This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Jeb Bush asks donors not to give too much — well, $1 million or less. Lawmakers, LDS officials and LGBT leaders unveil anti-discrimination bill. Mitt Romney disses Utah GOP over caucus plans.
Happy Thursday. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is asking donors to limit their contributions as he gears up for a possible presidential run — well, to a degree. Bush is asking his donors not to give more than $1 million to his PAC, a move insiders say is aimed at tamping down speculation that he's a big money guy and to broaden the pool of contributors. And, shucks, I bet you were ready to donate more than that, right? [http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/awash-in-cash-bush-asks-donors-to-limit-gifts-to-1-million—for-now/2015/03/04/0b8d3fc6-c1c8-11e4-9271-610273846239_story.html" target="_blank">WaPost]
Topping the news: Lawmakers, LDS Church leaders and members of the LGBT community came together yesterday to announce the release of a bill balancing religious liberties and housing and employment discrimination against LGBT individuals. While the bill has the support of the two latter groups, only time will tell whether it has support of the whole Legislature. [http://www.sltrib.com/lifestyle/faith/2249270-155/mormon-leaders-lgbt-groups-trumpet-new" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623399/Utah-lawmakers-unveil-anti-discrimination-religious-rights-legislation.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://fox13now.com/2015/03/04/compromise-lgbt-nondiscrimination-religious-liberties-released-heres-what-it-says/" target="_blank">Fox13] [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/4998-non-discrimination-and-religious-liberty-bill-unveiled" target="_blank">UtahPolicy] [http://kuer.org/post/compromise-anti-discrimination-bill-brings-lgbt-community-lds-church-together" target="_blank">KUER] [http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/historic-compromise-on-lgbt-nondiscrimination-and/16315/7MhJa3ZopEm8KmL6pelt8Q" target="_blank">ABC4] [http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/legislature/lds-church-backs-utah-lgbt-anti-discrimination-bill/article_14541c4b-9c5e-5428-aa8a-e6c3019bb208.html" target="_blank">Herald]
-> Mitt Romney sent a letter to Gov. Gary Herbert and other legislative leaders yesterday urging them to pass a bill to make sure they have a presidential primary, instead of a caucus as the Utah Republican Party has suggested. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2249987-155/mitt-romney-attacks-utah-gops-plan" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623390/Mitt-Romney-calls-Utah-GOP-move-to-a-caucus-a-bad-decision.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/4991-romney-hammers-utah-gop-plans-for-presidential-caucus-in-2016" target="_blank">UtahPolicy]
-> Although House Speaker Greg Hughes finally agreed to allow Gov. Gary Herbert's Healthy Utah alternative to Medicaid expansion to be held in the house, it looks like he was right; the bill didn't have enough support in committee and failed with a 4-9 vote. The Republican House leaders' alternative, "Utah Cares," was approved and will move on to the full House. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2249356-155/panel-rejects-healthy-utah-opts-for" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623469/Gov-Gary-Herberts-Healthy-Utah-plan-fails-in-House-committee.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://fox13now.com/2015/03/04/healthy-utah-fails-in-committee-utah-cares-advances-to-house-for-further-consideration/" target="_blank">Fox13] [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/4999-healthy-utah-falls-in-house-committee" target="_blank">UtahPolicy] [http://kuer.org/post/healthy-utah-dies-committee-while-utah-cares-moves-house" target="_blank">KUER] [http://www.standard.net/Government/2015/03/04/Utah-House-panel-votes-down-governor-s-Medicaid-plan.html" target="_blank">AP] [http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/utah-cares-moves-forward/22385/0mbvA4HFxUeQOEPBERtHJw" target="_blank">ABC4]
Tweets of the day: From @https://twitter.com/betterutah" target="_blank">betterutah: "Rep Miller said the words 'nuclear option' and the House video feed died. #conspiracies"
From @http://www.twitter.com/JAdomian" target="_blank">JAdomian: "Anyone who claims they're not running for president at this point is lying. Everyone is running for president. All of you."
Happy Birthday: To former Trib intern Laura Schmitz.
From Capitol Hill: A package of bills is on the way through the Legislature that would begin chipping away at the state's heavy protection laws on car dealerships. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2212479-155/free-market-lawmakers-take-aim-at-utahs" target="_blank">Trib] One of these bills, which was passed by committee yesterday, would allow car manufacturers such as Tesla to operate in the state outside of traditional dealership franchises. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2250110-155/bill-opening-door-for-tesla-other" target="_blank">Trib]
-> A new bill would give the Prison Relocation Commission until Aug. 1 to recommend a new site for the prison, and would give Gov. Herbert the power to take the decision to a Legislative vote if he disagrees. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2249885-155/utah-house-leaders-new-plan-would" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/north/eagle-mountain/need-to-know-changes-for-the-prison-relocation-selection-process/article_b7646da7-01a2-50a4-8a23-0335d6a90191.html" target="_blank">Herald]
-> The debate continues over state school board elections, with three bills addressing on the issue advancing and two failing over the past two days. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623374/3-State-School-Board-bills-advance-1-fails-as-partisan-debate-continues.html" target="_blank">DNews] [http://kuer.org/post/house-defeats-partisan-school-board-bill" target="_blank">KUER]
-> A House committee approved a bill yesterday that would rename a section of Interstate 15 after the late Speaker Becky Lockhart. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2250709-155/interstate-15-section-may-be-renamed" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623445/House-committee-approves-proposal-to-name-highway-section-after-Becky-Lockhart.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Provo band Neon Trees made a visit to the Senate yesterday to be recognized for its commitment to clean living, but didn't leave without playing a song. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2250868-155/neon-trees-plays-unusual-venue-" target="_blank">Trib] Here's a video: [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2250209-155/that-time-neon-trees-serenaded-the" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Lawmakers approved a new bill Tuesday that would create a pilot program to allow educators to teach year round instead of being unemployed in the summer. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623407/Bill-proposing-more-math-for-high-school-students-moves-to-House.html" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Minors caught with drugs may have more helpful options than just getting their driver's licenses revoked, according to a new bill passed in a Senate committee. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623415/Senate-advances-bill-to-improve-juvenile-drug-and-alcohol-correctional-system.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> A bill that would restrict anonymous campaign donations over $50 failed in the Senate on a vote of 12-12. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623431/Utah-Senate-rejects-bill-to-prohibit-anonymous-campaign-donations.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> A bill advanced by a House committee would seek to help the 12,000 Utah students that have to take remedial math courses in college by making sure they're more prepared. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623407/Bill-proposing-more-math-for-high-school-students-moves-to-House.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> New legislation would allow a grand jury in the case of allegations against a public official or the use of deadly force by a police officer. [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/4992-bill-would-convene-grand-jury-in-use-of-force-allegations-against-police-officers" target="_blank">UtahPolicy]
-> A bill that would allow you to take a selfie with your ballot received final approval in the Senate yesterday and goes to the governor for his signature. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623426/Bill-to-allow-voting-selfies-passes-Utah-Senate-awaits-governor-approval.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> Another ballot-related bill would clarify mail-in ballot laws to make sure none are turned away due to technical issues. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623423/Bill-to-boost-countable-ballots-passes-Utah-Senate-awaits-governors-signature.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> After a near-disastrous Oktoberfest celebration last year, a new bill would make clarifications to the state law that allow alcohol at special events. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2250073-155/bill-aimed-at-avoiding-another-liquor-permit" target="_blank">Trib]
-> A bill was advanced in committee yesterday that would begin opt-in gun safety instruction for eighth graders in public schools, with the intent of teaching them not to touch guns they might see lying around. [http://www.standard.net/Government/2015/03/04/Davis-County-lawmaker-backs-bill-to-teach-gun-safety-to-eighth-graders.html" target="_blank">StandardExaminer] [http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/legislature/utah-senate-panel-approves-gun-safety-classes-for-students/article_63ccdcbf-0f6a-5045-879d-20c845183027.html" target="_blank">AP]
-> The House gave final passage to a bill yesterday that would require undocumented immigrants to pay more and face stricter background checks for driving privilege cards. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2249255-155/bill-passes-to-raise-fees-for" target="_blank">Trib]
-> A Senate committee advanced a bill yesterday that would allow one-touch use of cell phones while driving, striking a compromise between two other bills. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2248795-155/bill-advances-to-allow-one-touch-cellphone" target="_blank">Trib]
-> The Senate gave final approval to a bill that would facilitate a smartphone app to help students report bullying and suicide. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623406/Senate-OKs-bill-for-school-crisis-reporting-app.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> A Senate committee approved a bill that would create an account where lawmakers could periodically stash funding for two controversial water projects. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2249312-155/unfunded-water-bill-like-homeless-guy" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865623393/Bill-establishing-water-fund-advances-from-committee.html" target="_blank">DNews]
-> And here's today's Legislature schedule. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2250262-155/utah-legislature-thursday-march-5" target="_blank">Trib]
In other news: Tesla was planning on opening its first dealership in Utah Friday, but the state's refused to grant it a license is putting a hitch in its plans. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2245987-155/run-in-with-state-law-could-block" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Sens. Mike Lee and Marco Rubio unveiled a tax plan yesterday that would significantly overhaul the country's tax code, lessening the corporate tax and creating only two tax brackets. [http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2015/03/04/258620/rubio-lee-offer-long-shot-plan.html" target="_blank">McClatchy]
-> Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank is denying allegations that his purchase of body cameras from Taser International was because of financial or travel incentives. [http://fox13now.com/2015/03/04/slc-police-chief-defends-decision-to-buy-body-cameras-from-taser-international/" target="_blank">Fox13] [http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/salt-lake-police-chief-i-didnt-do-anything-inappro/22162/yrPvG_ZN60WjWtIf7V_0tw" target="_blank">ABC4]
-> Utah released a fact sheet yesterday aimed at helping people understand how the Count My Vote compromise would work in elections. [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/4994-state-issues-faq-on-how-count-my-vote-compromise-will-work" target="_blank">UtahPolicy]
-> A new study released yesterday says Utah tops the nation for the amount of people living in cities and towns. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2249082-155/utah-tops-nation-for-huddling-into" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Pat Bagley offers his take on the LDS Church's endorsement of an anti-discrimination bill. [http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/2250489-155/bagley-cartoon-latter-day-adoption" target="_blank">Trib]
-> Eagle Mountain completed a sale of its gas and electric-power operations yesterday, a move that will drastically reduce its debt. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2250287-155/eagle-mountain-sells-its-electric-gas" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/north/eagle-mountain/why-the-eagle-mountain-mayor-has-a-milestone-to-celebrate/article_ee197b82-c98b-53f6-a7bf-5ea16f499273.html" target="_blank">Herald]
Nationally: The Keystone XL Pipeline will not be happening any time soon, with the Senate falling four votes short of the two-thirds threshold needed to overturn President Barack Obama's veto yesterday. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765669533/Senate-fails-to-override-Obamas-veto-of-pipeline-bill.html" target="_blank">AP] [http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2015/03/04/390732040/senate-fails-in-bid-to-override-obamas-veto-on-keystone-xl-pipeline" target="_blank">NPR] [http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/04/us-usa-keystone-senate-idUSKBN0M02BT20150304" target="_blank">Reuters] [http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-fails-override-obamas-keystone-xl-veto-n317336" target="_blank">NBC] The Washington Post fact checks the reasons Obama gives for not supporting the bill. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/wp/2015/03/02/obamas-claim-that-keystone-xl-oil-bypasses-the-u-s-earns-four-pinocchios/" target="_blank">WaPost]
-> After clearing white police officer Darren Wilson for the fatal shooting of an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Mo., the Justice Department called for sweeping changed in the city's law enforcement, calling the current practices discriminatory and unconstitutional. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765669557/US-clears-officer-in-Ferguson-case-criticizes-police-force.html" target="_blank">AP] [http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/03/04/justice-ferguson-inquiry/24365713/" target="_blank">USAToday] [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-31735414" target="_blank">BBC] [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/03/04/doj-will-not-prosecute-former-ferguson-police-officer-darren-wilson/" target="_blank">Fox] [http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/04/politics/ferguson-darren-wilson-justice-department-report/" target="_blank">CNN] [http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/05/us/darren-wilson-is-cleared-of-rights-violations-in-ferguson-shooting.html?_r=0" target="_blank">NYTimes]
Where are they?
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— Thomas Burr and Erica Palmer
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