KZMU News

*Saturday Extra* On four separate occasions this week, Grand County teachers and their community supporters gathered in the frigid early morning air to demand a better tax reform bill for public education. Utah lawmakers approved a package of new tax laws during a special legislative session Dec 12th, making big cuts to Utah’s income tax, which supports public education. There are currently no public plans to help replenish funding for Utah schools after these tax cuts. Grand County’s teachers say that such uncertainty is a big problem. On the extended newscast, we hear voices from this week’s early morning protests.

*Saturday Extra* On four separate occasions this week, Grand County teachers and their community supporters gathered in the frigid early morning air to demand a better tax reform bill for public education. Utah lawmakers approved a package of new tax laws during a special legislative session Dec 12th, making big cuts to Utah’s income tax, which supports public education. There are currently no public plans to help replenish funding for Utah schools after these tax cuts. Grand County’s teachers say that such uncertainty is a big problem. On the extended newscast, we hear voices from this week’s early morning protests.

KZMU News discusses the latest in The Times-Independent's coverage with associate editor Doug McMurdo. This week - Grand County teachers protest a new state tax plan over several days, Moab City looks for architects to design their Walnut Lane housing development, the U.S. Census is looking for local canvassers, and more. Tune in.

KZMU News discusses the latest in The Times-Independent's coverage with associate editor Doug McMurdo. This week - Grand County teachers protest a new state tax plan over several days, Moab City looks for architects to design their Walnut Lane housing development, the U.S. Census is looking for local canvassers, and more. Tune in.

Moab City and Grand County are currently firming up development standards for new overnight accommodations. In 2019, both bodies paused new overnight development until such standards could be drafted. On Monday, Moab City Mayor Emily Niehaus and Grand County Council Chair Evan Clapper were live in the studio to talk about these new standards, as well as the thought process and reasoning behind them. Hear that interview on today’s news.

Moab City and Grand County are currently firming up development standards for new overnight accommodations. In 2019, both bodies paused new overnight development until such standards could be drafted. On Monday, Moab City Mayor Emily Niehaus and Grand County Council Chair Evan Clapper were live in the studio to talk about these new standards, as well as the thought process and reasoning behind them. Hear that interview on today’s news.

Students in Colorado from Aspen to New Castle gathered for the Third Annual Healthy Rivers Youth Water Summit. Local water educators organized the summit with the Youth Water Leadership Program, which works with students around the country to increase watershed literacy. Last week’s event was the culmination of a semester of research at local high schools. Our partners at KDNK have the details.

[Photo: Students at the Third Annual Health Rivers Youth Water Summit, Credit KDNK]

Students in Colorado from Aspen to New Castle gathered for the Third Annual Healthy Rivers Youth Water Summit. Local water educators organized the summit with the Youth Water Leadership Program, which works with students around the country to increase watershed literacy. Last week’s event was the culmination of a semester of research at local high schools. Our partners at KDNK have the details.

[Photo: Students at the Third Annual Health Rivers Youth Water Summit, Credit KDNK]

A state legislative panel voted in support of a massive tax reform plan last night, which would reduce overall taxes by approximately $160 million dollars. Most of these reductions would come from income tax, traditionally reserved for public education. Utah’s educators point out that currently, there are no public plans to help replenish funding for schools. They’re telling state lawmakers Utah kids “deserve better, not less.” Tune in.

Tax Restructuring Revisions Summary:

https://le.utah.gov/interim/2019/pdf/00005110.pdf

Tax Restructuring Options:

https://le.utah.gov/interim/2019/pdf/00005109.pdf

Draft Tax Legislation:

https://le.utah.gov/Interim/2019/pdf/00005094.pdf

A state legislative panel voted in support of a massive tax reform plan last night, which would reduce overall taxes by approximately $160 million dollars. Most of these reductions would come from income tax, traditionally reserved for public education. Utah’s educators point out that currently, there are no public plans to help replenish funding for schools. They’re telling state lawmakers Utah kids “deserve better, not less.” Tune in.

Tax Restructuring Revisions Summary:

https://le.utah.gov/interim/2019/pdf/00005110.pdf

Tax Restructuring Options:

https://le.utah.gov/interim/2019/pdf/00005109.pdf

Draft Tax Legislation:

https://le.utah.gov/Interim/2019/pdf/00005094.pdf