Since the first Thursday of this month, which would have been March 1st, the day after the 2007 General Legislative Session, I’ve had every good intention of producing some sort of Legislative Wrap-Up.  Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened.  Fortunately, others in the Media and Blogers alike, have started the process for me.  And, in an effort to keep my job, and in an effort to produce satisfactory, informative information (?), here are a couple links to get you started:

The Utah Taxpayers Association March Newsletter…or…I couldn’t have said it better myself.  In their annual Legislative summary, Stephenson and Jerman summarize (?) just about every significant action the Legislature took…just short of the kitchen sink.  GREAT READING!  Click HERE.

The Senate Site (not the new Democrat one, but the other one) references a brief issues wrap-up from Utah Issues (?), thanking UI for UI’s wrap-up soas not to have to write one of their own on several topics…so I’ll thank the Senate Site for not having to link to the Utah Issues wrap-up page, and I’ll give the permalink to the Senate Site instead so you can get to UI’s wrap-up through the Senate Site…got it?!–OK.  Click HERE.

More to come…just don’t hold your breath.

Remember the movie JAWS?!  That darn shark just kept coming back for more.  You could harpoon him…you could blow him up…you could pull him out of the bay, chop him up into little pieces, and cook him for supper and…he’d keep coming back!

Well, just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water…its back.  Utah’s Fourth Congressional Seat debate is back.  Today, in a Deseret News article by Suzanne Struglinski (Click HERE for link), there seems to be a new passion being flamed in DC for the apportionment of two additional seats in Congress–one for Utah and one for DC.

All them scholars bach thar on that thar educated East Coast must’ve finally found one-of-thum-thar loopholes in the US Constitution soas to grant a non-state a full-voting seat in Congress–I knew once the D’s got into power they’d put it to good use…Yuk, Yuk!

In a continuing effort to help clarify what the Legislature did during this past General Session (‘07), related to Utah Education spending, The Dome has linked to a CHART posted on the Senate Site and a brief post showing some interesting numbers (STATISTICS) on the Utah Taxpayers Association blog.

The Utah State Democrat Senators have entered the Blogosphere.  Their site has a snappy, patriotic look.  Congratulations and good luck to Mike and the gang!  Click HERE to link.

Are you interested in highlights of the ‘07 General Session other than money issues? (Hard to believe.)  Here’s a link to highlights earmarked as “significant” by Legislative Leadership and the Office of Legislative Research and General Council.  Click HERE.

Since adjourning Sine Die at midnight Wednesday evening, the question most asked has been, “What did you do for Public and Higher Education?”

And the answer is: “More than we have ever done in the history of this state!”  And, if that answer is not sufficient, here’s a little light reading on THE FACTS:

The Report on the STATE BUDGET OVERVIEW (February 28, 2007 at Midnight) This .pdf format compilation of all the financial “segments” of government (by Sub-Appropriations Committee) is a great summary of how your money was spent (or will be) by the Legislature–Public Education is on page 9 of 11 & Higher Education is on page 8 of 11.

The MINIMUM SCHOOL BUDGET BILL (HB3 & HB160 Amendments)

A bill specifically addressing the INCREASE IN TEACHER PAY & ONE-TIME BONUS (3SHB382 Rep. B. Dee) (Note: Teachers’ salary increases were pulled outside the WPU increase so that teachers would recieve the full-effect of the intent of the legislative action.)

The total price tag for this teacher pay increase and bonus will be $68,700,000. in on-going funding and $33,000,000. in a one-time appropriation, respectively.

Deseret News Article

Salt Lake Tribune Article

Under The Dome link to Legislative Press Release

Please, leave any additional questions in the “COMMENT” section.