This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

Judiciary chairman: Hillary Clinton likely violated the law. BYU poll finds strong support for Healthy Utah plan. Obama expected to stay overnight in Utah.

Happy Wednesday. In the ongoing saga over Hillary Clinton's private email account, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley says that he believes the former secretary of state likely violated the law. "They all fall into one great big mistake she made and it could be a violation of law, probably is a violation of law," said Grassley. Expect this issue not to go away in the near future. [http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/charles-grassley-hillary-clinton-private-email/2015/03/31/id/635635/" target="_blank">Newsmax]

Topping the news: A new BYU poll finds that Utah voters strongly support Gov. Gary Herbert's Healthy Utah alternative to Medicaid expansion, but have lukewarm feelings toward the House Republicans' alternative, Utah Cares. [http://www.sltrib.com/home/2353348-155/byu-poll-finds-big-support-for" target="_blank">Trib]

-> President Barack Obama is expected to stay overnight in Utah this week before he holds an event about the economy at Hill Air Force Base. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865625465/Obama-expected-to-stay-overnight-in-Utah-for-HAFB-visit.html" target="_blank">DNews]

-> Utah lawmakers and Gov. Herbert are still far from a deal on an alternative to Medicaid expansion. [http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/5252-how-far-away-are-we-from-a-deal-on-medicaid-expansion" target="_blank">UtahPolicy]

Tweets of the day: From @https://twitter.com/jermsguy" target="_blank">jermsguy: "Can't help but like Dabakis for saying 'Thanks, Indiana. Hey, Angie's List, wanna come to Utah?'"

From @https://twitter.com/RexHuppke" target="_blank">RexHuppke: "BREAKING: Arkansas lawmakers send 'religious freedom' bill to governor after apparently not watching any news at all for the past week"

Happy Birthday: To former state Sen. Chris Buttars, Sen. Orrin Hatch's former communications director Matt Harakal, and Mimi Andrews.

In other news: There were a dozen bills presented in the Utah's 2016 legislative session addressing restrictions on law enforcement. Critics say the trend demonstrates an erosion of trust in law enforcement and the bills make it harder for police to do their jobs. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2335754-155/police-reform-how-much-does-utah" target="_blank">Trib]

-> Utah's Rep. Rob Bishop says he wants to use his chairmanship of the House Natural Resources Committee to hold a series of hearings this spring and summer on federal landownership, a hot topic in Western states. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865625437/Rep-Rob-Bishop-plans-public-lands-hearings-on-federal-ownership.html" target="_blank">DNews]

-> A new metal ornament that will adorn the top of the U.S. Capitol will be made by Mormon pioneer descendants at a West Jordan foundry. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2347511-155/utah-foundry-to-leave-mark-on" target="_blank">AP] [http://kuer.org/post/utah-company-works-restore-us-capitol-dome" target="_blank">KUER] [http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/local-company-helps-restore-us-capitol-dome/37179/yVvfNEP0wE-qaR0Cu_K5Tg" target="_blank">ABC4]

-> Google executives decided to back out of a fundraiser for Utah's Sen. Mike Lee after the two parties agreed it would look bad for Lee to accept contributions right after he announced an probe into the federal government's investigations in the company. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2352193-155/google-backs-out-of-mike-lee" target="_blank">Trib]

-> Gov. Gary Herbert signed a couple bills addressing the education budget yesterday and another one that will extensively reform the state's criminal justice system and focus on shorter sentences and treatment programs to reduce recidivism. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2353425-155/sentences-for-some-drug-crimes-reduced" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865625470/Herbert-signs-bills-for-education-funding-criminal-justice-reform.html" target="_blank">DNews]

-> Critics are still skeptical of another bill he signed today that will require students to take a civics test before they graduate. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865625448/Utah-educators-skeptical-of-civics-test-requirement.html" target="_blank">DNews]

-> He also signed a bill that will regulate law enforcement officers' use of forced entry. [http://www.standard.net/Police/2015/03/31/Utah-governor-OKs-regulation-of-forced-entry-by-police.html" target="_blank">AP]

-> While some veterans are rallying against a bill that would rename a portion of the Veterans Memorial Highway after the late Speaker Becky Lockhart, other veterans say it's no big deal. [http://www.standard.net/Government/2015/03/31/Top-of-Utah-vets.html" target="_blank">StandEx]

-> Some are calling a resolution signed by the governor on Monday urging appreciation of Vietnam veterans a "belated welcome home" for the veterans. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865625378/Vets-receive-overdue-thanks-in-Utahs-first-Vietnam-Veterans-Recognition-Day.html" target="_blank">DNews]

-> The Japanese ambassador visited Utah yesterday and expressed interest in increasing an already flourishing trade relationship with the state. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2351063-155/japans-ambassador-seeks-to-beef-up" target="_blank">Trib]

-> Utah's Consumer Attitude Index soared again this month, a point that experts call a sign of a healthy and robust economy. [http://kuer.org/post/utah-consumer-confidence-soars-above-bellwether-again" target="_blank">KUER]

-> As the economy continues to improve, one industry that's suffering is substitute teachers. Potential substitutes say the low pay and inconsistent hours make the job not worth it. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865625388/School-leaders-look-for-solutions-to-substitute-teacher-shortage.html" target="_blank">DNews]

-> A pilot program based in Ogden, Next Generation Kids, seeks to end the cycle of intergenerational poverty. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2351771-155/i-dont-want-my-daughter-to" target="_blank">Trib] Lawmakers unveiled a new plan Tuesday to help reach the same goal. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865625455/State-unveils-plans-to-measurably-reduce-rates-of-intergenerational-poverty-among-Utah-children.html" target="_blank">DNews]

-> Recent research echoes previous studies that say political polarization and income inequality go hand-in-hand. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865625400/Political-polarization-is-a-driving-force-in-income-inequality.html" target="_blank">DNews]

-> Two new reports say commuting may not be so bad in Utah. The reports ranked Utah's drivers and traffic congestion better than many other cities. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2351686-155/despite-what-you-think-studies-say" target="_blank">Trib]

-> Safety advocates say the 80 mph speed limit in some states is putting semi trucks at a greater risk for tire blowouts. [http://www.standard.net/Business/2015/03/31/Utah-s-80-mph-speed-limit-heightens-truck-tire-blowout-danger.html" target="_blank">StandEx]

-> A new law allowing police officers to pull drivers over simply for not wearing their seat belts will go into effect in about a month. [http://fox13now.com/2015/03/31/officers-can-now-pull-you-over-for-not-wearing-seat-belt-with-new-law/" target="_blank">Fox13]

-> A new safety report released by the Utah Foundation yesterday says Utah needs to work on it's laws regarding teen driving, motorcycle helmets and distracted driving. [http://www.standard.net/Government/2015/03/31/Seat-belts-helmets-and-cell-phones-scrutinized-in-new-traffic-safety-report.html" target="_blank">StandEx]

-> Salt Lake City is trying to become more bike-friendly, with GREENbike beginning its third season of bike sharing early and offering more promotions, and the mayor's office pushing for another permanent bike lane. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2351059-155/greenbike-rolls-out-for-third-year" target="_blank">Trib] [http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/salt-lakes-greenbike-program-is-back-early-due-to/35971/I5tJO23x6kSu5sgjK5j9IQ" target="_blank">ABC4] [http://fox13now.com/2015/03/31/slc-plans-more-permanent-bicycle-lanes/" target="_blank">Fox13]

-> The Wolf Creek Pass in the Uinta Mountains opened a month early this year due to the warm, dry winter. [http://www.sltrib.com/news/2352993-155/sign-of-weird-winter-wolf-creek" target="_blank">Trib]

-> West Jordan is holding an open meeting tonight to discuss a proposed cultural center in the city. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865625409/West-Jordan-slates-meeting-to-discuss-proposed-cultural-center.html" target="_blank">DNews]

-> Utah's Chick-fil-A restaurants will be donating a portion of their proceeds to help the family of Utah County Sgt. Cory Wride, who was shot and killed last year on duty, travel to Washington to be honored during National Police Week. [http://www.good4utah.com/story/d/story/fundraiser-for-wride-family-held-at-utah-chick-fil/30418/6tSNMqyZNka0-LkgwYNMyw" target="_blank">ABC4]

Nationally: Governors and mayors across the nation, including those in Connecticut, Washington, and the District of Columbia, have officially banned government-funded travel to Indiana after the passage of the state's controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act. [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/03/31/connecticut-gov-imposes-travel-ban-over-indianas-religious-freedom-law-despite/" target="_blank">Fox] [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/31/denver-indiana-travel-ban_n_6981240.html" target="_blank">HuffPost] [http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2015/03/30/connecticut-bans-state-funded-travel-to-indiana-over-religious-freedom-law/" target="_blank">WSJ] D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the travel ban will continue until the law is permanently repealed or clarified to forbid discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. [http://blogs.rollcall.com/hill-blotter/bowser-bans-travel-to-indiana-over-religous-freedom-law/?dcz=" target="_blank">RollCall]

-> Indiana Gov. Mike Pence has defended the law but said he's asked lawmakers to change it to ensure it does not allow discrimination. [http://thehill.com/homenews/news/237544-indiana-governor-in-crisis-mode" target="_blank">TheHill] [http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/03/31/pence-to-speak-on-indianas-religious-liberties-bill/" target="_blank">WaPost] [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-indiana-religious-freedom-law-20150331-story.html" target="_blank">ChicacoTribune]

-> The Hillary Clinton email scandal continues, with the head of the committee in charge of the investigation the Benghazi attacks saying he wants to interview Clinton by May 1 to give the committee a better idea of the motive behind her decisions to use a personal email to conduct her state department business. [http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765671050/Gowdy-sets-May-1-deadline-for-Hillary-Clinton-interview-on-emails.html" target="_blank">AP] [http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/hillary-clinton/benghazi-panel-requests-interview-hillary-clinton-may-1-n333251" target="_blank">NBC] [http://www.politico.com/story/2015/03/hillary-clinton-trey-gowdy-benghazi-panel-116546.html" target="_blank">Politico]

-> Meanwhile, a new poll says she is losing her lead over possible 2016 GOP contenders for the presidency and voters do not believe she is trustworthy. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2015/03/31/hillary-clintons-poll-numbers-crumble/" target="_blank">WaPost]

-> President Barack Obama commuted the sentences of 22 people convicted of drug crimes yesterday, following the national wave of prison reform and reduced sentences. [http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/237526-obama-commutes-sentences-of-22-convicted-drug-offenders" target="_blank">TheHill] [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/31/obama-commutations-drug-sentences_n_6978826.html" target="_blank">HuffPost] [http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2015/03/31/obama-commutations-drug-cases/70730452/" target="_blank">USAToday]

Where are they?

  • Rep. Jason https://twitter.com/jasoninthehouse" target="_blank">Chaffetz visits with BYU President Kevin Worthen, meets with the Daily Herald editorial board, attends the Utah County Farm Field Day and meets with doTERRA corporate offices.
  • Rep. Mia https://twitter.com/RepMiaLove" target="_blank">Love tours the Utah VA Hospital.
  • Gov. Gary https://twitter.com/GovHerbert" target="_blank">Herbert has no public events.
  • Lt. Gov. Spencer https://twitter.com/SpencerJCox" target="_blank">Cox attends the Women's Leadership Institute Board meeting and reviews bills.
  • SLC Mayor Ralph https://twitter.com/beckerformayor" target="_blank">Becker attends the Mayor's Symposium 2015, "Blue-Green City" and an airport redevelopment update.
  • President Barack https://twitter.com/BarackObama" target="_blank">Obama meets with Vice President Joe Biden.
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    — Thomas Burr and Erica Palmer

    https://twitter.com/thomaswburr" target="_blank">Twitter.com/thomaswburr and https://twitter.com/erica_palmer">Twitter.com/erica_palmer