36 years ago today

JM Bell | January 26, 2007

Thirty-six years ago today, Sen. George McGovern (D-SD) becomes the first official 1972 presidential candidate. (h/t – Ken Rudin)

Ted Kennedy lashes out against the GOP’s opposition to increasing the minimum wage

JM Bell | January 26, 2007

What is it with Republicans and their refusal to help the working class? “Do you have such disdain for hard-working Americans that you want to pile all your amendments on this? Why don’t you just hold your amendments until other pieces of legislation? Why this volume of amendments on just the issue to try and [...]

Most Republican Law Makers Kill Booster Seat Bill

JM Bell | January 25, 2007

In what can only be described as yet another in a long line of mind-blowingly stupid legislative casualties, Republican Reps in the state House have displayed what I am forced to assume is open hostility against children. From the Salt Lake Tribune: The full House killed its first bill of the session on Wednesday, which [...]

Senators Hatch and Bennett punish poor

JM Bell | January 24, 2007

News Release For Immediate Release January 24, 2007 Senate Republicans Block Minimum Wage Hike for Utah’s Working Families Senators Hatch and Bennett vote to punish 178,000 Utahns for being poor Washington , DC- Today, Republican Senators Bennett and Hatch voted to block the Democratic plan to increase the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25, [...]

Up on the hill – linkable roundup

JM Bell | January 21, 2007

Attempting to break the conflict between the Legislature’s start date and Martin Luther King Holiday Democratic Caucus, Utah State HouseHouse OKs protections for dating-abuse victims Democratic Caucus, Utah State House Utah one step closer to officially commemorating end of slavery Democratic Caucus, Utah State House The House unanimously passes HB20 sponsored by House Minority Leader [...]

Why did Hatch do it?

JM Bell | January 19, 2007

The new ethics and lobbying legislation will: Bar lawmakers from accepting gifts and travel paid for by lobbyists. Extend from one to two years the time a former member must wait before he can engage in lobbying activities. Deny pensions to lawmakers convicted of serious crimes. Require more reporting by lobbyists on their activities. Require [...]

No good, backward Senator From Utah

JM Bell | January 19, 2007

The vote to pass Ethics Reform in the Senate was 96 Yea – 2 Nay. 2. Just 2. And guess who half* of those were? Utah Senator Orrin Hatch. Way to go Senator. What a shining example you set for the children in this state. I hope Mr. Mac takes away your discount. *Coburn of [...]

When John Kerry is right, he is really, really right.

JM Bell | January 19, 2007

Hey, thanks for getting shot at, here’s a wooden nickel A few members of Congress think America’s military heroes deserve more than the equivalent of a faux Rolex from a street vendor. Under a bill introduced in both chambers last week, the Medal of Honor, the highest honor bestowed by branches of the military for [...]

NEWS RELEASE – Democrats Pass ‘People's Agenda’ in First 100 Hours

JM Bell | January 18, 2007

NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release January 18, 2007 Democrats Pass ‘People’s Agenda’ in First 100 Hours Washington DC – Today, the Democratic Congress completed their 100 hours agenda and fulfilling their promise to the American people. This past election Democrats ran on an agenda of change, promising to clean up the Republican culture of corruption [...]

100 Hours? Who needs 'em?

JM Bell | January 18, 2007

Well, the “100 Hours” bills have been presented and passed. TIMELINE: January 5, 2007– Ethics Reform 100 Hours Begins January 9, 2007 – 911 Commission Recommendations January 10, 2007- Increase Federal Minimum Wage January 11, 2007- Expanding Stem Cell Research January 17, 2007 – Reducing Student Loan Interest Rates January 18, 2007- Repealing Oil Subsidies [...]