Latest news with #COWLEY
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion: Is the speed of federal reform too fast for Utah?
The recently adjourned legislative session was not the only whirlwind of political activity in the last two months. Usually, the federal government bureaucracy plods along slowly. Not this year. We explore the ramifications on state politics. Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics polls reveal most Utahns support President Donald Trump's executive orders and initiatives (banning transgender women from participating in women's sports, reviewing artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency regulations, etc.) However, they have concerns with other actions (pardons for the January 6 protesters, ending birthright citizenship, etc.). How do the actions of Trump affect Utahns' political deliberations? COWLEY: Congressman Burgess Owens wrote, 'America is experiencing a great resurgence.' Much to the satisfaction of Utahns, he's spot on. Utah Speaker of the House Mike Schultz was an early leader in keeping biological men out of women's sports. It's exciting to have the president supporting policies pioneered in Utah. California Governor Gavin Newsom deserves a participation trophy for his tardy, yet correct engagement on the issue. If only Senate Democrats would stop blocking this popular bi-partisan policy. Our government is adding Bitcoin to their stockpiles of gold, hedging against the dollar. Tech-forward Utahns widely support this policy further legitimizing cryptocurrency, but the jury is still out for me. Why Bitcoin rather than the thousands of other cryptocurrencies? Bitcoin is already strongly tied to the dollar, minimizing any portfolio diversification benefits. I suggest stockpiling Hermès bags, which are proven to hold value, as a better investment strategy. As a fashionista, I am ready to serve my country and consult Trump's administration on this critical strategy. Utahns didn't love Trump's pardon for J6 protesters, but they REALLY didn't love Biden's pardon for his son. Unpopular pardons from either side are now water under the bridge. Let's refocus on lasting policies, rather than which political allies received get-out-of-jail-free cards. Freedom in education is very popular among Utah Republicans. With the Department of Education next on the chopping block, expect parents who fought against extended COVID remote learning and indoctrination over education to be very happy. PIGNANELLI: 'Presidential orders and actions shaped American history long before Trump, for good and bad.' — Chicago Tribune Executive orders range from the visionary (Emancipation Proclamation) to the awful (relocating Japanese Americans). Further, it is traditional in our republic for the party out of power to grumble about presidential actions and remain silent when they recapture the White House. In this frenetic activity, Trump is fulfilling many of the promises made in the campaign, with only the occasional court order impeding him. National Democrats are enduring inter-party friction and cannot articulate sound opposition to the president. Despite concerns about several of Trump's executive actions, most are meeting the approval of many Utahns. This could embolden similar policy efforts at the state and local levels. Utah is well-known as a safe place to do business because of the consistency of regulations. The confusion created by Trump's use of tariffs is unsettling to our local business operations. If not resolved soon, frustrations with inflation and economic instability will mount and possibly overshadow earlier popular proclamations. Utah will directly feel the effect of specific initiatives in the Trump administration, including relaxing EPA rules and regulations, deportations, closing federal buildings, and terminating employees. Even the University of Utah is listed among 45 universities under investigation for Title VI violations. What's the impact on our state? COWLEY: Senator John Curtis pointed out that disruption is necessary. The public wants radical change, but cutting waste is like going on a diet. It's difficult and requires discipline. The short-term pain of layoffs is a necessary step in securing the long-term financial health of our nation. The Utah Legislature fully supports ICE deportations of violent criminals. Utahns historically favor compassionate approaches to immigration that keep families together. If there are widespread deportations locally, it could raise concerns from religious leaders. PIGNANELLI: Energy production in Utah could benefit from relaxation in EPA restrictions. Indeed, the Uinta basin could flourish again with expanded operation explorations and operations. The University of Utah, under the remarkable leadership of Taylor Randall, is already ahead in resolving the DEI issues so that this recent event will be resolved quickly. Fortunately, Utah ranks as one of the lowest recipients of federal dollars. Yet, some pain will still be felt as jobs are eliminated and programs are diminished. Will Utah maintain a 'complicated relationship' with Donald Trump (and Elon Musk) — supporting policies but having concerns with their approach? COWLEY: The Trump/Musk bromance is the greatest liability of this administration. Elon and his wizards should stay hidden in a back room, staring at an array of computer monitors, wearing gaming headsets looking for fraud, waste and abuse, then posting their great work on X. Americans don't want Elon leveraging his position to sell cars. Product endorsements are for social media influencers in 'get ready with me' videos, not the Commander in Chief on the South Lawn. PIGNANELLI: Trump's style will continue to breed discomfort with Utahns while his policies reflect much of the state's policy directions. However, if tariffs and other issues create inflation and diminished productivity, locals will demand more traditional conservative approaches.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion: Navigating AI, technology and Musk in politics
Technology and the events in Washington remain hot political topics. So, we chime in. Several bills regulating technology are making their way through the Utah Legislature. They include criminalizing ill-intentioned uses of AI, requiring age verification by app stores and, in essence, retooling the internet by allowing users to migrate their entire online experience to another platform. What is promulgating these policies? COWLEY: The app store bill may seem well-intentioned, aimed at protecting children, but the impacts on businesses, the costs of changing complex technologies and invasions of personal privacy are a high price to pay for this noble intent. AI bills, crafted in coordination with Utah's AI Policy Lab, provide guardrails for companies lawfully using AI to improve customer experiences and streamline processes. Other bills target nefarious uses of this new technology for deceptive and unauthorized purposes. Similar bills are being introduced nationwide, known as the 'Elvis Act.' As an Elvis enthusiast myself, this may be the most important bill of the session. #ElvisLives! The internet is the Wild West of the information age, unlimited in its power to change lives. It's an entire frontier where no query is unanswerable and no crossword puzzle unsolvable. Social media, in particular, has given home-based businesses global reach. Regulations, intended to give users more control, change the premise of internet platforms and could have unintended consequences. PIGNANELLI: 'To err is human — and to blame it on a computer is even more so.' — Robert Orben In my last year of law school, I penned an article in a legal journal explaining why the 1983 Utah Cable Television Programming Decency Act was unconstitutional. I certainly was not advocating for indecent entertainment, just that the statute was not properly crafted in protecting children and was vulnerable to legal challenges. In an interesting twist, three years later, as a newly minted lawmaker I sponsored legislation to repeal that Act. This paper opined against my effort and the bill failed. The U.S. Supreme Court eventually ruled the law unconstitutional and only then did I secure passage. (Of course, the issue was moot, but I wanted some sense of accomplishment.) I raise this small point of personal history because the issue of how technology intersects with children has been a feature of politics for many generations (over a hundred years ago, it was pool halls allegedly corrupting youth). The issues confronting local solons in 2025 mirror the perennial conflict between freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution and the concerns of undeveloped minds. Thus, what legislation is not eventually compromised at the State Capitol will likely be litigated in the courts. Perhaps there is another young, obnoxious law student who will be writing about some of these bills. These bills are all likely to pass. What will be the impact on Utahns? COWLEY: Implementation of some well-intentioned bills will be delayed while we wait for the inevitable lawsuits, costing taxpayers millions. Some legislators pass bills knowing this is the outcome, but are lawsuits the best approach, rather than relying on congressional action? Many businesses will have to adjust practices to comply with new regulations. Those come with a price tag. Other Utah companies will benefit from the ability to implement AI technologies without fear of regulatory recourse. All businesses crave predictability, which is difficult with ever-evolving technologies. Legislators can help by implementing a broad framework to protect consumers, then stepping back and letting companies innovate and the free market flourish. PIGNANELLI: I am unsure how this legislation will have an impact upon me and others. My old brain lacks the ability to articulate with specificity the technical details. I barely know the difference between telegram and Instagram. But I do understand this dynamic. Thirty years ago, several months were required to initiate a business. Twenty years ago, it was several weeks. Today, new enterprises are created in days, if not hours. The incredible potential technology offers should not be constrained in many circumstances. Guardrails are important, but traffic must still flow fast. Elon Musk appeared onstage at CPAC wielding a chainsaw. Nearly 1,000 Utahns employed by the IRS lost their jobs because of DOGE cuts. How are President Donald Trump's policies being viewed by Utahns? COWLEY: Radically cutting government waste is exactly what Republicans like me voted for. However, I wish Musk had a bit more tact. I suggest he enroll in a 'Utah Way' crash course to hone his civility, respect and compassion. Musk's lack of empathy is the greatest threat to the success of Trump's administration. Reining in spending sounds great until it's your neighbor, cousin or best friend receiving a pink slip (or in this case, perhaps a pink tweet), and the pain of these cuts is more acute. Fulfilling fantasies of federal frugality requires some discomfort. Nothing worth doing is ever easy. Saving our country's financial solvency takes sacrifices and belt-tightening from everyone. PIGNANELLI: Surveys indicate Trump's approval is above 50% and 70% of Americans state he is fulfilling his promises. However, the cuts so far are federal employees and targeted grants. When trimming affects private contractors, military bases, entitlement programs, etc., local frustration may increase. Note: The authors' firm represents companies impacted by these policies.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion: What's next for the Utah Legislature?
An unprecedented level of activity in Washington, D.C., combined with the usual intensity of a legislative session, creates interesting questions many ponder. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), created by President Donald Trump, has sparked both controversy and admiration for its efforts to streamline federal operations. Does Utah need its own version of DOGE? COWLEY: In stark contrast to the federal government, the Utah Legislature is constitutionally mandated to balance the budget. Competition between funding requests over a finite amount of money forces the Legislature to make tough decisions. The mere vetting process to allocate these precious dollars helps curtail wasteful spending. The Legislature is occasionally forced to cut costs in lean budget years. They also regularly look for ways to increase efficiencies in current allocations. For various reasons, the Legislature is directing higher ed to reallocate 10% of their budgets, cutting waste and improving outcomes. Not only do Utah leaders run the most efficiently managed state in the nation, but they have also wisely socked money away in a rainy day fund. Responsible spending and judicious saving is a novel concept in government, but a necessity for families and businesses. California or Chicago could probably use a DOGE. Better yet, they should just adopt the 'Utah way' of responsibly managing taxpayers' money. PIGNANELLI: 'It's not the most powerful animal that survives. It's the most efficient.' — Georges St-Pierre Utah has a very active version of the DOGE. It comprises 104 members from both parties, who have analyzed state government operations and finances for many decades. I was proud to serve on this entity. I am, of course, referring to the Utah Legislature. As a former lawmaker and a lobbyist, I can unequivocally state that this entity has aggressively scrutinized the functions of state government and its various affiliated agencies. No corner of operations was ignored. The most recent focus of legislators is, of course, higher education. Furthermore, these officials ensured that the budget was balanced, reserves were robust, and the bond rating was strong. The federal government and the new administration could learn much about how Utah conducts these critical activities. Consistent review, and just not automatic funding, is the hallmark of what is done at the State Capitol. The big difference between the Legislature and the DOGE is the approach. Utah officials are much nicer when applying the cuts. The security of elections remains an issue. Should Utah abandon or reform the current mail-in ballot process? COWLEY: The postal faux pas in the CD4 race was unacceptable and reason enough to make adjustments to Utah's election laws. Over a thousand otherwise legal ballots were not counted because they were routed through Las Vegas, missing the Election Day deadline. It's not shocking that it was a branch of the federal government that committed this egregious error. Maybe while the Legislature is looking to take over management of our federally controlled lands, they should also explore a takeover as more efficient letter carriers. One reform that wouldn't cost a dime while weeding out fraudulent ballots is producing complete voter rolls and eliminating protected voter designations. Audits show there are areas for improvement, but I'm not sure it warrants wholesale changes to the current process. Requiring voters to show identification when they drop off ballots would inarguably increase election security, but it would also increase wait times and personnel costs while decreasing dropbox locations. I am a big proponent of vote by mail. It has a tremendous impact on increasing voter turnout in municipal elections. In some areas, it DOUBLES turnout. We live in an on-demand world motivated by convenience. Voters enjoy having weeks to research candidates and ballot measures from the comfort of their kitchen tables while donning bathrobes. Give me fuzzy slipper voting or give me death! PIGNANELLI: Critics of voting by mail are loud. However, polls consistently indicate that most Utahns enjoy the benefits of mail-in balloting. Furthermore, while there may be some security breaches, these also occurred when the traditional Election Day process was in place. But some reforms are needed. Annoying procrastinators like me should have a deadline of several days before Election Day to get the ballot in, which would make it easier for clerks to collect. The mail-in balloting has increased voter participation and encouraged deliberation before casting ballots. These are substantial advantages that should not be just easily dismissed. The Utah Legislature hit the midway mark last week. Revised revenue projections will be released this week. Thus, what items will likely dominate discussions among lawmakers? COWLEY: Governor Cox officially signed the collective bargaining bill, putting an end to the most divisive debate yet this session. Up next in the hot seat will be changes to the 'Utah Fits All Scholarship' and what I will be watching most closely: several bills that significantly pare back Utah's open government laws. PIGNANELLI: The revenue projections will set the tone for the remaining weeks of the session. If there are additional pennies, many groups will fight to collect them. But observers of the process should understand that this is normal and that the prior surpluses were extraordinary. Legislative plans will be finalized, especially regarding tax cuts, energy promotion and higher education.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion: The most popular bills in the Utah Legislature this session
The Utah Legislature's website delineates the most-followed bills each year. For political hacks like us, we watch this list like it's Carson Daly's top 10. Here is our take: Rep. Joseph Elison's HB120, Time Change Amendments, is topping the charts. He proposes Utah observe Mountain Standard Time year-round until the feds act. We explain why this is popular. COWLEY: The perennial issue, should Utah stop changing our clocks twice a year, has widespread support. However, constituents are split on adopting permanent daylight saving time or standard time. Unfortunately, Utah cannot be on permanent daylight saving without a literal act of Congress. Only time will tell if they will act or let this issue slip into the twilight zone. Springing forward and falling back brings a unique cross-section of interests to the table: golfers, rec leagues and parents of sleep-deprived, over-scheduled teenagers. The pros and cons include: safer morning commutes, alignment of clocks with true mid-day, disruptions to circadian rhythms and costly lighting on sports fields. Whatever timezone Utah ends up with, I just hope it aligns with my oven display because I cannot, for the life of me, figure out how to change the darn thing! PIGNANELLI: 'A global awakening cannot happen. We all live in different time zones.' —Ljupka Cvetanova Protests against authority are integral to our American fabric. Whether it was the revolution against the British, the abolition movement, civil rights marches, etc., our citizens object to outrageous, overbearing behavior. I am proud to participate in this heritage. Every November, I courageously reject repression and refuse to change the clock in my automobile. According to a Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll, 71% of Utahns want a consistent time but are split on standard or daylight. I prefer daylight saving because few things in life are more wonderful than Utah summer evenings. Consequently, the legislation should be amended, requiring the state to follow a time zone established by the executive order of the president of the United States. Then President Donald Trump can create the 'Great America Time Zone' to circumvent congressional dysfunction. This allows a compromise between standard and daylight saving supporters by advancing the national clock by one-half hour (as some countries do). If we can abolish the penny, the least we can do is eliminate this needless changing of clocks. Sen. Dan McCay is sponsoring SB230, Utah Resident Terminology Amendments. This brilliant legislation formerly establishes 'Utahn' as the state demonym. All citizens love this measure. COWLEY: The spelling test bill is sponsored by Sen. McCay, who promulgated Utah's new flag. Could this be phase two of his grand scheme to make 'Utah Great Again' by shaming out-of-staters for adding an extra vowel to our preferred moniker? It became clear to me that 'demonym' is not a word in McCay's regular lexicon. After a bit of investigatory journalism (I just texted him), I unearthed the true genius behind the bill — BYU's own Quin Monson. 90% of Utah residents agree 'Utahn' is correct. His research shows Utah media outlets spell it correctly, whereas national media is about as accurate as a coin toss. The only name more commonly misspelled is the bill sponsor's. Now was it McCay or McKay? This spelling mistake is as effective as someone's pronunciation of 'Tooele' or 'mountain' to suss out if someone is a native-born Utahn. The stakes are high. If we do not assert ourselves now, Utahns will be subject to the usage of unnecessary vowels by the unreliable national media and Microsoft Word's autocorrect! Shame, Bill Gates! Shame! PIGNANELLI: Sen. McCay's effort to change the state flag incurred significant support and tremendous opposition. However, this legislation eliminates all prior criticism and elevates him to greatness. For many decades I have struggled against linguistic snobs, auto-corrects and so-called dictionaries attempting to rename my fellow citizens. We are UTAHNS! Also, I strongly recommend a provision that individuals with a public persona (especially from the coastal regions) and owners of computer applications who continue to add the 'a' will be charged with a felony, tried, extradited and then subject to cruel and unusual punishment (i.e. writing 'Utahn' one million times). Hooray for McCay. Let's hope local restaurants offer him complimentary fry sauce for the rest of his life. HB348, Insect Terminology Amendments, by Rep. Doug Owens, petitions the Entomological Society of America to reference the species Anabrus Simplex ('Mormon cricket') by a scientific or another common name in order to avoid association between this undesirable insect and Utah's founders. COWLEY: The Legislature seems determined to erase all living references to the lore of a cricket scourge ended by pioneer prayers and insatiable appetites of seagulls. They previously (and unsuccessfully) attempted to change the state bird, the California Gull. Calling them 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints crickets' just doesn't have the same ring to it. PIGNANELLI: Rep. Owens is finally eliminating this insect's moniker that reflected the brave pioneers it almost destroyed. I suggest this insect be renamed the 'Boggs Cricket.' Lilburn Boggs was the Missouri governor who issued the 1838 extermination order that demanded the death and exile of Church members. It is appropriate that the disgusting critter be named after an equally reprehensible person.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Opinion: Political water cooler talk
In addition to the Super Bowl lineup, 'water cooler' conversations last week were dominated by political topics. We try to quench the readers' thirst with our perspectives. The Legislature came out swinging against public employee unions this session. The bill passed the full House and a Senate committee before being slowed down. Why are these workers targeted and what is the likely outcome? COWLEY: The divisive relationship between the UEA and Republican-led Legislature has added fuel to this fire. Unions are inherently political in nature, and that political power has disproportionately been deployed to benefit Democrats, but union members aren't necessarily the stalwarts of liberal values they once were. Many union workers voted for Trump. Unions are made up of blue-collar workers who are feeling the sting of inflation at the grocery store and gas pump. Many are gun owners. That all sounds pretty Republican to me, so why are some unions, particularly the UEA, still carrying the banner of Democrat causes? The Legislature doesn't want liberal union leadership speaking for all public employees. My suggestion: Address the problem, but leave the police and firefighters out of it. The Legislature introduced a substitute bill that would require a recertification vote every five years granting the union collective bargaining authority on behalf of all employees, union and non-union. The bill does not impact the right to join a union. PIGNANELLI: 'I learned from my father to respect the dignity of work and the dignity of working people.' — Donald Trump When in private legal practice, I was honored to represent many Utahns — hired by a public agency — in various employment disputes and wage negotiations. These included school employees (i.e. custodians, school bus drivers, secretaries, etc.), police officers and firefighters. I advocated for them in multiple settings with elected or prominent appointed officials. The associations to which they belonged retained me or provided support otherwise. Almost always, the agency on the other side enjoyed professional assistance. Thus, such trade organizations help level the playing field for these good people. Public employees have statutory protections, but navigating sometimes turbulent waters requires external help. Fellow citizens who protect our children and keep us all safe have the right to associate with their colleagues to also help them. The freedom of association provided in our federal and state constitutions recognizes these fundamental considerations. True to his campaign promises, Trump froze billions of dollars of federal funding about to go out the door. A federal court has halted the action for now, but if Trump prevails, how will this impact Utah? COWLEY: Promises made, promises kept. Trump said for years on the campaign trail that he would drastically cut government spending. Why is anyone surprised that he is actually doing it? Perhaps because we have heard this perennial promise from just about every presidential candidate, but none have followed through. Cutting spending is a great rallying cry for those worried about our ballooning national debt, but when it comes down to the brass tacks, there is a real price to be paid for all these cost-cutting measures. Each federal program, no matter how obscure, has a constituency that deeply cares about it. Many are happy to see pork cut until it is their golden goose headed to slaughter. Trump's goals to address the national debt, reestablish domestic manufacturing dominance and restore border security aren't achievable without some sacrifices — withholding federal funds and implementing tariffs. Time will tell how much fiscal pain voters are willing to endure to see these principles come to fruition. In a tight budget year, this freeze would make the Legislature's constitutional obligation to balance the budget even harder. PIGNANELLI: About a quarter of our state budget is from federal sources, and much more is spent in Utah through other activities. Such reliance on Washington, D.C., is replicated in the other states, thus explaining consternation with Trump's freeze on grants. Interest payments on the national debt are now the highest spending category in the federal budget. Although the philosophical underpinnings of Trump's actions are rational, he once again selected a sledgehammer over a more productive scalpel. This was disturbing to members of both parties. Yet, Trump is signaling that much more discomfort is in the future if the usual talk of reducing the deficit translates into action. Trump's cabinet is almost complete, having endured Senate interrogations, but three nominees still remain. Will RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel get the green light, and what is Utah's delegation saying about them? COWLEY: Moderate Republicans feel pressure to not rubber stamp every single Trump cabinet appointee and policies. They may use these last few appointees to make a stand. Utah's Sen. Curtis expressed his concern with Tulsi, RFK has drawn criticism from both the left and right for his stance on vaccines, and Patel faced one of the most contentious Senate inquisitions yet. Protestations and feigning apprehension, then voting for these cabinet members, may be enough for moderates to demonstrate their independence from Team Trump without incurring its ire. PIGNANELLI: Curtis' mild hesitancy on Gabbard has prompted a flurry of activity. But her approval by the Senate Intelligence Committee will likely secure her Senate confirmation. This will make it easier for Kennedy and Patel.
