State of Utah Archives: on Technology

Allen Glines: Reinstate net neutrality; expand broadband access

• Reinstate net neutrality.
• Eliminate data caps for home internet services.
• Develop a sustainable program for universal internet access.
• Expand access to broadband to areas that are underserved.
• Pass legislation to assist low income individuals in obtaining basic internet access.
• Pass laws to address computer invasion, including the dissemination of harmful computer software through deception.
• Ban online subscriptions that are difficult to cancel as a means to trick consumers to continue to pay for them.
• Address the out of control growth of large technology companies and ensure they're still cooperating with antitrust legislation.

Allen Glines: Prosecute entities conducting phone scams

Pursue and prosecute entities that are responsible for perpetuating scams using the telephone.

Austin Searle: Called out TikTok for trending "National Rape Day"

Apr 18: A Group of users started a "National Rape Day" trend on TikTok that declared this will be taking place on April 24th! This is outrageous and forbidden! What is #TikTok going to do about this?

Chris Peterson: Balance water infrastructure needs with impact

Gary Herbert: We don't give ICE facial recognition data on immigrants

Gov. Gary Herbert was "very concerned" about reports that ICE and the FBI were using the photos to form the foundation for a facial recognition database, according to the governor's office. But they say they were told by the public safety department, which oversees the state Driver License Division, that such reports were inaccurate.

Herbert believes in respecting residents' privacy and is committed to ensuring that the state's facial recognition system will only be used for law enforcement purposes and never against law-abiding Utahns, according to his office.

"Federal agents don't have free roam of our database. They don't have access to it at all. They have to go through us to get information they are searching," a spokesperson said. "We do respect people's privacy."

Spencer Cox: Not OK to give ICE facial recognition data on immigrants

Gov. Gary Herbert and Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox were "very concerned" about reports that ICE and the FBI were using the photos to form the foundation for a facial recognition database, according to the governor's office. But they say they were told by the public safety department, which oversees the state Driver License Division, that such reports were inaccurate.

Cox told reporters, "If the reports are true, the governor and I are deeply concerned and not OK with it."

In at least three states that offer driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants, ICE officials have requested to electronically analyze driver's license photos. At least two of those states, Utah and Vermont, complied, searching their photos for matches, those records show.

Misty Snow: Tax gasoline to support public transportation

This year, Utah added a $0.15 a gallon tax on gasoline. This tax that was easily absorbed by the population and will generate lots of revenue for the state; there is no reason we couldn't do a 10-15 cent a gallon tax nationwide for the purposes of funding green transportation, infrastructure, and technologies.

Mike Weinholtz: Incentives to walk, bike, or take public transportation

There is also much we can do to reduce vehicle emissions, a primary source of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. It needs to be easier for Utahns to take public transportation, but funds are lacking. I support and will advocate for initiatives that allow counties to raise money they need to increase UTA funding to increase the frequency of common bus routes, ensure adequate parking at TRAX stops, and offer free fares on red air days.

Jonathan Johnson: Elect transit officials instead of political appointments

The public's perception of the transit agency, widely criticized over high executive salaries and bonuses, was largely blamed for voters rejecting the Proposition 1 sales tax increase for transportation in 7 of 17 counties statewide.

What Johnson is proposing is reducing the size of the UTA board to nine members. Eight would be elected and one appointed by the governor, and all would be limited to a single six-year term.

Gary Herbert: Invest in I-15 CORE & Ogden to Provo commuter rail

Gary Herbert: Since 2007, "e-government" has saved Utahns about $46M

Jon Huntsman: Fund desperately needed road expansions

Mike Leavitt: Merit pay & scholarships for high-tech teachers

We are losing from our public schools too many teachers in high demand areas of math and technology. It is time to do something unconventional.

I propose a plan of financial incentives similar to those used in private industry to keep the qualified teachers we have in these areas, and add at least 850 teachers who have master’s degrees in learning technology. I propose a one-time benefit of as much as $20,000 on top of their existing salaries in exchange for a commitment to stay in Utah schools for four years. Outstanding teachers in other disciplines willing to retool themselves in these high demand areas are also eligible. The state will pay for their master’s degree in technology or their certificate in math and give them a retention contract when they graduate.