Situational Analysis | November 16, 2021

It's Tuesday and National Fast Food Day. You know what to do.

Be in the Know

Congrats to Ken Ivory on returning to the legislature after winning the special election to replace Steve Christiansen and congrats to Henrie Walton on becoming Senator Mitt Romney's new state director.

FROM OUR SPONSOR

Making it easier for Utah government agencies to buy local

Overstock Government has thousands of partners and millions of products to choose from. We offer our best discounts, provide free shipping and returns, and all purchases are tax exempt for government buyers. Create a FREE account at overstockgovernment.com and purchase your supplies from State Contract MA3638.

Utah Headlines

General

Politics

COVID Corner

Environment

National Headlines

General

Politics

Policy News

Sen. Romney, colleagues applaud signing of bipartisan infrastructure bill into law

U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT), with Senators Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Rob Portman (R-OH), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Mark Warner (D-VA), released the following statement after the President signed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law. The law represents the largest investment in infrastructure in our nation’s history.

“Today’s signing of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a victory for all Americans. When Congress puts America’s needs over politics, we make genuine progress. We were proud to work together on this historic investment in our nation’s core infrastructure to modernize roads and bridges, strengthen rail and transit systems, upgrade ports, expand broadband access, improve water systems, and increase the resiliency of the nation’s energy grid. It strengthens our economy without raising taxes or increasing inflation. This legislation will positively impact every American.” (Read More)

Reps. Curtis, Peters introduce legislation providing long-term access to substance use disorder treatment

This month, Representative Curtis (R-UT) introduced legislation with House Energy and Commerce Committee colleague, Representative Scott Peters (D-CA), to permanently provide tele-behavioral healthcare to those suffering with substance use disorder. The legislation specifically allows Medicare providers to prescribe Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) through telehealth without an initial in-person visit.

“This sends a clear message to Americans struggling to overcome the vicious cycle of addiction that Washington has their backs,” said Rep. Curtis. “The opioid epidemic continues to be the millstone around the necks of communities across the United States, especially in rural Utah, and patients are desperately searching for resources to overcome their addiction. I have been encouraged by the telehealth flexibilities offered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue my fight to ensure some of the most critical services, like tele-behavioral healthcare and tele-MAT, remain permanently available to Americans across the country.” (Read More)

Sen. Romney names Washington County native Henrie Walton as new Utah State Director

U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) has named Washington County native Henrie Walton to serve as his next Utah State Director. Walton previously served as Senator Romney’s Western Utah Director, where he developed close relationships with county commissioners, mayors, state legislators, and other community leaders. Walton replaces Adam Gardiner, who transitioned to the private sector in August.

“Henrie understands the needs of Utahns, and I look forward to having him back on our team to help guide our state efforts and ensure that Utahns’ voices are heard in Washington,” Senator Romney said. “I am also grateful for Adam’s leadership over the last few years as he successfully worked to advance our priorities for the state.” (Read More)

Commentary: Tax the rich? It’s a lot harder than it seems

By LaVarr Webb

It seems like it would be quite easy to raise taxes on the rich. Polls show it’s popular. But Democrats in Congress have been having a really hard time figuring out how to do it. It needs to be a substantial increase that will bring in a lot of money to help pay for all the new social programs the Democrats want. It needs to pass constitutional muster. It must avoid unintended consequences that might reduce investment and job creation, or drive investment overseas, or damage the economy.

Personally, I’m not opposed to hitting the ultra-wealthy with higher taxes if there is a sensible way to do it. It should be confined to the ultra-wealthy. They can afford to pay higher taxes. Some of them arrange their finances to avoid paying personal income taxes, although some of their businesses pay substantial taxes. But the reality is that taxing the rich is harder than it looks. A variety of schemes have been floated, but each has substantial problems.

And it’s important to keep the nation’s tax structure in perspective.

David F. Eisner, in a recent opinion column in The Hill, wrote: “Even on its face, the claim that the rich were under-taxed was always erroneous. The top 10 percent of taxpayers pay 70 percent of federal income taxes. . . . The top one percent pays 40 percent of federal income taxes, despite earning only about 21 percent of total reportable income. Is that less than “their fair share?” Since 2001, the top 1 percent’s share of federal income taxes paid grew from 33 to 40 percent. (Read More)

Upcoming

On This Day In History

From History.com

Wise Words

“If you’re going to ask me, then listen to me.”

-Barbara McLean

Lighter Side

On Steve Bannon turning himself in to the FBI Monday morning:

"It really undercuts your attempt at defiance and bravado when there’s a guy right behind you holding up a sign that says ‘Coup plotter.’”

— SETH MEYERS

– Advertise With Us –

Subscribers may receive special messages with information about new features, special offers, or public policy messages from clients and advertisers.