Take 2

Hosts: Heidi Hatch Maura Carabello, Exoro Group Rob Axson, Utah GOP Chair (joining from Washington, D.C.) Fire danger across Utah Statewide fireworks restrictions and the new law allowing cities to designate safe discharge zones. The Cottonwood Fire in Beaver County, now expected to become the costliest wildfire in Utah history. Gov. Spencer Cox's comments on the destruction. Looking ahead to the dangerous fire weather forecast. Primary election shakeup Several high-profile incumbents lost Tuesday's primary: Senate President Stuart Adams Sen. Dan McCay Rep. Trevor Lee Two Box Elder County commissioners What do these results say about the direction of Utah Republican politics? Congressional races Democrats Ben McAdams wins the Democratic nomination in Congressional District 1. What does his victory say about the party moving away from convention-selected candidates? Republicans Rep. Blake Moore wins his primary over Karianne Lisonbee. Does Lisonbee have a political future after this race? Rep. Celeste Maloy defeats Phil Lyman. Is this the end of Lyman's statewide political influence? Voting issues Some Democratic voters reported not receiving ballots. Was this simply a learning curve with the first Democratic congressional primary conducted this way, or is there more to examine? Supreme Court rulings Major decisions released this week. Which rulings have the biggest impact on Utah and national politics? SAVE Act President Trump's push for the SAVE Act. Why is the administration making a full-court press now? What are the political and legal implications?

THE POLITICS OF FIRE Fires in Utah in full swing this week Tooele County, multiple fires, arson arrest SLC Capitol Hill Fire - State says started by homeless, City says they don’t know Mike Lee ignites controversy after adding roadless rule repeal to a wildfire bill 13-year-old girl dies at Pineview after dead tree falls: Would Pineview Reservoir be safer if it were a state park? Not US Forest Service land Pentagon Classification of Latter-day Saints Election Day 11 days out - Drama between campaigns ramps up PAC cash flowing into Congressional races Trevor Lee Race - voters get video text describing fraud allegations Senator Dan McCay sends out mailer with endorsement from Senator John Curtis - Curtis said he is neutral on the race Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, warned states involved in Colorado River disputes could lose access to remaining federal conservation funding if they pursue litigation over water rights. SLC Council picks new member with a coin flip SLC, Salt Lake County sue DHS over planned Detention Center House GOP Vice Chair Blake Moore will host the annual NRCC summer meeting in Utah this weekend

Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: Maura Carabello, Exoro Group; Curt Bramble, former Utah state senator Happy Valentine’s Day. We’re halfway through the session, it’s Presidents' Day weekend, and it’s the anniversary of Utah women’s right to vote. U.S. House approves the SAVE America Act as GOP makes election bill push Utah Reps. Kennedy, Moore, Maloy, and Owens all voted in favor. Sen. Mike Lee has 49 votes so far in the Senate. UTAH LEGISLATURE Utah lawmaker proposes HB 392, Unlicensed Driver Amendments, heads to the Senate. As described by HB 136 sponsor Rep. Matt MacPherson, R-West Valley City, the bill is aimed at addressing the rising number of crashes caused by unlicensed drivers. Utah wants to remove marriage tax penalties. New bill would limit tax credits for unmarried individuals in an attempt to incentivize marriage. Tax penalties present an obstacle to married households, which threatens the best foundation for kids to have good life outcomes, according to Rep. Melissa Ballard, R-North Salt Lake. Should Utah third graders struggling with reading be held back a year? ‘Constitutional court’ three-judge panel bill takes on new amendments. Utah’s digital ID program, “digital bill of rights,” could lead the nation in privacy framework. Utah forces Chinese company to sell motorsports park in Tooele County. SIGNATURE GATHERING WINS AND LOSSES • Ben McAdams says he is the first to get the needed 7,000 signatures to make it on the ballot. • Prop 4 repeal signature gathering in 11th hour. Signatures must be turned in by Sunday, Feb. 15. • Salt Lake County tax referendum fails. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz; Maura Carabello, Exoro Group Tax Cuts & Budget Cuts Utah lawmakers advanced SB60, the proposed cut would reduce tax rates from 4.5% to 4.45% Opponents argue that the reduction could be better allocated amid a projected $300 million revenue loss Utah Majority Family-focused legislation The House Majority Caucus has made cost-of-living and strong families a priority for this session Utah Gas Prices Currently, Utah has a $0.385 tax rate per gallon for motor fuel sold at gas pumps in the state, but has an exemption for fuel exported out of state. A draft bill is still in the works that would reassess the state’s gas tax structure Refineries produce up to 220,000 barrels a day, but about 75,000 of those are shipped out of state to meet demand elsewhere in the West, pushing our prices higher here at home. As of late January 2026, Utah's average gas prices for regular unleaded are around $2.68 per gallon Idaho Legislature is fighting Mad over Utah Legislations Idaho House speaker calls Utah House Speaker's plan “Bull manure”, and Speaker Schultz had some choice words in return https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/HJM012.pdf Sentencing Commission The Speaker is sponsoring HB 274 to reconfigure the sentencing commission. HB274, sponsored by House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, would change the makeup of the Utah Sentencing Commission by removing all defense lawyers from the commission and replacing them with more members from law enforcement. The Bar said it “strongly” opposes the bill because it “politicizes” the commission by restructuring it in a way that “favors law enforcement and partisan viewpoints.” https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0274.html Utah won a $30 million bid for US Magnesium’s land, water rights, and mining agreements on Tuesday as part of a wider strategy to refill the shrinking Great Salt Lake Utah purchased US Magnesium’s land, water rights, and mining agreements for $30 million to help US Magnesium filed for bankruptcy in 2025, halting magnesium production. Gov. Spencer Cox and Department of Natural Resources Director Joel Ferry say the move is critical for long-term lake health and air quality Where is Utah’s Appeal to the Supreme Court on Redistricting? Signature-gathering status: Will they need a miracle to get to the magic number by Feb. 14? When it comes to redistricting, most Utah voters do not believe the state legislature should be solely responsible for the district boundaries because it favors the party in power See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Take 2 Podcast 1/19/26 Host: Heidi Hatch Guests: State Sen. Jen Plumb, MD, State Rep. Ryan Wilcox MLK Day of Service highlights as the Utah legislative session begins Lawmakers kick off the session with a blood drive Minnesota facing growing tension amid an ICE surge Sen. Nate Blouin introduces a bill to block ICE from entering churches and hospitals and to ban agents from wearing masks Utah ICE detention center has been in planning for nearly two years, dating back to the Biden administration Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill” and tightening budgets loom over legislative sessions across the West, reporting from Brigham Tomco Utah State School Board asked to cut $300 million, about 5% of its budget Bill filed to expand Utah Supreme Court justices from five to seven U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on state bans of transgender athletes in girls’ sports Conservative organizer Scott Presler in Utah gathering signatures to repeal Proposition 4 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

HOST: Heidi Hatch GUESTS: Maura Carabello Exoro Group, Rep Ryan Wilcox Prop 4 is moving closer to the ballot as organizers report tens of thousands of signatures submitted to county clerks, even as another major policy fight begins to take shape. A newly filed effort to challenge Salt Lake County’s tax increase is now racing against a tight signature-gathering deadline, adding urgency to an already crowded political landscape. At the same time, unresolved court questions surrounding Prop 4 are keeping key decisions in limbo. Did you catch the Variety White House Expose? https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-susie-wiles-interview-exclusive-part-1?srsltid=AfmBOopKq4pM-ka2qo47Cc-_KgQd8ZemDcDLj8JIfkSPGgD6Yg2yglP7 Salt Lake County Tax Referendum Goud Maragani and others applied for the referendum on Monday, which if approved by clerk's office, gives them a chance to put the increase on next year's ballot. They would need to get about 45,000 handwritten signatures in 45 days. They are using volunteers. Prop 4 Signature Gathering Rob Axson Utah GOP Chair reports an estimated 75k valid signatures gathered – first signatures turned in a week ago to county clerks. Few Hundred paid gatherers- majority local Utah hires Latest on Prop 4 Case appeal In new court filings, the legislature is asking Third District Judge Dianna Gibson to issue a final judgment in the case so they can appeal it to the Utah Supreme Court, which the plaintiffs and Gibson say she can’t do yet because of unresolved claims. 3 Governors Take the Stage together 3 Utah governors say the country ‘desperately needs more of Utah’ ... in the White House? https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/3-utah-governors-country-desperately-030000599.html Bridger Bolinder A leader in Utah’s House Republican caucus says he will not seek reelection next year, citing other commitments and responsibilities that require his attention. House Majority Assistant Whip Bridger Bolinder, R-Grantsville, announced the decision this week. Bolinder was elected by his House colleagues to a leadership role over the summer, becoming one of the newest GOP leaders on Capitol Hill. “Serving in the Utah House of Representatives has truly been the honor of a lifetime,” Bolinder said in a post on Instagram. “Representing the people of Tooele, Juab and Millard counties has meant more to me than I can put into words.” Political and Religious Violence Brown University Shooting/MIT Professor Shooting – person of interest found dead Salem New Hampshire 2 Students killed, 9 critically injured MIT professor shot and killed at home Bondi Beach Shooting On Dec. 14, a mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach killed 15 people, including a child, and injured dozens. Australian authorities said two gunmen linked to the Islamic State opened fire on a crowd of about 1,000 people, with police killing one suspect and arresting the other, who was critically injured. Police later removed two homemade bombs from a car connected to the attackers. Trump Gave himself a year in review in primetime address. Border closed Peaced Deal Gaza/Israel Economy is awesome (Many would debate this) Utah Year in Review Charlie Kirk shooting and Utah Congressional Maps biggest stories of the year New Year New Documentary: Melania Exclusively in theaters Jan 30 https://x.com/MELANIATRUMP/status/2001266577077837917?s=20 “Hi, Mr. President, congratulations,” Melania Trump says on the phone, speaking from a golden bathroom in the first trailer for “Melania,” Amazon MGM Studio‘s upcoming documentary about the First Lady. “Did you watch it?” Donald Trump asks on the other end of the call. “I did not, I will see it on the news,” she replies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Utah GOP has raised over $4 million to repeal Proposition 4. The money is being donated by 501(c)(4) out of MA Signatures gathered- Rob Axson Utah GOP Chair reports healthy pace (tens of thousands) and growing momentum. None turned in yet. Utah GOP filed for a stay, no ruling yet Sutherland Institute Survey: Utah voters think elected officials, not judges, should choose congressional maps https://sutherlandinstitute.org/utah-redisticting-survey/ Do voters agree or disagree with the court-driven process produced by proponents of Proposition 4? Sutherland Institute recently commissioned Y2 Analytics to conduct a survey of Utah voters to investigate this question. By a 63-point margin, Utah voters believe that the policymakers they elect should be making redistricting decisions over judges. A full 71% of Utah voters say that an elected body or elected official at the state or county levels ought to have primary responsibility to decide congressional maps, compared to 8% who say judges should be primarily responsible. A plurality of Utah voters say that a body elected by the people (e.g., the Utah Legislature or county council) should be making redistricting decisions, while 21% of voters say it should be a state-level elected official (e.g., the governor), and 15% say it should be a county-level elected official (e,g., a county mayor). 5 Democratic Candidates in the D1 2025 Race State Sen. Nate Blouin announced his candidacy Nov. 24- now backed by Bernie Newcomer Luis Villarreal entered the race 1st in Sen. Kathleen Riebe Former congressman Ben McAdams Former state Sen. Derek Kitchen. REP. VERONA MAUGA looking to pass gun law change in upcoming session after shooting of Afa Ah Loo at No Kings Protest Drafting bill to keep long guns off the streets during protests Manslaughter charges filed this week against the “peace keeper” Cox proposes $30.7B budget with funding for homeless campus, child tax credits Gov. Spencer Cox proposes a $30.7 billion budget prioritizing literacy, a homeless campus and child tax credits. The budget includes $20 million for reading support and $25 million for a homeless campus in Salt Lake City. Cox's proposal also allocates funds for school safety, technical colleges and outdoor recreation. fund a literacy public awareness campaign and invest tens of millions in "paraprofessionals" to help teachers give an extra hand to young students who are falling behind. That would include $20 million for reading support in elementary schools that fall below the statewide proficiency benchmark of 70% of third graders reading at grade level. How the Trump administration could make or break Utah Gov. Cox’s budget priorities Trump tax bill leads to projected $300 million decrease in state income tax revenue. Gov. Cox prioritizes $25 million in budget to finish construction of homeless campus. Cox not proposing income tax cuts like the ones he supported for five years in a row. https://governor.utah.gov/press/gov-cox-releases-fy-2027-budget-proposal-focused-on-responsible-fiscal-management-strong-families-and-long-term-prosperity/ Rep. Blake Moore joins Pres. Trump to celebrate Michael and Susan Dell’s $6.25B investment in Trump Accounts Congressman Blake Moore joined President Trump at the White House to celebrate Michael and Susan Dell’s monumental $6.25 billion investment in Trump Accounts for children. Congressman Moore introduced legislation in the House to establish these investment accounts, which was passed and signed into law as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 4th, 2025. U.S. pauses immigration applications from 19 countries after two National Guard members shot in DC See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.