states that he is trying to avoid increased class-size and maintain adequate employee salaries but calls to operate leaner over the past years have left us with very few areas to cut.
You would think that no one is naive enough to expect increased funding from the legislature at a time such as this but please watch for efforts to fund pet projects and then call it part of an existing budget. For example, last year when computer software for preschool programs was funded, it was called part of the education appropriation. Local school districts had no say as to whether they wanted or needed the preschool computer programs. The allocation was only for this particular product. This year there is a proposal that the legislature mandate implementing the Singapore Math program. There are curriculum offices in the State Office of Education and in each school district, but this legislation would override their authority and the money that comes with it would be earmarked. In essence, the districts are being asked to cut their budgets and then the funding for that budget is coming back with conditions set by the legislators. I do not advocate for or against Singapore Math. I do however feel that if local administrators are asked to cut their own budgets, we should see that they are given control of their funds to address local needs based on their assessments.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Preparing for a new session: Medicaid Funding
Dear friends,
I expected this site to be dormant and perhaps removed altogether by this time but I decided to use it to post some thoughts on the current state legislature and its work.
The State Legislative session will begin next week but there are many preliminary meetings going on now to address the immediate financial problems that the state faces.
One committee is studying health care and proposals to cut expenditures to Medicaid. Details about the State's commitment to Medicaid can be found at www.healthpolicyproject.org but in a nutshell, you need to know that for every dollar that the state puts in to Medicaid, the federal government sends three more. There isn’t another investment that I know of that brings that kind of return – especially in today’s economy.
In the opposite direction, every dollar that the legislature cuts from Medicaid means four dollars of services must be dropped. And cutting the programs paid for by Medicaid will result in more expensive problems that must be addressed with payments by taxes for some other program or by higher costs to healthcare consumers for doctor and hospital bills. It just doesn’t make sense.
Many families that live and work in Provo and Orem are impacted by access to Medicaid benefits, either because they receive care or are healthcare providers.
If you believe, as I do, that Medicaid is one area that should not be cut, you should send word right away to your legislators, especially those who are right now looking at health care appropriations by the State. Senator Margaret Dayton and Representative Keith Grover, both representing people in Orem and Provo, are on the committee and they want to hear from you. Mr. Grover’s email address is keithgrover@utah.gov and phone number is: 801-319-0170. Mrs. Dayton’s is: mdayton@utahsenate.org and (801) 221-0623, Calling or email is best, since they are in meetings right now!
Please let your voices be heard on this or other issues that are important to you.
I expected this site to be dormant and perhaps removed altogether by this time but I decided to use it to post some thoughts on the current state legislature and its work.
The State Legislative session will begin next week but there are many preliminary meetings going on now to address the immediate financial problems that the state faces.
One committee is studying health care and proposals to cut expenditures to Medicaid. Details about the State's commitment to Medicaid can be found at www.healthpolicyproject.org but in a nutshell, you need to know that for every dollar that the state puts in to Medicaid, the federal government sends three more. There isn’t another investment that I know of that brings that kind of return – especially in today’s economy.
In the opposite direction, every dollar that the legislature cuts from Medicaid means four dollars of services must be dropped. And cutting the programs paid for by Medicaid will result in more expensive problems that must be addressed with payments by taxes for some other program or by higher costs to healthcare consumers for doctor and hospital bills. It just doesn’t make sense.
Many families that live and work in Provo and Orem are impacted by access to Medicaid benefits, either because they receive care or are healthcare providers.
If you believe, as I do, that Medicaid is one area that should not be cut, you should send word right away to your legislators, especially those who are right now looking at health care appropriations by the State. Senator Margaret Dayton and Representative Keith Grover, both representing people in Orem and Provo, are on the committee and they want to hear from you. Mr. Grover’s email address is keithgrover@utah.gov and phone number is: 801-319-0170. Mrs. Dayton’s is: mdayton@utahsenate.org and (801) 221-0623, Calling or email is best, since they are in meetings right now!
Please let your voices be heard on this or other issues that are important to you.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The morning after
My father had a favorite poem that he wanted to commit to memory. He enlisted the help of us children to help him learn it and, as one might expect, the kids learned it faster than my dad. The poem was Kipling’s “If”, and a small part of the poem that I have remembered, after some forty years, goes like this:
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
This being good advice has made waking up on this day a little easier. Meeting triumph and disaster, I have decided to treat those two imposters the same.
On the wall of my campaign headquarters (aka the guest bedroom) there is a poster that my son gave to my daughter for Christmas. It is an inspirational poster and has a quote and a lovely photo of a ski jumper. The large title is "Ineptitude". The quote says: "If you can’t learn to do something well, you should at least learn to enjoy doing it poorly." Perhaps you can imagine what the ski jumper looks like.
I think I have been well served by the sentiments of this poster. Like many of my fellow candidates in Utah County this year, my campaign for the legislature has been a new adventure. If someone had told me 12 months ago that my name would be on the ballot this year, I’d have told him he was crazy. There have been times during this year that I have decided that I was the one who was crazy. But somehow, as I have campaigned poorly in many ways, I have learned to enjoy it too.
I hope I can adequately express thanks to all the volunteers and financial supporters who believed in me. We knew we had a big challenge to overcome. I received this quote from a friend, attributed to Abraham Lincoln:
"The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just."
Many people knew our probability and pitched in with hope. I have so appreciated that encouragement.
Thank you, to all my friends!
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
This being good advice has made waking up on this day a little easier. Meeting triumph and disaster, I have decided to treat those two imposters the same.
On the wall of my campaign headquarters (aka the guest bedroom) there is a poster that my son gave to my daughter for Christmas. It is an inspirational poster and has a quote and a lovely photo of a ski jumper. The large title is "Ineptitude". The quote says: "If you can’t learn to do something well, you should at least learn to enjoy doing it poorly." Perhaps you can imagine what the ski jumper looks like.
I think I have been well served by the sentiments of this poster. Like many of my fellow candidates in Utah County this year, my campaign for the legislature has been a new adventure. If someone had told me 12 months ago that my name would be on the ballot this year, I’d have told him he was crazy. There have been times during this year that I have decided that I was the one who was crazy. But somehow, as I have campaigned poorly in many ways, I have learned to enjoy it too.
I hope I can adequately express thanks to all the volunteers and financial supporters who believed in me. We knew we had a big challenge to overcome. I received this quote from a friend, attributed to Abraham Lincoln:
"The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just."
Many people knew our probability and pitched in with hope. I have so appreciated that encouragement.
Thank you, to all my friends!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Comparing Apples to Apples
I was encouraged early on in the campaign to make a clear distinction between my political opponent and myself. Now, this wouldn't be so hard if I could say that my opponent was a dirty, rotten scoundrel -- but he isn't. He is a friendly family man with good relationships with his friends and family, as far as I know. I assume that he wants to give public service and that is why he got involved in politics. My reason for running for office wasn't because I had personal animosity for him; I just think I have different priorities than he does.
When difficult choices are put before public officials, they need to remember that more is not always better. More laws, more micromanaging, more intervention. Sometimes the best public policy is less legislation. In other areas, intervention is necessary. For example, we need health care reform, so that health insurance is more accessible. That is why these priorities are so important.
Since my decision to run for office, I have had the opportunity to meet and visit with many people of the district by going door to door to introduce myself. It has given me added perspective about the impact of government. The economic hard times in Utah will be felt in many ways. We are better off than those in most other states because of tight spending. I do not, however, agree with many of the priorities that the legislature has acted on. Legislation should reflect how it can strengthen families and communities. It should be based on a vision for the future that includes a strong education system, a safe and healthy environment, and efficient and effect transportation.
While funding for public education was the issue that got me to pay attention to the state legislature, I would say that the thing that really moved me to action was the concern over ethics. The legislature lacks clear, specific, and reasonable ethical guidelines. These have become problematic --- especially lately when some votes have been particularly divisive. There have been proposals and sponsored legislation for stricter ethical rules but they have rarely made it out of committee and never passed. It is as if the legislators, look around at each other, smile and say, “We are all nice people; we don’t need these rules.” The rules are needed not only to stop corruption but to protect those who are acting forthrightly. It gives assurance that public officials are trustworthy. And public trust of government is extremely important. While there is no mention of ethics from my opponent, ethics reform is an item of high priority for me.
Another of the places where my political opponent and I differ is on environmental issues. He rejected a bill at first that gave consumers incentives to drive fuel efficient cars. He also voted against the bill that would prohibit school busses from idling on duty. Both of these bills, which passed, help to conserve gasoline and lessen air pollution.
It is difficult to know what he thought of school vouchers because I have found people who told me that he promised them support of vouchers and others who were promised opposition, depending on whether they supported or opposed vouchers themselves. Eventually he voted in favor of vouchers. I opposed the voucher legislation of 2006. I oppose sending tax dollars to private schools, and this particular plan had the potential to send public schools into a downward spiral. A strong public education system that unifies neighborhoods is a priority to me.
This year all of my opponent’s campaign funds have come from special interests, corporations, or other republican party coffers. Mine have come from family, friends, and neighbors in the legislative district. I have received a $1000 line of credit from the UEA, public school’s “union” because they believe me to be a better support of public education than the incumbent. It is a priority to me that campaign funding for representatives be supplied by the people they will represent.
I notice in the blogosphere that there is talk about his poor attendance record at legislative interim committee meetings. I can understand this. He is a young dad with many family responsibilities. While I don’t judge him for how he prioritizes his time, I will commit the time and energy needed to represent the people of this legislative district, both during the legislative session and throughout the year. I think that the people of the district deserve this commitment.
Finally, independence is a priority to me. My opponent is a reliable follower of Republican Party leadership. I find that the Republican Party leadership has so tied up the political process to protect incumbents, that new-comers cannot get past the county convention. This denies candidates a chance for a popular vote, which is at the heart of a democracy. Although I have been a republican all my life, I discovered that the Utah County Platform for the Democratic Party is very moderate—and conservative in the aspects that are important to me. I felt that the Republican Party was not likely to heal itself from the inside and decided to run for the legislature as a democrat. I will not be bullied or threatened by members of my own party or any other. It is essential to have a better-balanced legislature to ensure ethics reform and dialog on important issues.
When difficult choices are put before public officials, they need to remember that more is not always better. More laws, more micromanaging, more intervention. Sometimes the best public policy is less legislation. In other areas, intervention is necessary. For example, we need health care reform, so that health insurance is more accessible. That is why these priorities are so important.
Since my decision to run for office, I have had the opportunity to meet and visit with many people of the district by going door to door to introduce myself. It has given me added perspective about the impact of government. The economic hard times in Utah will be felt in many ways. We are better off than those in most other states because of tight spending. I do not, however, agree with many of the priorities that the legislature has acted on. Legislation should reflect how it can strengthen families and communities. It should be based on a vision for the future that includes a strong education system, a safe and healthy environment, and efficient and effect transportation.
While funding for public education was the issue that got me to pay attention to the state legislature, I would say that the thing that really moved me to action was the concern over ethics. The legislature lacks clear, specific, and reasonable ethical guidelines. These have become problematic --- especially lately when some votes have been particularly divisive. There have been proposals and sponsored legislation for stricter ethical rules but they have rarely made it out of committee and never passed. It is as if the legislators, look around at each other, smile and say, “We are all nice people; we don’t need these rules.” The rules are needed not only to stop corruption but to protect those who are acting forthrightly. It gives assurance that public officials are trustworthy. And public trust of government is extremely important. While there is no mention of ethics from my opponent, ethics reform is an item of high priority for me.
Another of the places where my political opponent and I differ is on environmental issues. He rejected a bill at first that gave consumers incentives to drive fuel efficient cars. He also voted against the bill that would prohibit school busses from idling on duty. Both of these bills, which passed, help to conserve gasoline and lessen air pollution.
It is difficult to know what he thought of school vouchers because I have found people who told me that he promised them support of vouchers and others who were promised opposition, depending on whether they supported or opposed vouchers themselves. Eventually he voted in favor of vouchers. I opposed the voucher legislation of 2006. I oppose sending tax dollars to private schools, and this particular plan had the potential to send public schools into a downward spiral. A strong public education system that unifies neighborhoods is a priority to me.
This year all of my opponent’s campaign funds have come from special interests, corporations, or other republican party coffers. Mine have come from family, friends, and neighbors in the legislative district. I have received a $1000 line of credit from the UEA, public school’s “union” because they believe me to be a better support of public education than the incumbent. It is a priority to me that campaign funding for representatives be supplied by the people they will represent.
I notice in the blogosphere that there is talk about his poor attendance record at legislative interim committee meetings. I can understand this. He is a young dad with many family responsibilities. While I don’t judge him for how he prioritizes his time, I will commit the time and energy needed to represent the people of this legislative district, both during the legislative session and throughout the year. I think that the people of the district deserve this commitment.
Finally, independence is a priority to me. My opponent is a reliable follower of Republican Party leadership. I find that the Republican Party leadership has so tied up the political process to protect incumbents, that new-comers cannot get past the county convention. This denies candidates a chance for a popular vote, which is at the heart of a democracy. Although I have been a republican all my life, I discovered that the Utah County Platform for the Democratic Party is very moderate—and conservative in the aspects that are important to me. I felt that the Republican Party was not likely to heal itself from the inside and decided to run for the legislature as a democrat. I will not be bullied or threatened by members of my own party or any other. It is essential to have a better-balanced legislature to ensure ethics reform and dialog on important issues.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Gotta be the Economy
When the Utah Foundation surveyed Utahns for a list of prioritized issues last spring, there were a lot of items to choose from--transportation, the environment, education. I'm sure there were some who had financial worries but the worries didn't seem to be wide-spread.
There had been talk of a housing bubble. There were a lot of "no down payment" loans being pushed. There was even news of unprecedented consumer debt. Still there was definitely a feeling of being blind-sided when the financial melt down began a month or two ago.
Now, there are predictions of doomsday and comparisons being made to the stock market crash of 1929. While the Congress and the feds fuss and fume about what is to be done to mitigate the trouble, it is clear that there is no way to avoid it altogether. Both presidential candidates are blaming deregulation, so it seems that "trickle down" economics has turned into a deluge of debt that we will all be swimming in, whether we were wise in our own money management or not.
The State of Utah has a great challenge ahead of it. We will be in better shape than many states but the problems in the stock market and banking industries will have repercussions here as well as everywhere else. The decisions that will be made as budgets are cut and appropriations examined will be extremely important and will require prioritizing needs. Everyone will be wanting a larger slice of an ever-smaller pie.
As I have walked from house to house in my legislative district, I have discussed with many people the needs of individuals and families. The incentives to business must take a backseat in times like these. Lobbyists may holler but the voices of hundreds of my neighbors have my ear.
As I continue to walk door to door, the conversations with the voters are showing their concerns about future economic stability.
"My retirement is disappearing."
"I may get laid off."
"I'm worried about my mortgage."
What issues are you watching in the next year or two?
It's gotta be the economy.
There had been talk of a housing bubble. There were a lot of "no down payment" loans being pushed. There was even news of unprecedented consumer debt. Still there was definitely a feeling of being blind-sided when the financial melt down began a month or two ago.
Now, there are predictions of doomsday and comparisons being made to the stock market crash of 1929. While the Congress and the feds fuss and fume about what is to be done to mitigate the trouble, it is clear that there is no way to avoid it altogether. Both presidential candidates are blaming deregulation, so it seems that "trickle down" economics has turned into a deluge of debt that we will all be swimming in, whether we were wise in our own money management or not.
The State of Utah has a great challenge ahead of it. We will be in better shape than many states but the problems in the stock market and banking industries will have repercussions here as well as everywhere else. The decisions that will be made as budgets are cut and appropriations examined will be extremely important and will require prioritizing needs. Everyone will be wanting a larger slice of an ever-smaller pie.
As I have walked from house to house in my legislative district, I have discussed with many people the needs of individuals and families. The incentives to business must take a backseat in times like these. Lobbyists may holler but the voices of hundreds of my neighbors have my ear.
As I continue to walk door to door, the conversations with the voters are showing their concerns about future economic stability.
"My retirement is disappearing."
"I may get laid off."
"I'm worried about my mortgage."
What issues are you watching in the next year or two?
It's gotta be the economy.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Happy Constitution Day!
I want to take a break from campaigning to acknowledge a document that has changed the world. The Constitution of the United States was signed by a majority of the participants at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia on this day in 1787.
I love this country. I love that it was founded on the concepts that "small people" can govern themselves. I love that this document was made to live, breathe, and grow with a country that would change rapidly in the subsequent 221 years. I love that the rights outlined in the First Amendment have challenged Americans to examine themselves and better their own instincts.
Despite its bumpy history I remain an optimist about the future of the United States. The Statue of Liberty has welcomed tired, poor, huddled masses and continues to do so. Of still greater impact is the attitude of the American people that, whatever his or her beginnings, the individual is worthy of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Americans are generous people; charitable giving and volunteerism are strong impulses. Americans have a sense of justice but love to see signs of mercy mixed in.
I agree with the observation that Alexis de Tocqueville made over a hundred years ago: "America is great because she is good." I also acknowledge the corollary that-- "If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."
The greatest service we can give to our country is to make a commitment to goodness. The Constitution has a physical structure; it is our goodness that enlivens this document and gives it longevity.
Happy Birthday and long live the Constitution of the United States!
I love this country. I love that it was founded on the concepts that "small people" can govern themselves. I love that this document was made to live, breathe, and grow with a country that would change rapidly in the subsequent 221 years. I love that the rights outlined in the First Amendment have challenged Americans to examine themselves and better their own instincts.
Despite its bumpy history I remain an optimist about the future of the United States. The Statue of Liberty has welcomed tired, poor, huddled masses and continues to do so. Of still greater impact is the attitude of the American people that, whatever his or her beginnings, the individual is worthy of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Americans are generous people; charitable giving and volunteerism are strong impulses. Americans have a sense of justice but love to see signs of mercy mixed in.
I agree with the observation that Alexis de Tocqueville made over a hundred years ago: "America is great because she is good." I also acknowledge the corollary that-- "If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."
The greatest service we can give to our country is to make a commitment to goodness. The Constitution has a physical structure; it is our goodness that enlivens this document and gives it longevity.
Happy Birthday and long live the Constitution of the United States!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Lipstick Quick-draw
When Geraldine Ferraro and Shirley Chisolm were national political candidates, the country was not at all ready to welcome a woman into the White House. Now in 2008, it has been interesting to see the excitement generated on diverse ends of the political spectrum, by the entrance of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin into the national spotlight.
Sarah Palin is rousing support by her socially conservative convictions that fit so well the culture of Utah and much of the western United States. At the same time, she is praised for the courageous handling of entrenched political power brokers in her own party and the special interests who were accommodated in Alaska state government.
Whether or not she is a candidate prepared for presidential responsibilities, her history should be looked at with interest in the state of Utah. She came to her office as governor describing herself as a "Hockey Mom", doggedly dedicated to ethics reform in state government. She saw closed door deals, politicians enjoying campaign gifts and financing from Big Oil or other special interests, and various ethical problems in the state. Her success in handling these problems is making national news. This should send chills through the Utah Republican Party.
Moderate republicans, as well as democrats, have been calling for ethics reform in the Utah legislature for years. Well-managed leadership in the State Republican Party has, however, held them at bay. As long as incumbents could recruit enough friends to become delegates to the county conventions, voters would have no say about their party nominees. The Democratic Party, hobbled by progressive national politics, could not elect a legislator in Utah County as well as much of the state, and the republicans ceased to worry about campaigning against them. As a result, the ethical questions have gone unanswered.
Unable to heal the Party from within, many traditional republicans and unaffiliated voters are looking to the Democratic Party for a "bulldog" to stir up the questions.
Thank you, Sarah Palin, for making this cause a popular one in Utah! Women's ability to take on this problem is certainly now proven. Now I just need to get a little more consistent with wearing lipstick.
Sarah Palin is rousing support by her socially conservative convictions that fit so well the culture of Utah and much of the western United States. At the same time, she is praised for the courageous handling of entrenched political power brokers in her own party and the special interests who were accommodated in Alaska state government.
Whether or not she is a candidate prepared for presidential responsibilities, her history should be looked at with interest in the state of Utah. She came to her office as governor describing herself as a "Hockey Mom", doggedly dedicated to ethics reform in state government. She saw closed door deals, politicians enjoying campaign gifts and financing from Big Oil or other special interests, and various ethical problems in the state. Her success in handling these problems is making national news. This should send chills through the Utah Republican Party.
Moderate republicans, as well as democrats, have been calling for ethics reform in the Utah legislature for years. Well-managed leadership in the State Republican Party has, however, held them at bay. As long as incumbents could recruit enough friends to become delegates to the county conventions, voters would have no say about their party nominees. The Democratic Party, hobbled by progressive national politics, could not elect a legislator in Utah County as well as much of the state, and the republicans ceased to worry about campaigning against them. As a result, the ethical questions have gone unanswered.
Unable to heal the Party from within, many traditional republicans and unaffiliated voters are looking to the Democratic Party for a "bulldog" to stir up the questions.
Thank you, Sarah Palin, for making this cause a popular one in Utah! Women's ability to take on this problem is certainly now proven. Now I just need to get a little more consistent with wearing lipstick.
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