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Show Page 5 JANUARY 25,2007 THE GARFIELD COUNTY INSIDER ETHICS REFORM BILL PASSES THE SENATE ANTIMONY NEWS Bennett amendment successfully upholds First Amendment rights ...by Betty Wiley Senator Bob Bennett (R-Utah) joined his Senate colleagues today to adopt an ethics reform package that strengthens lobbying disclosure and ethics requirements for members of Congress and their staff. This vote, 96-2, marks the first piece of legislation to pass the Senate in the 110"1 Congress. "Tonight's vote proves that the Senate can come together in a bipartisan fashion and pass meaningful legislation," said Bennett, a cosponsor of the reform bill. "This bill will create greater transparency and disclosure of lobbying activities and lets the American people know we are cleaning up our act to ensure an honest and open process." Bennett, the ranking Republican member on the Senate Rules Committee, successfully attached three amendments to S. 1 - The Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007. Bennett amendment no. 20 removed section 220 - The Disclosure of Paid Efforts to Stimulate Grassroots Lobbying - from the bill. Bennett noted that this provision would have placed onerous reporting requirements on advocacy groups, hampering their ability to exercise constitutional rights. The amendment passed by a vote of 55-43. "This is a clear victory for the Constitution, the First Amendment, and grassroots organizations who want their voices to be heard by Congress. Today, we reaffirmed that the zenith of the Bill of Rights is free speech, the right to petition the government, and the right to peacefully assemble," said Bennett. Bennett amendment no. 81 allows for travel pre-approved by the Senate Ethics Committee and organized by 501 c(3) non-profit organizations for educational purposes. Bennett pointed to a number of programs that give members the opportunity to cross party lines and discuss important public policy issues. The amendment passed by a vote of 51 -46. "We are talking about the kinds of things we should have more of in Congress rather than less - occasions to get together across the aisle under the sponsorship of a neutral organization, in a neutral location, and talk through problems," said Bennett. "I'm pleased my colleagues voted to continue these invaluable opportunities." Bennett amendment no. 38 allows a member and staff to accept free attendance to a bona fide constituent event. This legislation now awaits a conference with the House of Representatives. Weather is better this week. Still the temperature is between 0 and 10 degrees, so it is not warming up to fast. The ice thaws on the walks and roads, and then freezes again at night. The highways between here and Richfield are good, which makes travel fine. The road to Panguitch is good now for those who travel to work. Tom Wiley and Fred Bronsema were traveling in the Riley Plumbing truck late in the afternoon when they were hit from the back, giving them both whiplash. They were checked out at the hospital, but no brokes bones. Guess you can't keep good men down. Raymond & Roma Henrie are the proud grandparents of a little baby boy, born to Tiana and Gavin Phillips of Pleasant Grove, Utah. This gives the Phillips three boys. Bill Wiley and his son, and his son Wade Wiley attended some sport meetings and drawings up north, and will know on Monday if they have any luck. Jeremy Wiley, will have his wedding on Saturday at the Rockin "R" Ranch, and will have visitors coming for this. I checked with Janene Savage to see how she is doing, and she tells me that the doctor has put off surgery and wants to wait until the first of the week to see if the medicine and diet will take care of the problem, as she has had major surgery years ago, and he would not operate if the problem can be taken care of with medicine. Our son Jeremy Wiley, of St. David, AZ, has retired from his construction company, but won't rest. He has a landscaping business set up and emORIGINALS AND PRINTS ploys about 10 men to run the equipment. We would love to have our son retire here, but he is too used to the WINTER HOURS warm climate in AZ. open upon request Mrs. Valeria King, and her daugh63 N. Main,. Panguitch ter Lana Ogden travelled up north to 435J&76--2895 • attend a funeral of Georgia Welti, who was a sister ofRollo Fuller and a cousin Vedahale@yahoo.com of Valeria King. VEDA HALE Sfautt* THANKS FROM SANTA INSTRUCTIONS |oroptimum growth health,dQ nc nsofaorrecliner outside* give ofsuhlightai Every year we are in awe at the generosity of the people of Panguitch. The City, Lions Club, South Central Employees, Christmas and Quilt Walk Festival Home Tours and Candy sales at the craft fair continue to support the Sub for Santa Event. We receive checks and cash in the mail, on the streets and at our front doors from Panguitch citizens who do more than their share. Organizations in lieu of gift giving to each other collect donations for our cause. In addition, so many drop their change and paper money in the jars located at sponsoring store sites. Several work place employees and private citizens take names from our Angel Tree located yearly at Joe's Main Street Market. It is our hope that Santa will not miss one child living in Panguitch or Hatch. This year over 90 children were visited by Santa; coats, toys, shoes, shirts and pants were high priority items. To those who helped find those in need, you are a blessing, keep up the good, kind work. Who do you thank because anonimity is a high priority? You know who you are!!! Thanks so sincerely, you are the generous people who come through yearly. Santa's Little Helpers Pat Oetting Elaine Baldwin |