Story Archive for 10/23/2007
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Hatch supports alternative farm bill
Published on October 23, 2007 at 04:36PM
(WASHINGTON D.C.) – Sen. Orrin Hatch offered his support on an alternative to the Farm Bill currently before Congress. The Farm Ranch Equity Stewardship and Health Act (FRESH Act) addresses past farm programs which focus on a few crops such as corn, wheat, rice, soy and cotton while leaving out other crops, that are important to Utah, such as fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops. Hatch said the new emphasis will produce a more smarter, equitable way to support American farmers. He said that Utah’s orchards should receive the same kind of protection as Iowa’s cornfields. Hatch also commented that the Fresh Act would establish a county-based revenue protection program to mitigate the damage of risks the farmer can’t anticipate such as droughts or floods. The Fresh Act adds an additional $6-billion for important environmental and conservation programs that the farmers can use to prevent soil erosion, improve water quality, create wildlife habitat and reduce greenhouse gases.
Court Facility Revenue Bonds
Published on October 23, 2007 at 04:01PM
(Manti) Election day is getting closer, and the push is on to get voters educated about the issues. The Sanpete County Commissioners are making their case for the building of a new Court Facility in Manti. At issue is the release of revenue bonds for the project. The county would issue the bonds for the construction of the building, and the state courts would pay them back through the lease agreement. According to Brian Baker, the Vice President of Public Finance for Zions Bank, the courts have chosen this route to build the facility because the traditional funding method can take a long time to negotiate.Under the agreement the bonds would be purchased by private banks as well as the Community Impact Board. According to Baker, the state has never defaulted on a payment and is one of only seven states that have a triple A rating for bond security. Sanpete County residents will have the opportunity to vote on the bond issue this November in the municipal elections.
Early voting ends Nov. 2
Published on October 23, 2007 at 10:49AM
(RICHFIELD) – The Sevier County Clerk’s Office wants to remind registered voters that early voting will continue until Nov. 2. County Clerk, Steve Wall, says that early voting will be from 10am to 3pm, Monday through Friday at the Administration building in Richfield. He also said that absentee ballots can be done on Nov. 5 and general voting will be held Nov. 6 at various precincts in the local communities.