Monday, March 26, 2012

Clarification regarding contacting the LDS Church last year

Comments re: an article at:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home3/53709967-200/lds-church-says-position.html.csp

The Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, didn't send anything directly to lawmakers on 2011 HB 116 until April of last year linking to their April immigration statement, after the session and after the vote. (That I am aware of)

Similarly, Rep. Fred Cox, R-West Valley City, says he tried to contact LDS leaders after the session to clarify where the church stood on the same bill. "They wouldn’t return my emails or phone calls but did eventually send out an updated statement that did help some with civility on immigration."

[Initially the article didn't clarify that the exchange didn't happen until after the session and after the votes]

The April statement on immigration:
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/immigration-response

The June statement on immigration:
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/immigration-church-issues-new-statement

I don't make decisions on bills based on the party of the sponsor, nor their religion.

A great statement from the "Church" on politics:
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/official-statement/political-neutrality

"
Elected officials who are Latter-day Saints make their own decisions and may not necessarily be in agreement with one another or even with a publicly stated Church position. While the Church may communicate its views to them, as it may to any other elected official, it recognizes that these officials still must make their own choices based on their best judgment and with consideration of the constituencies whom they were elected to represent."

Friday, March 23, 2012

Issues

Economy, Fiscal Responsibility, Energy Independence, Education Excellence

We need more consensus building and less compromise. If we focus on what we agree on, we can accomplish the most good.
We may not agree with each other on all issues.

Economy
Utah is the best fiscally managed state. Utah repeats this year as Forbes Best State for Business and Careers. We need to continue to improve. The Economy will grow when Government will allow it. In many cases Government is holding business growth back through too many regulations.

Fiscal Responsibility
With the currently available resources, Utah does not have enough money for the demands for Public Education, Transportation, Water, Public Safety, Energy and others. Raising Taxes isn't the answer as that can create bigger government and slower economic growth.

Energy Independence
Utah has many resources that we are not using, but we still export energy. Working to solve key questions will help:

How much oil and gas is untapped in Utah and can we get it without hurting our state treasures? Do we have existing dams that we could add hydro power to, without putting more land underwater, hurting our rivers and/or wildlife? What percentage of the energy we make should be exported? How close to a balance can we get?

It has been pointed out that renewable energy will help the state's economy in places that coal, or gas won't. Renewable energy being added to the mix will increase the life of the Utah coal economy. See also:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2010/11/clean-energy-air-water-land.html
http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2011/12/utah-lands-protection-act.html

Education Excellence
Education can, will, and must improve, but spending more money isn't always the answer.

As a taxpayer, I see the money spent on Buildings and will continue to advocate an improved balance between cost savings and quality to the process. I would hope we can reduce costs while still maintaining the quality and also increase the value and number or size of projects.

Teachers often do not have the supplies they need, and in most cases deserve more pay for the critical work they do. One of the reasons I am sponsoring the Utah Land Protection Act is to provide more resources for Public Education.

For Questions and Answers on a 2012 Education Questionnaire, see:
http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/03/2012-education-suvey-questions-and.html

Civility
We should play a role as responsible citizens in our communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.

We should engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that others come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters.

Parties
I have no problem working with both parties. All four bills that I sponsored that passed the House in 2011 and 2012 were floor sponsored by a democrat senator.

I was the only member of the Legislature that sponsored a bipartisan congressional redistricting map, co-sponsored by a member of another party. I don't look at bills as republican or democrat sponsored. I vote on bills based on what the bill says and would do, and I have spoken against bills and spoken for bills based on the bill and not the sponsor or party.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

2012 Education Suvey Questions and Answers


1. Why are you running for the Legislature and what priorities have you identified that you want to pursue as a member of the Legislature?
I believe I can make a positive difference and that we must stand up and be heard to protect or rights and freedoms. I also believe we need more consensus building and less compromise. If we focus on what we agree on, we can accomplish the most good. The areas I have selected to focus on include: Economy, Fiscal Responsibility, Energy Independence, Education Excellence. I have also been working on protecting our land, air and water.
2. Please describe your previous public (community) service.
• Utah State House of Representatives, District 32, January 2011 to present. (2 General Sessions)
• Utah Republican State Central Committee 2011 to present.
Utah Republican State Delegate 2002-2003, 2005-2011.
• Salt Lake County Republican House District 32 Chair, August 2010 to January 2011.
• ChamberWest Regional Chamber of Commerce Government Action Committee, Nov. 2010 to present
AIA Utah, Government Affairs Committee, January 2008 to January 2011.
Assisting with tracking, suggesting, and coordination of bills and regulations affecting the practice of architecture.
• Campaign Volunteer and/or Consultant for the following:
Ron Bigelow, Utah House of Representatives, 1994 to 2011.
Jason Chaffetz, U.S. House of Representatives, Utah 3rd District, May 2008 to 2011.
Kevin Fayles, Candidate for Mayor, West Valley City, UT, 2009.
Dave Hansen, Utah State Republican Party Chair, March 2009 to June 2009.
Cherilyn Eagar, 2010 US Senate Race, May 2009 to May 2010,
Tim Bridgewater, 2010 US Senate Race, May and June 2010.
Morgan Philpot, 2010 U.S. House of Representatives, Utah 2nd District, June 2010 to November 2010.
Daniel W. Thatcher, 2010 Utah State Senate, District 12, August 2010 to November 2010
• Church Based community service
3. What personal experiences have you had with traditional public schools and/or with charter schools? (Please be as specific as possible.)
I grew up in Salt Lake City and attended public schools, Uintah Elementary and then Indian Hills Elementary School. I then graduated from Hillside Junior High School and Highland High School. I attended the University of Utah and graduated from what is now Salt Lake Community College. During High School I was involved with Track, Cross Country, choirs, assemblies, chess and table tennis. Since graduating, I have had limited opportunities to help students learn about architecture, including in the classroom and as a mentor for an IB student. I would be interested in being more involved. I have attended a few concerts to show support for children in my neighborhood. I have been frustrated that community councils are designed to include only parents, and other interested neighbors tend to be excluded.
4. Serious attempts to limit the rights of teachers and other public employees were proposed, but defeated, this year. What is your view on the rights for public employees regarding collective bargaining, payroll deduction of dues and other association issues?
I met with [Steve White] to discuss the union side on at least one bill. I believe that there needs to be balance, and in many cases the Utah Legislature should stay out of it, other than insure Utah remains a Right to Work State. I am in favor of secret ballots when deciding to be in or start a union. I don’t believe Government should prohibit or stop unions, including the right to collective bargaining. I never got a chance to vote on that bill. When deductions are from government or public employment, the system needs to be transparent and fair to both sides. One bill, 2012 SB 82, included not only clarifications to existing law, it included penalties to principals and districts. Even though I am supportive of associations having equal access, I personally ran an amendment to remove the penalties and when my amendment was replaced with something that still had some, the bill died in the house.
5. In 2007, Utah voters overwhelmingly rejected private school vouchers, would you continue to support this position while serving in the legislature?
I love the ideas of competition and parents’ choices, however, I have strong concerns with vouchers.
I have concerns that vouchers could be a tool for State Government, and perhaps even the Federal Government, to have more control over private schools. The Federal Government has no Constitutional power to be involved in education. The State Constitution is pretty clear that "Neither the state of Utah nor its political subdivisions may make any appropriation for the direct support of any school or educational institution controlled by any religious organization."
So vouchers couldn't and shouldn't directly help any private religious school, and any school accepting vouchers could have more government control, and any private school not accepting the vouchers could be at a disadvantage to those that do.
I haven't seen any voucher bills that solve these concerns. Until I do, I will oppose them.
I would be more open to private charity scholarships and/or tuition tax credits, as they are less apt to run a foul of the State Constitution or create more government intrusion. The numbers would have to be looked at and work, as the last thing we want to do is hurt either the students or the teachers.
Charter Schools are public schools with different local control. They interest me. In some cases they do very well, but sometimes they don't. We should monitor their progress.
We have a Utah Constitutional requirement to protect and provide public education.
Article X, Section 1. [Free nonsectarian schools.]
The Legislature shall provide for the establishment and maintenance of the state's education systems including: (a) a public education system, which shall be open to all children of the state; and (b) a higher education system. Both systems shall be free from sectarian control.
6. Substantive public education reform legislation was passed this year as the result of broad collaboration between legislators and the education community. What would you do or how would you continue that positive trend of collaboration?
I was impressed with 2012 SB 64. Senator Osmond worked hard on the bill working with all sides and I believe we need more bills like it. I also supported keeping both the Online and Electronic high school systems. I voted in favor of the HB 336 and then spoke in favor of an amendment to SB 178 that kept both systems.
7. Utah currently has the lowest funded Public Education System in the United States. What ideas do you have related to this challenge?
Utah invests $2.5 Billion for Public Education out of the $5 Billion of actual State funds, which scores near the top of the nation. Some have stated it is in the top 5. We have over 600,000 students and I have been grateful that the system does as well as it does. I have supported funding education, but to add large amounts we need other revenue and I do not believe we should raise taxes to get it. One of the reasons I ran 2012 HB 209, which if amended would have been titled “Utah Lands and School Trust Fund Amendments” would have solved a large and concerning loop hole in the payment of 5% for public lands to the school trust fund. 2012 HB 148 bill, Transfer of Public Lands Act and Related Study, which is likely to be signed and then challenged in court didn’t fully solve the current loophole in the 5% that should go to the School Trust Fund. In addition to revenue dealing with our public land issue, I believe we need to have better tools. I was one of 3 that amended and therefore saved passage of one of the two bills providing such tools. 2012 SB 97 was facing strong opposition in the House. One of the main concerns was student privacy. My amendment focused on that. The bill passed the house with over a 2/3 vote.
8. In a few short years many in the teaching ranks will be retiring, what should Utah do to attract new and retain existing highly qualified teachers? I believe several changes last year and this year will help. I am hopeful that 2012 SB 64 will help also help the perception of teachers. I am interested in the Paraeducator program, hoping we can attract some older teachers from the business community.
9. What do you see as the most pressing issues facing public education? Growth, safety, innovation.
I would like to see greater cooperation between “traditional” and charter schools in innovation, helping each other succeed instead of the perception of enemies.
10. What role do you support for the Utah Education Association and the teachers we represent as the state moves forward in advancing education?
Both sides of an issue should be known to make good decisions. Through cooperation, I believe UEA can continue to provide needed communication to parents, schools, districts, school boards, the legislature and the Governor.

Rep Fred Cox voting ratings for 2012

Note: In several rating systems, one or two votes out of 651 make a huge difference.

Several ratings were changed by my vote on 2012 SB 82. See this for more information:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/05/equal-access-for-education-employee.html

Another bill that changed my ratings was my concern and vote against 2012 SB 208, which is a Multi-state Health Care Compact. See this for more information:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/05/another-bill-that-changed-my-ratings.html

Ratings or rankings for 2012 and the 2012 Utah General Legislative Session:

Least missed Floor Votes - 2012 Tied for 1st place in both the House and Senate
(for 2011 AND 2012 together, best for both houses)
For 2012, See both:
http://adambrown.info/p/research/utah_legislature/absent?year=2012
and
http://utahdatapoints.com/2012/03/utah-legislators-with-the-best-and-worst-attendance-records-of-2012/

Salt Lake Chamber: 2012 Utah Business Champion

National Rifle Association - Political Victory Fund, (NRA) B+ and Endorsed Candidate


National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB/Utah SAFE Trust, Endorsed Candidate
100% Rating:
http://www.nfib.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=fPK60DdWWK0%3D&tabid=1083


Ideology scores for the Utah House of Representatives, 2012
http://adambrown.info/p/research/utah_legislature/ideology_house?year=2012


Sutherland Institute: 85%
http://www.sutherlandinstitute.org/uploaded_files/sdmc/2012-legislative-scorecard320.pdf

Grassroots 74%
http://utahgrassroots.org/annual/2012/GrassRoots2012.pdf

Utah Taxpayers Association 71%
http://www.utahtaxpayers.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/FINAL-DRAFT-2012-SCORECARD1.pdf

CLI 71.9%
http://utleg.blogspot.com/2012/04/2012-utah-house-cli-ratings.html

Salt Lake Tribune Red/Blue Rating 70%
http://local.sltrib.com/upload/2012/05/1337821918legratings.pdf

Partents for Choice in Education: 67%
http://choiceineducation.org/images/documents/report-card_2012.pdf

Libertas Institute: 59%
http://libertasutah.org/resources/legislator-indexes/2012-index/

Utah Education Association 50%
http://www.myuea.org/sites/utahedu/Uploads/files/Politics/2012VotingRecords.pdf

UFIRE "B"
http://sites.google.com/site/ufirenow/ufire-2012-ratings

Utah Sierra Club 25%
http://utah.sierraclub.org/2012_Utah_House_Scorecard.xls
http://utah.sierraclub.org/legislative.asp
Note: No republican legislator got better than 50%


Salt Lake Solar Day 2012, "Greenest Republican in the State" for sponsoring
2012 H.B. 262 Building Code Amendments

Planned Parenthood Action Council of Utah 0%
http://ppacutah.org/elections-politics/

Cage Match with Rep. J. Fisher
http://utahdatapoints.com/2011/12/cage-match-fred-cox-and-janice-fisher/

Party Line Voting 86%
http://adambrown.info/p/research/utah_legislature/party_support?year=2012

Complete voting record for 2012:
http://www.fredcox4utah.com/2012Cox.pdf

See also:
http://www.votesmart.org/candidate/128581/fred-cox

Last years ratings or rankings are at:
http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2011/04/rep-fred-c-cox-voting-ratings-for-2011.html

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Dan Liljenquist for US Senate for Utah

Last Utah General Legislative Session for 2011, I remember reading though and seeing bill after bill sponsored by Sen. Dan Liljenquist pass the house.

I was amazed at the respect he and the bills had. I was amazed at how both republicans and democrats voted for them.

For example, his 2011 SB 180 Medicaid Reform bill passed both houses with no votes against it from either party and was signed by the Governor.

The same thing happened with 2011 SB 308 Amendments to Public Employee's Benefit and Insurance Program. It happened to 2011 S.B. 272 Secured Creditor Amendments. Also with 2011 S.B. 127 Post Retirement Employment Amendments. I was surprised that 2011 S.B. 149 Qualifications for the Executive Director of the Department of Health had one vote against it, but it came back and passed without anyone voting against it after all. Again, no votes against 2011 S.B. 121 New Automobile Franchise Act Amendments. No votes against 2011 S.B. 120 Career Service Amendments. (Not in any order).

Did he get any no votes? Yes. 2011 S.B. 90 Board of Pardons Retirement Amendments did actually have 6 house republicans vote against it and 2011 S.B. 9 Retirement and Independent Entities Base Budget did have many democrats vote against it, but last year that was common with the base budget bills.

But with at least 7 bills, both the house and senate, both republicans and democrats all voted for the reforms Senator Dan Liljenquist proposed. Some of the bills had been changed several times before they were voted on, but when there was consensus they were voted on and passed. Some have asked why he missed some floor votes last year and I believe this tells you why. All 9 of these bills were signed by the Governor.

We need that in Washington DC. These are the same areas that are bankrupting our nation. Again, we need Dan Liljenquist in Washington DC. Yes, we have a US Senator with 35 years of seniority, but remember that in 2011, Senator Dan Liljenquist was still in his first 4 year term. He did it without seniority. He has been recognized nationally for this, but not so much in his own state.

In addition to that, our current US President is acting like a king. If congress doesn't act, he says he will. Sen. Mike Lee is at least calling the President out on it. I don't believe Sen. Hatch is doing enough to provide the constitutional check we need. I believe Dan Liljenquist would stand up and protect our freedom and rights. I believe that item alone will make the difference in this race.

I ask that you vote for Dan Liljenquist, while there is still time to save this country.

Higher Education Textbook Fairness Act

Sometimes the best bill is one that doesn't pass.

This session, I dropped my bill request for the Higher Education Textbook Fairness Act. Last year, my bill came out late, with significant opposition from state run college bookstores, and concerns from the Board of Regents. Senator Mayne was able to pass last session a sales tax exception for private college text book stores to match the exception for state run stores.

Last session, Dave Buhler asked what some of my concerns were and said he would look into it. Later last year I received this:

"Dave Buhler" 11/8/2011 4:06 PM
Rep. Cox, attached is the new proposed policy on textbooks that will go to the Regents for approval on Nov. 18. I will let you know if any changes are made. This will be the first time we have had a policy on textbooks at the state level. We received much input from faculty and administrations around the state. We tried to strike the proper balance between cost-effectiveness and quality for the students while guarding against any possible conflicts of interest. Thanks for raising the issue. Also attached is the cover memo that will go to the Board of Regents from the Commissioner of Higher Education. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks.

Dave Buhler
Associate Commissioner for Public Affairs
Utah System of Higher Education

The policy that was adopted can be found at:

http://higheredutah.org/sbr/policy/pdf/R465.pdf

which includes the following:

4.1 Course Materials Costs and Affordability. Each USHE institution shall adopt policies,
procedures, and/or guidelines that further efforts to minimize the cost of course materials for students while maintaining the quality of education and academic freedom. Institutional policies/procedures for required course materials selection shall include consideration of affordability of course materials as influenced by:

Utility of the course material for achievement of course learning outcomes as determined by the instructor and/or department

Total cost of the course materials for each course

Use of the same course materials for multiple sections of the same course

Adoption period; availability of used course materials

Added value of new editions: Approval of new editions only if there is sufficient added value to achieving the course learning outcomes to justify ordering the new edition

Availability of the course materials at the time of course initiation

Availability and selection (where appropriate) of open-access course materials for which there is no cost.

Monday, March 19, 2012

John Dougall for Utah State Auditor

I endorse John Dougall to be the new Utah State Auditor, as I can't think of anyone better I would trust with $13 Billion dollars, that would make sure the audits are complete and understandable to everyone.

He has been Vice Chair of the House Executive Appropriations Committee, responsible to help with coordinating not only between all appropriations committees, but with the Senate. I have watched him repeatedly work to protect the money required at the hands of taxpayers to fund State operations.

The State Auditor is an administrative position. While I don't agree all the time with Governor Herbert, he has done well, despite not having degrees or certifications to match all of the areas he administers.

The Utah Constitution sets the requirements for Utah State Auditor, and there is no requirement for a CPA. John Dougall has an engineering degree and a MBA. He is a master with numbers.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

2012 General Session Weeks Five through Seven

2012 General Session Update:

If you have not already, please attend one of the remaining Question and Answer Public Meetings at the Hunter Library, 4740 West 4100 South West Valley City, Utah 84120

Saturday, March 24, 2012, 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Saturday, April 7, 2012, 12:30pm to 1:30pm

During the first two weeks, the legislature passed 33 bills. After four weeks that number was 118 bills. By the end of week seven that number was 478 bills:

One of those bills passed I sponsored. Of the 3 remaining bills, one passed the House and ran out of time in the Senate, one was on the 3rd Reading Calendar of the House when we stopped voting on the House bills, and one never got out of committee.

Read more about that bill here:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/53616967-82/energy-code-standards-utah.html.csp

Again, this session I sponsored 4 bills and cosponsored 8 others which can be accessed from here:

The bill I have been asked about lately is 2012 HB 363 that the Governor just vetoed. For more information about that bill see:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/03/hb-363.html

A great update on the budget is at:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/03/2012-session-utah-state-budget-overview.html

My 2012 General Session Floor Voting Record can be found at:
http://fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/03/2012-general-session-floor-voting.html

Included in this link shows that in 2012, I tied for the best in showing up for floor votes:
http://utahdatapoints.com/2012/03/utah-legislators-with-the-best-and-worst-attendance-records-of-2012/

From the Flyer passed out at the Neighborhood Republican Caucus Elections:
Over a year ago, my friend, State House District 32 Representative Ron Bigelow accepted the invitation from Governor Herbert to be the State Budget Director. I was honored to run and was selected to be the nominee and then was appointed by the Governor to fill Rep. Bigelow’s term. I have been honored to represent State House District 32 for 2011 and will continue to work hard doing so for 2012. I just completed my second General Legislative Session.

I believe we need to stand up and be heard, or watch our Constitutional Rights disappear. As your representative, I have been heard, standing up defending good bills, amending or substituting bills to make them better, or standing up in opposition against bills that I believed should not pass.

Last year I publicly stood up to the Governor when I felt his $130 million dollar estimated tax proposal would take away critical cash flow funds from small businesses. That proposal died. I stood up to the current Utah Attorney General when he was promoting a bill to further amend our 4th Amendment Rights. That bill didn’t pass committee, even with 2 attempts.

In addition to having a bill pass both Houses last year and also this year, I substituted another’s bill that would not have passed committee or the House otherwise. I proposed an amendment to remove language from another bill that could fine school principals and districts, and when that amendment was not selected, the bill which had passed the Senate by almost a 2/3 vote, was voted down by over a 2/3 vote in the House. I also helped rescue the 2nd part of a Senate adaptive education testing bill that was stalling with opposition in the House. It then passed by over 2/3.

For 2013, a new House District 30 will represent much of this area, and during the 2012 General Election you will determine who will represent this new District 30 beginning in 2013. The New District 30 includes most of 32, part of 29 and some of 33. There are two incumbents in this race that will face each other in November. I am one of them and I ask for your vote.

Official Government and Constituent Email:
fredcox@le.utah.gov
Campaign Related Email, including volunteering, signs, donations, etc:
fred@fredcox4utah.com


I am on the following standing committees:

For this summer, I have not confirmed my committee assignments, but last year I was on the following:

Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Interim Committee
Public Utilities and Technology Interim Committee

I am already working on 8 possible bills for next year. Several are already listed on the Interim Master Study List.

More information can be found at my blog or on several social media sites which can be reached from:

Fred C. Cox, Representing State House District 32 and running to represent the new District 30

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

2012 General Session Floor voting record

Just released are my 2012 House Floor votes.

http://www.fredcox4utah.com/2012Cox.pdf

This year I missed one floor roll call vote while I was visiting over in the Senate, helping one of my bills pass there. That put me tied for the best record for 2012 for both houses.

Last year, I missed 4 floor votes for the same reason. That put me in 4th for the House and Senate for fewest missed votes. So, if I missed someone that wanted to catch me when we were voting, you know why.

http://utahdatapoints.com/2012/03/utah-legislators-with-the-best-and-worst-attendance-records-of-2012/


If you want to know why I voted for or against a specific bill, let me know. I may have to look at the bill again, as there were hundreds of bills.

PS,
The other "missed vote" is a computer error, which may get fixed. It has everyone missing it, which didn't happen.

Dear Friends and Neighbors

Over a year ago, my friend, State House District 32 Representative Ron Bigelow accepted the invitation from Governor Herbert to be the State Budget Director. I was honored to run and was selected to be the nominee and then was appointed by the Governor to fill Rep. Bigelow’s term. I have been honored to represent State House District 32 for 2011 and will continue to work hard doing so for 2012. I just completed my second General Legislative Session.

I believe we need to stand up and be heard, or watch our Constitutional Rights disappear. As your representative, I have been heard, standing up defending good bills, amending or substituting bills to make them better, or standing up in opposition against bills that I believed should not pass.

Last year I publicly stood up to the Governor when I felt his $130 million dollar estimated tax proposal would take away critical cash flow funds from small businesses. That proposal died. I stood up to the current Utah Attorney General when he was promoting a bill to further amend our 4th Amendment Rights. That bill didn’t pass committee, even with 2 attempts.

In addition to having a bill pass both Houses last year and also this year, I substituted another’s bill that would not have passed committee or the House otherwise. I proposed an amendment to remove language from another bill that could fine school principals and districts, and when that amendment was not selected, the bill which had passed the Senate by almost a 2/3 vote, was voted down by over a 2/3 vote in the House. I also helped rescue the 2nd part of a Senate adaptive education testing bill that was stalling with opposition in the House. It then passed by over 2/3.

For 2013, a new House District 30 will represent much of this area, and during the 2012 Neighborhood Caucus Elections, Conventions, Primary and General Elections you will determine who will represent this new District 30 beginning in 2013. The New District 30 includes most of 32, part of 29 and some of 33. Help determine who is on the ballot for State House, Governor, US Senate, US Congress, County Mayor and more.

I really appreciate that you come to the Republican Neighborhood Caucus. I hope you support those running to be county delegates who would be open minded, willing to research the candidates, and would truthfully consider voting for me at the County GOP Convention on April 14th.

Official Government and Constituent Email:
fredcox@le.utah.gov
Campaign Related Email, including volunteering, signs, donations, etc:
fred@fredcox4utah.com
_________________________________________________________________

Come meet Fred Cox and ask questions at:

Hunter Library Meeting Room, 4740 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah 84120

Saturday, March 24, 2012 12:30pm - 2:30pm

Saturday, April 7, 2012 12:30pm - 1:30pm

_________________________________________________________

Fred C. Cox, Representing State House District 32 and running to represent the new District 30

Economy, Fiscal Responsibility, Energy Independence, Education Excellence

COMMUNITY SERVICE
• Utah State House of Representatives, District 32, January 2011 to present.
• Utah Republican State Central Committee 2011 to present.
Utah Republican State Delegate 2002-2003, 2005-2011.
• Salt Lake County Republican House District 32 Chair, August 2010 to January 2011.
• ChamberWest Regional Chamber of Commerce Government Action Committee, Nov. 2010 to present
AIA Utah, Government Affairs Committee, January 2008 to January 2011.
• Church Based community service
Paid for by Fred C. Cox, Campaign Fund

Monday, March 12, 2012

2012 Session Utah State Budget Overview

This is one of my favorite documents showing an overview of all the budgets.

http://www.le.utah.gov/lfa/reports/bbib/APPEXE_03-08-12_5.pdf

HB 363

If you look at the time line for HB 363
http://le.utah.gov/~2012/status/hbillsta/hb0363.htm

You may notice the bill had extensive public comment and debate.

With weeks between the public meeting and the house floor debate.

http://le.utah.gov/~2012/minutes/HEDU0209.pdf


http://le.utah.gov/~2012/journal/h0030.pdf

See pages 1118 to 1122

The bill had almost 2/3 of both houses passing it.



If you read the current law first

http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE53A/htm/53A13_010100.htm

and then compare it to the proposed law:
http://le.utah.gov/~2012/bills/hbillenr/HB0363.pdf

I believe you will find that the intent of the current law remains, with added parental input and an option for the local school not to teach the class if they don't want to follow the law.

From the Salt Lake Tribune: "According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, as of February 2011, 21 states and the District of Columbia required public schools to teach sex education, and 35 states and the District of Columbia required students to receive information about sexually transmitted infections."

The bill allows a local school to provide the class if they follow the law. Currently we have schools in Utah that are required to provide the class and the claim is that some schools are not following the current law. Some have even questioned if the State School Board was following the current law.

If that is the case, either the law needs to be clarified, or we add teeth to the law, or both. HB 363 clarifies the law assuming the schools will follow the law if it is clear.

If you look at lines 135 to 140, you will notice the opt in was not removed for parents.

The movement to shift the content of the class from current law significantly either way didn't pass. Many that are upset at HB 363 do not like the current law and wanted to change it to have fewer restrictions.

Update:
I was less upset of the Governor's veto than the timing of it, but mostly his stated reasons, which I don't agree accurately reflect the proposed law.

Once again he has gone out of his way to throw the republican legislature under the bus and not just explain why he didn't agree with the bill.

2012 HB 363 was not a consensus bill. It was more of a compromise bill. Some wanted it to be tighter and others looser.

The Parental Opt-in, lines 135 to 140, which was originally designed only to stop state funded abortion and contraceptive services for minors without parental permission was left intact. It is the only way contraceptives can be discussed now.

With HB 363, local control, within the limits of the law, was increased as was parental involvement and more available educational resources provided to parents.

Statistics of abstinence-only education in the 4 districts using it imply that the other system being used increased the students risk of STDs not decreased it

Immigration E-Verify

Rep. Sandstrom decided to let his E-Verify bill expire by abandoning it at the deadline. He decided over the weekend afterwards to try to pull a new bill file to run it after all. After the deadline, anyone that wants to open a bill file must ask "leave of the body" with a voice vote on the floor. It was not clear who won that vote and division was called, requiring a roll call vote.

I voted to allow Rep. Sandstrom to open his bill file, so we could see the bill, amend it if needed and vote on it. Almost all of the surveys that I got back said that

"Utah should increase illegal immigration enforcement using E-Verify."

The measure to allow the bill file failed 36 to 37 with Rep. Fisher voting against it.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/53472422-90/bill-verify-sandstrom-file.html.csp

Rep. Sandstrom found someone else that had a bill file that they didn't want, 2012 HB 477, and took that and tried to run that bill. He was not able to get the bill out of House Rules Committee.

Rep. Herod tried to redo the 2011 HB 116 bill. He couldn't get it out of the House Rules Committee and tried to bypass the committee and move it to another committee which didn't pass by voice vote. I wanted the bill to have a public committee and be voted on so I voted to move the bill.

Repealing 2011 HB 116 didn't have as much support but I was very interested in fixing it, as I didn't vote for it.

http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-didnt-vote-for-2011-hb-116.html

http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com/2012/02/2012-survey-results.html

There was a bill in the Senate to repeal 2011 HB 116, but it didn't make it to the house for me to vote for it.

For more information about Immigration Bills, see:
http://utahpulse.com/bookmark/17662286-Immigration-Reform-Appears-to-be-Dead-in-2012

I voted for the E-Verify Bill last year:
http://le.utah.gov/~2011/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hb0253s01.htm

As of right now, one of the immigration bills passed last is being blocked by the feds in court, and others may be since they reference code section amendments also being blocked. This also effects the proposed Catsup ordinance since it uses the 2011 HB 116 E-Verify Section that hasn't taken effect and may not. The section that Catsup should have referenced is set to be repealed by 2011 HB 116. It is a catch 22 that I am hoping to figure out how to solve this summer. I voted to allow Rep. Sandstrom to pull his bill file because I was hoping we could solve this. Some of the others voted against it because they want to see what we have to work with when the dust settles.

Speaker Lockhart is more apt to let the Rules committee work, where some past House Speakers have personally blocked bills. I am not blaming her.

I had one bill that it took 3 weeks for me to move out of rules and then the committee chair it was sent to refused to put it on the agenda.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/53616967-82/energy-code-standards-utah.html.csp

Friday, March 9, 2012

We need more consensus building and less compromise

Fred C. Cox, Representing State House District 32 and running to represent the new House District 30

We need more consensus building and less compromise. If we focus on what we agree on, we can accomplish the most good.

The state budget bills for 2012 were passed with almost everyone from both parties voting for them. Can we send that cooperation to the US Congress?

I have no problem working with both parties. All four bills that I sponsored that passed the House in 2011 and 2012 were floor sponsored by a democrat senator.

I was the only member of the Legislature that sponsored a bipartisan congressional redistricting map, co-sponsored by a member of another party.

I don't look at bills as republican or democrat sponsored. I vote on bills based on what the bill says and would do, and I have spoken against bills and spoken for bills based on the bill not the sponsor or party.

• Utah State House of Representatives, District 32, January 2011 to present.
(Two General Legislative Sessions)

• Utah Republican State Central Committee 2011 to present.
• Utah Republican State Delegate 2002-2003, 2005-2011.
• Salt Lake County Republican House District 32 Chair, August 2010 to January 2011.
• ChamberWest Regional Chamber of Commerce Government Action Committee, Nov. 2010 to present
• AIA Utah, Government Affairs Committee, January 2008 to January 2011.

Dear Friends and Neighbors

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Over a year ago, my friend, State House District 32 Representative Ron Bigelow accepted the invitation from Governor Herbert to be the State Budget Director. I was honored to run and was selected to be the nominee and then was appointed by the Governor to fill Rep. Bigelow’s term. I have been honored to represent State House District 32 for 2011 and will continue to work hard doing so for 2012. I just completed my second General Legislative Session.

For 2013, a new House District 30 will represent much of this area, and during the 2012 Neighborhood Caucus Elections, Conventions, Primary and General Elections you will determine who will represent this new District 30 beginning in 2013. The New District 30 includes most of 32, part of 29 and some of 33. Help determine who is on the ballot for State House, Governor, US Senate, US Congress, County Mayor and more.

I would really appreciate it if you come to the Republican Neighborhood Caucus and support those running to be a county delegate who would be open minded, willing to research the candidates, and would truthfully consider voting for me at the County GOP Convention on April 14th.

The New State House District 30, Republican Neighborhood Caucus March 15, 2012, starts at 7pm, arrive as close to 6:15pm as you can.
The District has been split in two. Expect one classroom per precinct.

Whittier Elementary School, 3585 S 6000 W, WVC, UT 84128
(New Precincts at this location: WVC005, WVC010, WVC012, WVC013, WVC014, WVC017, WVC018, WVC019, WVC024, WVC025, WVC026, WVC027) These are Precincts North of 4100 South Street.

Carl Sandburg Elementary, 3900 S 5325 W, WVC, UT 84120
(New Precincts at this location: WVC052, WVC053, WVC057, WVC058, WVC059, WVC060, WVC061, WVC062, WVC063) These are Precincts South of 4100 South Street.

New 2012 Elections Utah State House 30 District Map

Official Government and Constituent Email:
fredcox@le.utah.gov

Campaign Related Email, including volunteering, signs, donations, etc:
fred@fredcox4utah.com

Fred C. Cox, Representing State House District 32 and running to represent the new District 30


CURRENTLY ASSIGNED LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES

CONTACT INFORMATION:

http://www.fredcox4utah.com
http://www.fredcox4utah.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/fredcox4utah
http://www.facebook.com/fred.c.cox (personal profile)
http://www.facebook.com/fredcox4utah (public page)

http://le.utah.gov/house2/detail.jsp?i=COXFC Official Government website

Thursday, March 1, 2012

2012 Elections House District 30 GOP Neighborhood Caucus Elections

The New House District 30, GOP Neighborhood Caucus Elections, 7:00pm March 15, 2012, starts at 7pm, arrive as close to 6:15pm as you can.

Whittier Elementary School
3585 S 6000 W
WVC, UT 84128
(Precincts at this location: WVC005, WVC010, WVC012, WVC013, WVC014, WVC017, WVC018, WVC019, WVC024, WVC025, WVC026, WVC027)

Carl Sandburg Elementary
3900 S 5325 W
WVC, UT 84120
(Precincts at this location: WVC052, WVC053, WVC057, WVC058, WVC059, WVC060, WVC061, WVC062, WVC063)

http://www.slcogop.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Rep_30.pdf

For the New Leg District 30, If you live north of 4100 S, you are at Whittier. If you live south of 4100 S, you are at Carl Sandburg.


By being active in politics, we can influence what happens around us. Be involved. Be a voter.

I would really appreciate it if you come to the Republican Neighborhood Caucus and support those running to be a county delegate who would be open minded, willing to research the candidates, and truthfully consider voting for me at the County Convention on April 14th.

I have scheduled 4 public chances to meet me, 2 prior the caucus meeting and 2 after.

Come meet Fred Cox and ask questions at:
Hunter Library Meeting Room
4740 West 4100 South
West Valley City, Utah 84120

Saturday, March 10, 2012 12:30pm - 2:00pm

Wednesday, March 14, 2012 7:00pm - 8:30pm
West Side Matters Legislative Report

Saturday, March 24, 2012 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Saturday, April 7, 2012 12:30pm - 1:30pm