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Show The University of Utah's Independent Student Voice Since 1890 The Daily Utah Chronicle ©2005 www.dailyutahchronicle.com Vol.114 NO. 88 Tuesday, January 18, 2005 ANALYSIS Marriott Library looks to be a shoe-in to receive renovation funds Michael Young Asst. News Editor Fact: Given an earthquake of 5.0 or higher, the first floor of Marriott Library is projected to shift and collapse, creating "floor pancaking" throughout the other four floors. The collapse of the building is projected to happen within seconds, making evacuation impos- sible. Fact: With such ominous projections at hand, the Utah State Legislature is expected to appropriate the remaining monies necessary for seismic upgrades and renovation of the library. While the case for the library renovation is compelling, getting from point A to point B is perhaps easier said than done. The U will have to compete with other colleges and universities to receive money for the renovation. "The biggest obstacle for any project like this is always political pressure from other schools," according to Nancy Lyon, assistant vice president of university relations and governmental affairs. The U is asking for $48 million to supplement the $23 million raised by the U already. The U has received a federal grant for $3 million dollars and has solicited money from private donors as well. Specifically, the Marriott family has donated $6 million to the cause. "We have done our best to raise private donations for the library," said Dave Pershing, senior vice president for academic affairs. In addressing questions concerning funding, U administrators seem confident that there is enough one-time funding options to fund the renovation project. "I assume that the Legislature will be looking at both cash and bonding options," said Pershing. Despite what may be a sunny forecast for the U on the project, administrators aren't taking anything for granted. Many thought that the U would receive the necessary funds last year, yet the library was not approved for funding. myoung@chronicle.utah.edu Key Issues Any Willing Provider gave money to students with disabilities to attend private schools. -~ Most current health-care plans The bill was vetoed by Governor require that individuals in need Olene Walker; however, a similar " of health care acquire such care bill is likely to be introduced this through a health care provider or session. physician that is contracted with The Carson Smith and/or simitheir insurance provider or HMO. lar legislation is considered by < many to be a major step toward.", "Any willing provider" laws alalternative legislation that would low for individuals to obtain reprovide tuition tax credits for all imbursable medical services from students within the State of Utahany qualified provider, regardless It should be noted that many legof whether or not that provider islators have indicated that while, has contracted with the individual's insurance provider or HMO. Guns on Campus ^ they may be willing to vote for . special needs tuition scholarships, ;•:._ "Any willing provider" or "freedom of choice" legislation may While the legislature is not they are not willing to vote for Ju-,."•"'. be introduced this legislative ses- likely to pass legislation concern- ition tax credits generally. sion, and if so will likely be met ing the guns on campus issue, the Regardless of specific with significant controversy. Utah State Supreme Court is like- tors positions concerning specific ly to issue a decision in 2005. legislation, Carson Smith high- ; The State Legislature filed a lights the question of using public brief in the monies to fund private schoolingMotion Picture Incentive friend-of-the-court lawsuit filed by the University of Utah- In the brief the Legislature Rind contends that the University of . BandCWaste, , The Motion Picture Task Force Utah is not an autonomous enis recommending legislation that tity free from legislative control. Current law requires that the would establish the Motion Pic- The Legislature contends that both the Legislature and the govture Incentive Fund. The fund Article X, Section 4 of the Utah ernor approve any disposal of would be appropriated $3 million State Constitution does not estab- B and C waste in Utah. Legislaannually (subject to budget con- lish the U as a separate entity, but tion will be introduced that will straints), and would be applied in rather it renders the U a public require the review of long term , corporation while solidifying the funding needs for disposing radiotwo ways. Two-thirds of the fund would Legislature's complete authority active and hazardous wastes. Legislation may also be introduced be dedicated to providing incen- over higher education. tives for the production of withAdditionally, the Legislature that would prohibit the storage of ",. in-the-state television series' and contends that Article I, Section B and C waste in the state of Utah ':] . made-for-television movies. The 6 of the Utah State Constitution entirely. remaining one-third of the hind gives the Legislature the sole right While there has always been ; would be dedicated to providing to define "lawful use of arms." much debate over hazardous incentives for within-the-state waste storage in the state of Utah,, • productions of motion pictures. the dynamic for the debate may be different this legislative session. :' Carson Smith Special Envirocare, a Utah company, H Tourism Funding which has traditionally been a Needs powerful lobbying force in; supTo promote tourism in Utah, In the 2004 General Session, legislation may be introduced to the Legislature passed a bill that SEE KEY ISSUES PAGE 4 . : • • / . - • - ' .--'•••• : establish a self-sustaining fund for statewide advertising, marketing and branding campaign. ^ • The Tourism Marketing Performance Fund begin with an initial $10 million appropriation in 2005, and would receive si million less each year over the next ten years. The fund would then be required to become self-sustaining through interest earned and a portion of state sales and use tax revenues. • • • • • • ••.•;•••,...>-nr"v;A*j>- ^ M ' - i ' v • • : • • • ; - • • . . \ ; - - _ A - • ? - & • ' • • r V - -•• ^ . : ' • • ; . . . • • . - • > • * * • • - The Utah State Capitol, currently under construction, will not be used during the legislative session this year, which began Monday. Student ambassadors Administrators hope former interns can make impact during session Sheena McFarland Editor in Chief U administrators are depending on intern experience to earn some brownie points at the Legislature this year. A new program is To get Involved, * taking 20 student volcall your legislator unteers who previously interned with To find out who state legislators to your legislator is, the Hill to attend subvisit Mtp://ieMtah. committees and write 0ov/and click on their legislators, who Legislators. the U hope will be more sympathetic toward their former employees. "We're taking students who have personal SEE INTERNS PAGE 4 U seeks pay raise for faculty and staff Michael Young Asst. News Editor quite anxious to give state employees an increase in compensation," said Nancy Lyon, As is true yith many things assistant vice president of uniin life, it's all about the money. versity relations governmental For the U this General Legisla- affairs. tive Session it is no different, Lyon continued, "In conas the U will attempt to pro- versations with a couple Recure a raise for all of its faculty publican legislators, they are and staff. encouraged by revenue projecThe compensation of em- tions and are hopeful that a 3 ployees is an issue that has percent pay raise is possible. been boiling for some time, There appears to be enough as U faculty and staff have not ongoing [revenue] that legislaseen a significant pay increase tors feel they need to step up." for several years. The support of the RepubliSince 2002, faculty and staff can Caucus in particular is key. have received an ongoing pay A raise for state employees raise totaling 1 percent, plus a has to be built directly into the one-time bonus of $515. state's budget. "I think most legislators are Per the Utah State Constitu- tion, the budget falls directly under the jurisdiction of Senate and House leadership. With the Republican Party holding the majority in both the Senate and House, Republican leadership will outline the state's budget this year. Republican leadership, along with the chairpersons of the Executive Appropriations committees will then take the budget to the caucuses who will formally vote on the prospective pay increase as recommended by leadership. The formal vote will occur behind closed doors and the Republican Caucus is not required to SEE RAISE PAGE 4 A&E page 6 Bustin* his chops Jazz great Wynton Marsalis brings the A-game to Kingsbury Hall, Dave Salmon previews. Opinion Mail bag Students voice their opinions in letters to the editor. Sports Sweepness Runnin' Utes complete 2-0 road trip. |
