Latest news with #HB300
Yahoo
12-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
It's primary Election Day in Utah: What you need to know
Tuesday is primary Election Day in Utah and here's a look at what you need to know. What races? There are a variety of municipal and school board elections taking place around the state this year. Not all of the elections taking place have a primary on Tuesday, due to either cities using ranked choice voting or there not being enough candidates to warrant a primary. Multiple cities around Utah are having mayoral elections this year including Logan, Provo and St. George. What's new? It is too late for Utahns to send their ballots in by mail. According to HB300 passed by the state Legislature earlier this year, ballots have to be in possession of the county clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day. For those who haven't mailed their ballots yet, they can still be submitted through their county's drop boxes. There are drop box locations all around the state to find a location near you visit Voters can also cast their ballots in person at their county's vote center. Polls will be open until 8 p.m. For people who plan to vote in person they must provide a valid form of photo ID, such as a Utah driver license or a U.S. passport; tribal identification cards are also acceptable. If you don't have one of those forms of identification you can also provide two other forms of identification that include your name and address. For more information on how or where to vote, and what elections are taking place visit Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hawaii lawmakers reach deal on nearly $20B state budget
State government funding is slated to be a little higher in the next two fiscal years compared with the current year under a budget agreement reached Monday evening by state House and Senate leaders. A compromise draft of the state's biennium budget bill authorizes $19.9 billion in spending on state government operations and capital improvement projects for the 2026 fiscal year that starts July 1, up almost 4 % from $19.2 billion in the current fiscal year. For the 2027 fiscal year, $19.8 billion in spending is proposed. Sources for budget expenditures include bond debt and federal funding. Appropriations from the state's general fund supported by state tax collections amount to about $10.6 billion in each of the next two fiscal years, up nearly 2 % from the current fiscal year. Rep. Kyle Yamashita, lead negotiator for a 15-member House team, called the conference draft of House Bill 300 'a responsible and forward-thinking budget ' that strengthens the state's safety net and core programs. 'This budget addresses the critical needs of our communities, including housing, agriculture, natural resources, transportation, public safety, and economic development, ' Yamashita (D, Pukalani-Makawao-Ulupalakua ) said in a statement. 'It sets a strong foundation as we move into the interim and continue to assess federal impacts on our state.' Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, who led negotiations for a 13-member Senate team, said it took a lot of people to put together the conference draft, and with Yamashita thanked everyone involved, including a team from the administration of Gov. Josh Green. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. 'From expanding core programs for vulnerable populations to supporting regional economic development that builds long-term resilience, we've worked hard to make sure our decisions today strengthen Hawaii's foundation for tomorrow, ' Dela Cruz (D, Mililani-Wahiawa-Whitmore Village ) said in a statement. 'Whether it's food security, access to healthcare, or helping small businesses grow, this budget is about making sure every part of our state has the opportunity to thrive.' After Green submitted his spending requests in HB 300, the House passed its draft March 12, and the Senate further amended the bill April 8. Since then, negotiators have met in private to hash out differences, including on Easter Sunday. There also were three public conference committee meetings to announce compromises on spending items where previous differences existed. The conference draft of HB 300 is subject to final votes by the 51-member House and 25-member Senate that have yet to be scheduled. Approval of the bill is expected. This year's legislative session is scheduled to conclude May 2. Green has the power to reject individual appropriations using line-item vetoes, and also can opt not to release budgeted funding for use. There is high uncertainty over whether there will be big cuts to federal funds for state government programs and projects in the weeks and months ahead under the administration of President Donald Trump. Some Hawaii lawmakers have contemplated the need to convene a special session to address any budgetary problems created by federal funding cuts as well as potential major negative impacts on Hawaii's economy from Trump-mandated tariffs. The bulk of the state budget is for agency and program operations, including personnel and maintenance costs. The negotiating committees released a list of almost 200 operational spending item highlights for the biennium. Some of them are :—$3.2 million for a temporary elementary school replacing one lost in the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire.—$5.2 million for fireworks law enforcement.—$10 million to improve 911 services.—$30 million for a health care education loan repayment program.—$42 million for summer programs.—$95 million for special highway maintenance.—$150 million for deferred public school maintenance.—$248 million for Hawaii Health Systems Corp.—$450 million for a hospital sustainability special fund. Separate from the state's operating budget, HB 300 includes capital improvement project funding of $3.4 billion in the 2026 fiscal year and $2.3 billion in the 2027 fiscal year. Of these sums, $1.4 billion and $423 million, respectively, is to be financed using bond debt. For the current fiscal year, the Legislature appropriated $4.5 billion for capital improvement projects. Capital improvement appropriations highlighted by the committees for the next two fiscal years include :—$1.8 billion for airport projects.—$1.5 billion for highway projects.—$380 million for affordable-housing development.—$118 million to improve University of Hawaii at Manoa student housing.—$72 million for regional public school meal kitchens.—$36 million for Hawai 'i Convention Center repairs and upgrades.—$30 million toward replacing Oahu Community Correctional Center.—$10 million for emergency siren system improvements.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Leaders reach deal on state budget
State government funding is slated to be a little higher in the next two fiscal years compared with the current year under a budget agreement reached Monday evening by state House and Senate leaders. A compromise draft of the state's biennium budget bill authorizes $19.9 billion in spending on state government operations and capital improvement projects for the 2026 fiscal year that starts July 1, up almost 4 % from $19.2 billion in the current fiscal year. For the 2027 fiscal year, $19.8 billion in spending is proposed. Sources for budget expenditures include bond debt and federal funding. Appropriations from the state's general fund supported by state tax collections amount to about $10.6 billion in each of the next two fiscal years, up nearly 2 % from the current fiscal year. Rep. Kyle Yamashita, lead negotiator for a 15-member House team, called the conference draft of House Bill 300 'a responsible and forward-thinking budget ' that strengthens the state's safety net and core programs. 'This budget addresses the critical needs of our communities, including housing, agriculture, natural resources, transportation, public safety, and economic development, ' Yamashita (D, Pukalani-Makawao-Ulupalakua ) said in a statement. 'It sets a strong foundation as we move into the interim and continue to assess federal impacts on our state.' Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, who led negotiations for a 13-member Senate team, said it took a lot of people to put together the conference draft, and with Yamashita thanked everyone involved, including a team from the administration of Gov. Josh Green. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. 'From expanding core programs for vulnerable populations to supporting regional economic development that builds long-term resilience, we've worked hard to make sure our decisions today strengthen Hawaii's foundation for tomorrow, ' Dela Cruz (D, Mililani-Wahiawa-Whitmore Village ) said in a statement. 'Whether it's food security, access to healthcare, or helping small businesses grow, this budget is about making sure every part of our state has the opportunity to thrive.' After Green submitted his spending requests in HB 300, the House passed its draft March 12, and the Senate further amended the bill April 8. Since then, negotiators have met in private to hash out differences, including on Easter Sunday. There also were three public conference committee meetings to announce compromises on spending items where previous differences existed. The conference draft of HB 300 is subject to final votes by the 51-member House and 25-member Senate that have yet to be scheduled. Approval of the bill is expected. This year's legislative session is scheduled to conclude May 2. Green has the power to reject individual appropriations using line-item vetoes, and also can opt not to release budgeted funding for use. There is high uncertainty over whether there will be big cuts to federal funds for state government programs and projects in the weeks and months ahead under the administration of President Donald Trump. Some Hawaii lawmakers have contemplated the need to convene a special session to address any budgetary problems created by federal funding cuts as well as potential major negative impacts on Hawaii's economy from Trump-mandated tariffs. The bulk of the state budget is for agency and program operations, including personnel and maintenance costs. The negotiating committees released a list of almost 200 operational spending item highlights for the biennium. Some of them are :—$3.2 million for a temporary elementary school replacing one lost in the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire.—$5.2 million for fireworks law enforcement.—$10 million to improve 911 services.—$30 million for a health care education loan repayment program.—$42 million for summer programs.—$95 million for special highway maintenance.—$150 million for deferred public school maintenance.—$248 million for Hawaii Health Systems Corp.—$450 million for a hospital sustainability special fund. Separate from the state's operating budget, HB 300 includes capital improvement project funding of $3.4 billion in the 2026 fiscal year and $2.3 billion in the 2027 fiscal year. Of these sums, $1.4 billion and $423 million, respectively, is to be financed using bond debt. For the current fiscal year, the Legislature appropriated $4.5 billion for capital improvement projects. Capital improvement appropriations highlighted by the committees for the next two fiscal years include :—$1.8 billion for airport projects.—$1.5 billion for highway projects.—$380 million for affordable-housing development.—$118 million to improve University of Hawaii at Manoa student housing.—$72 million for regional public school meal kitchens.—$36 million for Hawai 'i Convention Center repairs and upgrades.—$30 million toward replacing Oahu Community Correctional Center.—$10 million for emergency siren system improvements.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Governor inks $127M income tax cut, bill phasing out automatic vote-by-mail
Gov. Spencer Cox inked an additional 100 bills Wednesday, codifying $127 million in income tax cuts and reforms to the state's vote-by-mail system, and adding protections for children downloading apps. The latest tranche of bill signings brings the total to 476 of the 582 bills passed this year by lawmakers. Cox did not issue any vetoes Wednesday, after exercising the power on bills dealing with property tax collection and the selection of the state Supreme Court chief each of the prior two days. He has until Thursday to sign or veto the remaining hundred or so proposals. Not included in the bills signed were several proposals that have drawn calls for a veto, including bills banning gay pride flags and others from being flown on public buildings. Here's what the governor approved Wednesday: Lawmakers approved the fifth consecutive cut to the state's income tax rate, reducing it from 4.55% to 4.5% for individuals and businesses. That amounts to savings of about $45 per year for the typical family at a $127 million cost to the state. The Legislature also expanded the child tax credit and raised the income cap for older adults to receive tax relief on Social Security benefits. With Cox's signature, an additional 90,000 Utahns will no longer be taxed on those benefits, something he said he was "proud" to do. "As our population ages, it's critical that we do more to support older Utahns and the families who care for them," Cox stated. "This tax relief is a practical way to recognize the contributions of those who helped build the strong, prosperous state we have today." He called the income tax cuts "a step forward in delivering meaningful tax relief for Utahns." "With this bill and others passed this session, Utahns will see $148 million in new tax cuts," the governor added. "And since I've taken office, we've delivered more than $1.3 billion in historic, permanent tax relief — helping more Utah families build lasting prosperity right here in Utah." Cox also approved HB300, a big election reform bill that will effectively phase out automatic vote-by-mail over the next several years and require voters to write the final four digits of their state ID on their ballot. Voters will still be able to use mail-in voting but will need to opt-in by 2029 to continue receiving a ballot in the mail. The bill also requires mailed ballots be received by county clerks no later than 8 p.m. on election night in order to count. The bill was subject to much deliberation, and further tweaks to proposals are likely in coming legislative sessions as lawmakers iron out any wrinkles in the legislation. HB300 takes effect May 7. A bill that would require app stores to verify users' ages and prevent minors from entering into contracts without parental permission is the latest effort by Utah lawmakers to protect young Utahns online. SB142 was praised by major social media companies and parents of children who have struggled with mental health. It would require major app stores to enforce age ratings on certain apps, an approach lawmakers hope protects children from inappropriate material online. Three of the major social media platforms — Meta, X and Snap — issued a joint statement Wednesday applauding Cox "and the state of Utah for being the first in the nation to empower parents and users with greater control over teen app downloads, and (we) urge other states to consider this groundbreaking approach." HB465 was approved by Cox on Tuesday, codifying a policy to require Salt Lake City to sign a public safety and policing agreement with the state Department of Public Safety or risk losing state funds. The bill stems from years of frustration from Republican lawmakers who criticized how the state's capital city is policed, and after legislative leaders and the governor sent Mayor Erin Mendenhall a letter expressing displeasure with policing "inadequacies." Mendenhall has said she would like to partner more with the state on policing issues but called the bill "coercive," "unnecessary and damaging to the trust that should be built between our levels of government," during a House committee hearing last month. Speaking with reporters last week, the mayor expressed appreciation for the bill sponsor's willingness to negotiate "potential penalties" in the policy. 'We want to work with DPS (the Utah Department of Public Safety),' she said. 'We need to have these partnerships, and we need them to be strengthened — meaning they're going to look different than they have in the past, and we want that. So, I maintain that this bill was unnecessary to require that of us, and I think that's how we were able to get the bill sponsor to pull back on the punishment end of it.'
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump overhauls voting via executive order. Here's what the order does
President Donald Trump released an executive order on Tuesday attempting to overhaul the American voting system. His order includes requirements on voter ID and when ballots must arrive to polling stations. In the order, Trump outlined his plan to ensure that votes arrive on Election Day. 'Free, fair and honest elections unmarred by fraud, errors or suspicion are fundamental to maintaining our constitutional Republic,' reads the text of the executive order. 'The right of American citizens to have their votes properly counted and tabulated, without illegal dilution, is vital to determining the rightful winner of an election.' It is likely that the executive order will be challenged in court, as have many of Trump's other orders. Election law is typically dictated by states, even for federal offices. Trump's proposed changes, including requiring votes to be submitted by Election Day, would affect states that allow votes to arrive to polling places in the days after an election. The Utah Legislature passed a bill this year that would reform the state's vote-by-mail system, including a requirement for ballots to be returned by 8 p.m. on election night. Trump's executive order mandates sweeping change for electoral systems across the nation. It requires that: Voters present proof of citizenship when they vote, including a passport or a compliant driver's license. Voters present proof of eligibility to vote in elections in the state in which the voter is attempting to vote. States do not count absentee or mail-in ballots that arrive at their offices after Election Day. The commissioner of Social Security supply citizen information to electoral databases to ensure that votes are only cast by living, eligible citizens. The attorney general take 'appropriate action' to censure states that do not comply with election integrity laws. The order also tightens protocols around the interference of foreign nations in elections, including by preventing foreign entities from making donations to candidates. 'Many of the issues raised in the (executive order) are already addressed in Utah statute and current practice,' said Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, who oversees Utah's elections. 'Other aspects of the executive order ... are things that we have proactively asked the administration for.' The bill recently passed by the Legislature, HB300, requires that Utah voters: Opt-in to vote by mail, rather than automatically be able to do so. Verify their ballot with the last four digits of their driver's license, state ID or Social Security number, rather than their signature. Henderson also told the Deseret News that she 'is hopeful that President Trump will respect the constitutional prerogative of the states to manage our own elections, free from unnecessary federal intrusion.' 'We all desire fair and accurate elections, with only eligible citizens casting votes,' she said.
