House Rules: Politics and Policy in Utah

This afternoon, the Legislative Audit Subcommittee met to discuss the findings of two recently completed independent audit reports. Theses reports examine the overall management and governance of Utah's higher education system as well as the curriculum and training of teachers in the State at the K-12 level. Kade Minchey, the Utah Legislative Auditor General, and his team join us to discuss the fi...

This afternoon, the Legislative Audit Subcommittee met to discuss the findings of three recently completed independent audit reports. These reports examine various State policies and government entities, including everything from a review of the Utah insurance department to an analysis of the way cities use tax credits for economic development. Kade Minchey, the Utah Legislative Auditor General, a...

Across the state, students and families are getting ready to head back to school for the new 2022-2023 school year. This week, Vice Chair of the Education Committee, Representatives Susan Pulsipher joins us to discuss the back to school season and our education system here in Utah. 

This afternoon, the Legislative Audit Subcommittee met to discuss the findings of two recently completed independent audit reports. The first of these reports was the final, cumulative report following a series of audits into the Utah education system. The second analyzed the efficiency and effectiveness of Utah's Division of technology. Kade Minchey, the Utah Legislative Auditor General, and his...

As continued signs of economic turmoil are on the horizon, affordability issues are front of mind for many Utah families. In response to these challenges, the Utah House is looking at ways the legislature can help Utahns in the face of rising inflation, housing costs, and a potential economic downturn. Representative Candice Pierucci is with us to discuss these issues and how the legislature is lo...

As we get into the height of the Summer season, thousands of visitors from all over the globe are making their way to Utah to experience the incredible recreation and tourism our state has to offer. Vicki Varela – managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism – joins us to discuss the current state of tourism in Utah. 

On June 22nd, state officials held a ribbon cutting for the new State Prison, marking the official opening of the facility and capping off a relocation effort that began almost a decade ago. Brian Nielson, Executive Director of the Department of Corrections joins us to talk about the new state correctional facilities which will benefit not only the inmates and correctional officers in our criminal...

Dana Jones, Executive Director of the Utah Capitol Preservation Board, is with us to discuss plans for the construction of a new building on the Capitol Complex. This new building will incorporate the first-ever Utah History Museum and other educational exhibits for all visitors to enjoy.

This afternoon, the Legislative Audit Subcommittee met to discuss the findings of three recently completed independent reports which shed light on the effectiveness of our higher-education and public education systems in Utah. Kade Minchey, the Utah Legislative Auditor General, and his team are here to discuss these reports in detail with us today.

In honor of Memorial Day, Utah’s Department of Veterans and Military Affairs executive director, Gary Harter, and deputy director, Jeff Hanson, join us to remember the men and women who have served our country faithfully to the end.

May is mental health awareness month and today Representative Steve Eliason is joining us to share his expertise. Representative Ellison represents district 45 in Sandy and has been a champion for mental health policy in our state throughout his time in office.

The Legislative Auditor General, Kade Minchey, and his team are back with us this week to discuss the findings of the Legislature's most recent audits. Listen for an overview of audits covering higher education police departments, a budget review of the Weber School District, and teacher and principal performance within Utah’s public education system. For more information visit olag.utah.gov

With the House and Senate now adjourned, take a few minutes to listen as we run through the finalized state budget and some of the key policies the legislature passed this year to help improve the functions of state government and better the lives of everyday Utahns.

Representative Carl Albrecht joins us to discuss the expansion of investments and economic development opportunities in rural Utah. Listen to this week's episode to learn about the policies passed this session that will support rural Utah.

Representative Jefferson Moss joins us to discuss the Legislature’s efforts to strengthen teachers and modernize education across Utah. Listen to learn more about HB 184, Teacher Professional Development Amendments and HB 386, Education Innovation Program. 

Representative Mike Schultz, House Majority Leader, joins us to discuss some of the upcoming transportation projects Utahns can look forward to seeing across the state in the coming years.

There are 98,482 kids in Utah in need of child care who do not have access to it. Representative Pulispher joins us to discuss HB 15, Access to Child Care Amendments, which will help close the gap between need and capacity in our state.

This week, HB 23 “First Responder Mental Health Services Amendments” unanimously passed the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee. Representative Ryan Wilcox, the bill’s sponsor, is with us today to discuss this legislation and its importance to all first responders throughout our state.

Currently, 7/10 girls lack access to period products. This week, the House Education Committee passed HB 162 (Rep. Lisonbee), which will provide period products in public and charter schools throughout the state. Representative Lisonbee joins us to discuss this legislation, how it came to be, and why it will benefit so many Utah girls.

This week, the Legislature officially convened for the start of the 2022 General Legislative Session! Speaker Brad Wilson joins us to discuss the policy priorities for the House Majority Caucus and the specific issues we can expect the Legislature to tackle over the next 6 weeks.

This week, Speaker Brad Wilson hosted the first-ever Great Salt Lake Summit to bring researchers, state and local policymakers, and environmental interest groups together to discuss the problems and potential solutions to the declining water levels in the Great Salt Lake. Representative Tim Hawkes joins us to discuss how good water policy can help reverse the action of the lake and improve the qua...

With 2021 coming to a close, many Americans find themselves wondering what the new year has in store for them. Rep. Robert Spendlove, Vice Chair of the Executive Appropriations Committee and the Senior Economist for Zions Bank joins us to break down some of the current economic trends we’re seeing in the market and what kinds of financial and business forecasts Utahns might anticipate heading into...

Have you ever wondered how the state budget is made? Representative Brad Last, the House Chair of the Executive Appropriations Committee joins us to discuss state revenue estimates and components of the 2023 state budget that will be passed in the upcoming general session. 

The Legislative Auditor General and his team join us to discuss the Legislature's most recent audits, including healthcare, education, and emergency response. Learn more by visiting olag.utah.gov. 

Over the past several years, many Utah lawmakers have advocated redesigning the Utah State Flag to better reflect the history, culture, and uniqueness of our state. Representative Steve Handy has been one leading the effort and is here to discuss the current status of the state flag and what Utahns can expect to see happen to the flag in the coming months.