Following the dinner break (6-7 pm), legislators get back to work for the “long haul.”  Legislators will work until the stroke of twelve.

Having been in the basement of the West Extension Building (temporary housing of the legislature) all day…it was time for a little break.  Outside, it’s been beautiful all day…so they say.

In a concerted effort not to have to listen to the sponsors of bills authorizing Interim Task Forces, Rep. Mark Walker and Rep. Kevin Garn go toe-to-toe stacking the salt and pepper shakers during Majority Caucus Lunch.  To the disappointment of those presenting, attention was quickly diverted from the passionate pleas of the would-be taskators and directly toward the rapidly growing tabletop structure.

Garn’s final attempt at topping the “less-seasoned” legislator failed leaving Walker to exclaim, ” This (was) the toughest thing I’ve had to do all Session.”

President Bill Sederburg, flanked by his staff, gives up a “V” for Victory following the unanimous House Floor vote taking UVSC one step closer to university status.

Rep Brad Daw (R-Orem), who represents the House District surrounding UVSC, stands to speak in favor of SB70 (Amended) Utah Valley University Institutional Name Change (Senate Sponsor: John Valentine, House Sponsor: David Clark).  The House unanimously passed the “name change” which will bring additional funding and university status to Utah County’s first state university in 2008.

Rep. Steve Mascaro closes his eyes during a brief “recess” during Tuesday’s lunch break.  Traditionally, members of the legislature will work late into the evening on the last three days of the General Session–Wednesday, the 45th and last day, Senators and Represenatives will adjourn sine die at Midnight.

Def: Sine die — (SI-nee Di-ee OR SIN-ay DEE-ay) [Latin: "without day"] With no day being assigned (as for resumption of a meeting or hearing).

Here’s a little article from the Salt Lake Tribune on the “power” of the House Conservative Caucus.  Just remember–before you read–power is in the eye of the beholder.

Or…like my momma used to say, “Don’t believe anything you read and only half of what you see.”

Click HERE for Tribune article.

The Utah State Legislature will fund Utah Education to the tune of $527.9 million in ADDITIONAL money this year.  In a press release yesterday afternoon, following the close of Friday’s legislative business, Legislative leadership took the opportunity to share some unprecidented education spending numbers with the public.

Senate President, John Valentine (R-Orem) in the press statement commented that “this level of funding for education is both historic and necessary.”

The education spending package includes a $1000 one-time bonus for all Utah teachers, a $2,500 permanent pay raise for all Utah teachers, and a 4% increase in the WPU (Weighted Pupil Unit).  This is the equivilant of a 7% increase in the WPU.

Some members of the Legislature recognize the need for increased education spending but are concerned about the long-term viability of a 13% WPU growth over a two year period (FY07 & FY08).  Concerns expressed over the volitility and sustainability of our state’s long-term economy have some wondering what will happen to education funding “when things head south” again as they did in the early part of this decade.  State leaders were forced to cut tens of millions of dollars in the budget each year for a three year period before the economy recovered–expending nearly all the rainy day funds in the state’s coffers and creating new or increasing existing taxes on services just because they could.

Others aren’t so concerned, as the state’s educational “rainy-day fund” has “topped-off” to a significant level and should be able to “absorb” minor fluctuations in the economy.

Click HERE…HERE…and HERE for more information.

Were you the kid who was picked-on and potentially beaten-up by the schoolyard bully?  Has your child been a VICTIM of schoolyard, hallway, or classroom violence or intimidation?  Well…NO MORE.  HB186 SCHOOL SAFETY AMENDMENTS removes those bullies from school…creating a safer environment for children to be educated in our public schools.

Rep. Carol Spackman Moss (D-SLC) and Sen. Chris Buttars (R-West Jordan), are co-sponsoring this legislation which will enact anti-bullying legislation (enacted by 28 other states since 2001) hoping to restrict physical and verbal intimidation used by some children to coerce and control anther human being.

 Floor debate concerns were addressed by Rep. Carl Wimmer (R-Herriman), an active duty police officer, regarding the “reporting” provisions of the bill–Wimmer said he would support the bill, though.

The final vote was 55 Yeas-11 Nays-9 Absent.  Click HERE for voting results by Representatives.

Naturally, a timely event to blog about would have been the abandonment of the Divine Strake Project in Nevada.  Ric Cantrell (aka Galley Slave) has already covered it on the Senate Site.  Thanks for making my job easy this morning, Ric.

Click HERE for link to comment and newspaper articles.