The House is coming into session for Day 2 of the special session.
Expect a vote on the @DixieState name change this morning (and my colleague @HaileyHiggins will be in the House for their fun and games).
I'm in the Senate, waiting for them to start on congressional map. #utpol
Expect a vote on the @DixieState name change this morning (and my colleague @HaileyHiggins will be in the House for their fun and games).
I'm in the Senate, waiting for them to start on congressional map. #utpol
Expect a day full of votes, kids.
We've still got bail reform, @DixieState name change and #COVID19 vaccine exemptions, in addition to redistricting.
While we wait for gavel down, here's some #MusicToSaunterTo: open.spotify.com/track/6sT9MWlJ… #utpol #Utah
We've still got bail reform, @DixieState name change and #COVID19 vaccine exemptions, in addition to redistricting.
While we wait for gavel down, here's some #MusicToSaunterTo: open.spotify.com/track/6sT9MWlJ… #utpol #Utah
Gavel down! @JStuartAdams calls the Senate to order.
I'm told they'll address the congressional map first up, but in this special session anything can happen. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
I'm told they'll address the congressional map first up, but in this special session anything can happen. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
...aaaaand in the House, the @DixieState name change bill just got circled without a reason. It's in purgatory, kids. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
This is a great question.
"Circled" means a bill is kind of put in limbo. It's pulled from debate and just held, usually because there's negotiations ongoing or even as simple as the sponsor is off the floor. It can be "uncircled" at any time and debated/voted. #utpol #Utah
"Circled" means a bill is kind of put in limbo. It's pulled from debate and just held, usually because there's negotiations ongoing or even as simple as the sponsor is off the floor. It can be "uncircled" at any time and debated/voted. #utpol #Utah
https://twitter.com/WrathfulStrudel/status/1458489677212635137
Sen. Sandall insists the map "doesn't dilute any voices."
He says it elevates urban and rural voices.
"We are one Utah," he says. "Combined in one community of interest."
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
He says it elevates urban and rural voices.
"We are one Utah," he says. "Combined in one community of interest."
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
"It is again paramount that both urban and rural Utah be represented in each of these districts," Sen. Sandall says.
@derekkitchen asks what was the process for drawing/editing the maps prior to Friday? He says it was outside public view.
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
@derekkitchen asks what was the process for drawing/editing the maps prior to Friday? He says it was outside public view.
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
Sen. Sandall says they had a parallel path to @UtahRedistrict.
"We identified maps from the public that we felt had validity... the genesis of this map came from the green map the commission was using." @fox13 #utpol #Utah
"We identified maps from the public that we felt had validity... the genesis of this map came from the green map the commission was using." @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@derekkitchen asks if national GOP groups had input?
"They did not contact me and I did not have contact with them," Sen. Sandall says, adding he's not aware of anyone else on the committee having contact either. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
"They did not contact me and I did not have contact with them," Sen. Sandall says, adding he's not aware of anyone else on the committee having contact either. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@derekkitchen says intentionally splitting SL Co. more than 2x is "unconscionable."
He asks if his community (SLC) "deserves to have a voice in our federal government?"
"I believe every citizen in the state... ought to have a voice in the federal government." @fox13 #utpol
He asks if his community (SLC) "deserves to have a voice in our federal government?"
"I believe every citizen in the state... ought to have a voice in the federal government." @fox13 #utpol
.@derekkitchen continues to push, questioning if SLC is being diluted.
"I don't believe I've diluted anyone's voice," Sen. Sandall replies.
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
"I don't believe I've diluted anyone's voice," Sen. Sandall replies.
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@KarenMayneUT5 tears into her colleagues, comparing it to the "slap chopper" on TV.
"I'm not for cutting SL Co. in four pieces," she says. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
"I'm not for cutting SL Co. in four pieces," she says. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
"This is unacceptable," @KarenMayneUT5 says, again calling it like the "chopper."
"Chop. Chop. Chop," she says.
"My heart bleeds for you, Sen. Mayne," Sen. Hinkins counters, saying at least someone represents them in rural Utah. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
"Chop. Chop. Chop," she says.
"My heart bleeds for you, Sen. Mayne," Sen. Hinkins counters, saying at least someone represents them in rural Utah. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
BTW, Sen. Hinkins was being sarcastic with his remark to @KarenMayneUT5 (for those who didn't get it).
Sen. Davis says the map is about rural, but none of the congressional reps actually represent agriculture interests. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
Sen. Davis says the map is about rural, but none of the congressional reps actually represent agriculture interests. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@Mskriebe urges the Senate to pass the @UtahRedistrict maps.
Sen. Johnson says the independent commission was made up of largely SLC people who drew a circle "around Salt Lake."
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
Sen. Johnson says the independent commission was made up of largely SLC people who drew a circle "around Salt Lake."
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
Sen. Johnson basically says that @UtahRedistrict did its own form of gerrymandering.
He's supportive of the #utleg's map.
Sen. Davis counters that #utleg leadership appointed members of the independent commission. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
He's supportive of the #utleg's map.
Sen. Davis counters that #utleg leadership appointed members of the independent commission. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@LincolnFillmore says the federal government owns 70% of the state, has been delinquent on its payment in lieu of taxes.
He says it's important that every district have space that's owned by the feds "so they can represent us to that delinquent taxpayer!" @fox13 #utpol #Utah
He says it's important that every district have space that's owned by the feds "so they can represent us to that delinquent taxpayer!" @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@LincolnFillmore says he supports the congressional map to hold the feds accountable.
@Mskriebe says on infrastructure, Utah's current congressional reps voted against it but SLC supported it.
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
@Mskriebe says on infrastructure, Utah's current congressional reps voted against it but SLC supported it.
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
"That's why Salt Lake needs its own district," @Mskriebe says.
@derekkitchen proposes a substitute map.
Here it is. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
@derekkitchen proposes a substitute map.
Here it is. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@derekkitchen says Salt Lake City has the problems of our state.
"Homeless, housing, air quality," he says, adding they are an economic driver.
"It's inappropriate to split SLC up."
It's @UtahRedistrict's orange map, with some tweaks. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
"Homeless, housing, air quality," he says, adding they are an economic driver.
"It's inappropriate to split SLC up."
It's @UtahRedistrict's orange map, with some tweaks. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
Sen. Sandall says he appreciates the effort, but he's against the map.
"It is of utmost importance that each of our congressional delegation have a footprint... in rural Utah," he says.
Sen. Davis speaks in favor of @derekkitchen's map. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
"It is of utmost importance that each of our congressional delegation have a footprint... in rural Utah," he says.
Sen. Davis speaks in favor of @derekkitchen's map. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@Political_Jake says DC is broken, when either side takes over the goal isn't to serve as much as it is to win.
He says the state needs to have a united front in its congressional delegation. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
He says the state needs to have a united front in its congressional delegation. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@Political_Jake says he can't support @derekkitchen's substitute.
@Mskriebe claps back and says "this bill actually negates the 'canceling' of Salt Lake City. That's the word that's been thrown around a lot lately... 'canceling." @fox13 #utpol #Utah
@Mskriebe claps back and says "this bill actually negates the 'canceling' of Salt Lake City. That's the word that's been thrown around a lot lately... 'canceling." @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@derekkitchen sums and says "Utah does deserve a united front in Washington, DC. We ALL deserve to have a voice."
But he says they can't if, by design, they exclude people and write off 1/3 of the state's population.
"That is NOT the Utah way." @fox13 #utpol #Utah
But he says they can't if, by design, they exclude people and write off 1/3 of the state's population.
"That is NOT the Utah way." @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@derekkitchen's proposed congressional map FAILS.
Back to the original map.
Sen. Sandall invokes a call of the Senate. That means EVERY senator must be brought into the chamber to vote! @fox13 #utpol #Utah
Back to the original map.
Sen. Sandall invokes a call of the Senate. That means EVERY senator must be brought into the chamber to vote! @fox13 #utpol #Utah
Sen. Sandall defends the congressional map and says 104 lawmakers are making these decisions, incorporating voices from all over.
Now the vote. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
Now the vote. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@SenatorLuz says she will oppose the congressional map and "respectfully ask my colleagues to stop the madness."
"This is gerrymandering at its best," she says. "Right now, we are dividing our community."
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
"This is gerrymandering at its best," she says. "Right now, we are dividing our community."
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@JaniIwamoto says Millcreek will be "the new Four Corners" of congressional representation.
She votes no. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
She votes no. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@derekkitchen asks how future generations will look at the redistricting process.
"Seeing the maps drawn on a Friday felt like a slap in the face. I thought we were going in the right direction... " with the independent redistricting maps. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
"Seeing the maps drawn on a Friday felt like a slap in the face. I thought we were going in the right direction... " with the independent redistricting maps. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@SenThatcher votes NO, breaking with Republicans and joining the Democrats.
@JStuartAdams explains his vote, says it's a "powerful map" to have four congressmen representing SLC. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
@JStuartAdams explains his vote, says it's a "powerful map" to have four congressmen representing SLC. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
"I see this as a great opportunity for our capital city to shine," he says, voting yes on it.
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
The congressional map now has a 2/3 majority in the #utleg, ensuring that a citizen referendum cannot happen.
There may still be a chance for a lawsuit or ballot initiative. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
There may still be a chance for a lawsuit or ballot initiative. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
Now, Sen. Cullimore is presenting his #COVID19 vaccine exemption bill.
As I reported earlier this week, it prohibits businesses from firing employees who refuse the jab: fox13now.com/news/local-new… @fox13 #utpol #Utah
As I reported earlier this week, it prohibits businesses from firing employees who refuse the jab: fox13now.com/news/local-new… @fox13 #utpol #Utah
Sen. Cullimore says business groups have weighed in, so there's exemptions for federal contractors, Medicare/Medicaid.
It also prohibits employers from keeping copies of vax cards: le.utah.gov/DynaBill/dbill… @fox13 #utpol #Utah
It also prohibits employers from keeping copies of vax cards: le.utah.gov/DynaBill/dbill… @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@SenatorLuz asks about a BIG carveout just put in the bill: "the termination of an employee, if reassignment of the employee is not practical."
In other words, there's a big loophole for still firing people. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
In other words, there's a big loophole for still firing people. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
Sen. Cullimore says he expects further tweaks as they move forward.
@Mskriebe says Utah is a right to work state, but now because of this they're going to change it all now?
"Is it just because of COVID?" she asks. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
@Mskriebe says Utah is a right to work state, but now because of this they're going to change it all now?
"Is it just because of COVID?" she asks. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
Sen. Cullimore acknowledges ADA doesn't cover people who won't be vaccinated.
@Mskriebe asks if his bill does anything to address COVID long-haulers?
No, he concedes. But some symptoms do rise to level of disability. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
@Mskriebe asks if his bill does anything to address COVID long-haulers?
No, he concedes. But some symptoms do rise to level of disability. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
Sen. Davis asks if there's a repealer if Utah is overruled on a federal level?
Sen. Cullimore acknowledges "this is fluid." He says they may have to work on it in the general session. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
Sen. Cullimore acknowledges "this is fluid." He says they may have to work on it in the general session. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
Sen. Cullimore seemed to acknowledge this bill could be moot if Utah and other states lose litigation over the federal business employee vaccine mandate.
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
Substitute PASSES with those carveouts.
Now debate on the bill.
Sen. Harper asks about the termination clause?
Sen. Cullimore says reassignment would not be deemed an adverse action, but it can still happen if no one can be reassigned. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
Now debate on the bill.
Sen. Harper asks about the termination clause?
Sen. Cullimore says reassignment would not be deemed an adverse action, but it can still happen if no one can be reassigned. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@SenatorLuz asks if this creates a "protected class" within employment in Utah?
Sen. Cullimore says it's not a new class, noting the bill is in health care law. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
Sen. Cullimore says it's not a new class, noting the bill is in health care law. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@Mskriebe asks how they define a sincerely held belief?
Whatever you define it as, Sen. Cullimore says.
"Basically, I don't want to," @Mskriebe counters. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
Whatever you define it as, Sen. Cullimore says.
"Basically, I don't want to," @Mskriebe counters. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
.@Mskriebe warns creating carveouts for people who "just don't want to" could harm Utah economically.
Sen. Vickers says the carveouts are similar to what higher ed institutions have done.
He supports employers mandating, but employees have certain rights. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
Sen. Vickers says the carveouts are similar to what higher ed institutions have done.
He supports employers mandating, but employees have certain rights. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
"This is not an easy tightrope to walk," Sen. Cullimore says of his bill.
"We want to respect the rights of businesses, but we also recognize employees are not the property of employers."
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
"We want to respect the rights of businesses, but we also recognize employees are not the property of employers."
@fox13 #utpol #Utah
BREAKING NEWS: The #COVID19 workplace bill (watered down a bit) PASSES the Senate 21-6. Off to the House. @fox13 #utpol #Utah
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