Countdown: There are 68 days until the start of the 2014 Legislature, 216 days until Utah’s 2014 primary elections, 349 days until the 2014 midterm elections and 776 days until the 2016 Iowa Caucuses.
- Rep. Jim Matheson and Republican challenger Mayor Mia Love look like they’re already spoiling for a fight ahead of the 2014 midterms [Tribune].
- Matheson defends his vote in favor of a measure allowing Americans to keep their current health insurance [KSL].
- Republican lawmakers warn against making plans for the state’s budget surplus as most of that money is already spent [Utah Policy].
- Legislative auditors ding management practices and low morale at the Department of Workforce Services [Tribune].
- Legislators are considering and passing more new legislation than ever before [Utah Policy].
- Lawmakers consider a proposal to put aside money to fight federal decisions that could curtail energy development in the state [Tribune].
- The emails of Utah lawmakers will be available for public scrutiny at the beginning of 2014 [Standard-Examiner].
- Utah has become an example for other cities on how to lobby for public transportation projects [Tribune].
- The town of Wallsburg completely forgot to hold an election this year. It’s not the first time that has happened [Tribune].
- The Utah Environmental Congress merges with a regional group, WildEarth Guardians [Tribune].
- A newly-elected Riverdale City Council member has been disqualified for filing a required financial disclosure late [Standard-Examiner].
- Sen. Orrin Hatch joins an effort to stop child sex trafficking [Tribune].
- Provo officials are considering adopting an anti-discrimination ordinance based on sexual orientation [Tribune].
- The Utah Foundation releases their second “Utah Quality of Life Index,” which shows residents feel slightly better than they did in 2011 [Deseret News].
- New State Superintendent Martell Menlove give his annual State of Education Address [Deseret News].
