Several credible sources have alluded to a Special Session in May.

I concur with Senator Lyle Hillyard’s assessment…on the Senate Site blog.

Yesterday, Speaker David Clark (R-Santa Clara) testified before a US Senate Committee  (video) on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension.  The focus of this panel discussion was to learn what individual states are doing to address healthcare costs and delivery.

Speaker Clark eloquently stated Utah’s position of a market driven state regulated system and asked that the federal government work closely with the states, soas not to mitigate the efforts and authority of states trying to produce a local solution.

The following time points on the video are approximately where Speaker Clark addresses the committee (plus or minus):  42:05, 60:00, 78:54, 86:45, 100:45 and 107:50.  (Total video time approximately 111 minutes)

This morning’s Deseret News   posted an article by Bob Bernick, on the technically savvy Ric Cantrell (Chief Deputy of the Senate), about delivering electronic government to Utah’s citizenry…and beyond.  Ric has volunteered thousands of hours over the years assisting Senators in creating a more interactive and transparent legislature.

Most of what I know (about 2.0)…I learned from Ric!

Hot off the press.  The results of the Utah County Republican Party Organizing Convention held this morning at Canyon View Junior High School in Orem.  Again, Congratulations to our new leadership team and all those who participated as candidates in the process.

Prudent.    Bernick.

As the newest member of the Governor’s Commission on Strengthening Utah’s Democracy, I was interested to see in the news this morning that Governor Huntsman has backed away from two areas of focus, redistricting and ethics.  Clearly this decision to focus on the remaining agenda items, and not to delve into legislative powers and authority, is appropriate and reinforces the importance of the separation of powers found in the Utah State Constitution.

Read more:  Salt Lake Tribune article by Robert Gehrke

Read more:  Deseret News article by Lisa Riley Roche

Today, a six page newsletter from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools found its way onto my desk  (imagine that).   On page 3,  were several quotes…I’d like to share one.

“Right now, there are caps on how many charter schools are allowed in some states, no matter how well they are preparing our students.  That isn’t good for our children, our economy, or our country.  Of course, any expansion of charter schools must not result in the spread of mediocraty, but in the advancement of excellence.  That will require states adopting both a rigorous selection and review process to ensure that a charter school’s autonomy is coupled with greater accountability.”                      - Author  (link)

Why is it the left and moderates in the Utah State Legislature continue to vote against the growth and funding of Public Charter Schools in Utah?!

Link to video of floor debate during HB2  (approx. 13:22 into debate), first bill under PART 1

This picture was “snapped” outside the Capitol today…Is Spring really here?

Following the Legislative Wrap-up meeting last week, I had a chance to sit down with a person I believe is one of the newest “rising stars” in the Utah County Republican Party…Matt Thompson.

Matt has one of those fresh twinkles in his eye when you talk to him about UC party politics.  He’s anxious and ready to jump into the job, ready to volunteer his time and talents to bring connectivity to Republicans throughout the county and state.  He’s a high tech guy.  I asked him if he’d resent us exploiting his computer tech talents for free…he grinned and said of course not.

Matt is a relatively young guy.  Working, going to school, homeowner, young family.  Just the kinda guy I was when I got involved, really, for the first time in Utah politics.  He convinced me during our chat that, now more than ever, we need to integrate younger republicans into party leadership.   He also convinced me that he has the skills and qualifications to perform the tasks associated with the office for which he is running.

Matt has the skills of an organizer, the character of a winner, and the vision of a leader…I’m voting for Matt for Utah County Party Secretary.

Holly Richardson (Holly On the Hill) has posted a fantastic summary of the recent 2009 General Session Wrap-up held on April 15th at the Lincoln Academy, hosted by state Representative Craig Frank.  A big “thanks” to Mr. Hunt of Lincoln Academy for the use of the facility, as well as, US Congressman Jason Chaffetz, state Senator John Valentine, state Representative John Dougall.  The event coordinator was Holly Richardson, who deserves a big “thumbs up” for organizing this wonderful evening.