Category Archives: News

Nine Liquor Stores to Remain Open-Senator Romero’s Response

April 26, 2011   Janeen   2 Comments

Senator Ross RomeroSenator Ross Romero just learned of Governor Gary Herbert’s decision to authorize the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to reassign $1.4 million in agency funds to keep nine of ten state liquor stores open that were originally slated for closure.  He commends Governor Herbert and DABC for their efforts in finding a preferred solution to DABC’s budget shortfall.

Senator Romero is aware of the public’s concern about closing state liquor stores.  He shares the expressed concerns of over consumption and prevention of under-age drinking, but that is not what the closing of stores was addressing. 

The Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, along with other state agencies, was ordered to cut their budget by 7.5%, or $2.2 million.  In order to meet those cuts, the DABC was going to close 10 stores that make a profit for the state of nearly $20 million annually. 

During the past few months, Senator Romero has questioned the wisdom in closing 10 stores that make $20 million in profit annually in order to save just over $2 million this year.  In addition to the unfortunate monetary loss, about 100 Utahns would have lost their jobs, workers who may have turned to state assistance to make ends meet. 

Senator Romero has been exploring other sensible solutions to avoid the store closures, and he is pleased to now learn that nine stores will remain open for business.
 

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Par Excellence Award for Senator Robles

April 22, 2011   Janeen   No comments

Senator Luz RoblesYesterday, Senator Luz Robles received the 2011 Par Excellence Award from the University of Utah Alumni Association.  Senator Robles has a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and a master’s degree in public administration from the University.  Only three years after completing her education, she was elected to the Utah State Senate, District One.  She is currently vice president and Hispanic/Latino market manager at Zions Bank.  Click here to read all about Senator Robles’ Par Excellence Award.

CONGRATULATIONS, SENATOR ROBLES!

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Congratulations, Cougars

March 27, 2011   Janeen   No comments

This week marked the end of a spectacular season for BYU basketball.  Although some members of our caucus graduated from a different school and cheer for a different team, we would all like to congratulate the BYU basketball team on making it to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament for the first time in 30 years. Kudos to the team for their best performance in three decades, and thanks for showcasing the state of Utah in such an admirable fashion.

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Congratulations Senator McAdams

February 25, 2011   Janeen   No comments

Senator Ben McAdams, Senate Minority Caucus Manager, is one of Utah’s “Forty under 40″ movers and shakers in the February 2010 issue of Utah Business magazine, chosen from a lengthy list of youthful, energetic leaders of today and tomorrow.  This generation of leaders is confident, talented, and innovative as they shape and guide our future.

Senator McAdams graduated from the University of Utah where he was elected student body president.  He received his juris doctor degree from Columbia University in New York City.  Senator McAdams practiced law in Salt Lake City with Dorsey & Whitney and is now senior advisor to Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker.

Senator McAdams was instrumental in securing funding for the construction of the Airport TRAX line and for reconstruction of the North Temple viaduct.  He also played a key role in facilitating passage of Salt Lake City’s nondiscrimination ordinances.

Senator McAdams represents parts of Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake, and West Valley City.   “Senator McAdams remarked, “My colleagues in the legislature, both Republican and Democrat, are visionary, hard-working men and women.  Being able to contribute to the creative problem solving and passion for a better Utah is inspiring.”

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Video – Massive Budget Cuts are Not the Answer

February 02, 2011   bschott   No comments

During their weekly media availability, Legislative Democrats talk with the media about common sense alternatives to the base budget cutting currently taking place on Utah’s Capitol Hill.

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Sen. Robles Adds Republican Rep. Jeremy Peterson as House Sponsor of Immigration Bill

February 02, 2011   bschott   1 Comment

Sen. Luz Robles and Rep. Jeremy Peterson are working together to pass immigration legislation during this session.

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Video – Question and Answer with the Utah Media

January 25, 2011   bschott   2 Comments

Utah House and Senate Democrats take questions from the media during the opening press conference for the 2011 session.  Subjects include the deficit, budget cuts and education.

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Video – Senator Pat Jones on Health and Human Services Budget

January 25, 2011   bschott   2 Comments

Senator Pat Jones says lawmakers need to be very mindful when proposing cuts to social programs.

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Sen. Robles’ Immigration Bill Could Serve as National Model

January 06, 2011   bschott   1 Comment

The Deseret News reports that Sen. Luz Robles’ immigration bill is unique on the national landscape and, if it passes, could serve as an effective model for other states.

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Congratulations to Senator Robles for your Influential Utahn Recognition for 2010

December 31, 2010   Janeen   No comments

Senator Ross Romeroby Senator Ross Romero
Senator Minority Whip 

 Senator Luz Robles is ranked #5 among the most influential Utahns for 2010 in today’s Deseret News.    Senator Luz Robles“With immigration arguably being the most hot-button issue of 2010, Utah Senator Luz Robles became the voice for Utah Latinos when she introduced her own immigration legislation in response to the many other proposals by Utah legislators. The first immigrant state senator in Utah, Robles proved this year that she’s not just a face but a leader for the state’s fastest growing population.”

Senator Robles has worked diligently the past two years for Utah and especially for her constituents in District One, advocating for health care, business development, and immigration reform.  Congratulations, senator, for your outstanding effort.

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