Adam R Brown

Professor Adam Brown (about me)
Email: me@adambrown.info
Office phone: (801) 422-2182
Course website: http://adambrown.info/p/courses/2013/winter/297
Last syllabus update: January 18th, 2013

Office location: 772 SWKT
Office hours: Stop by any time except the hour before class.

What's the point of this course?

The U.S. Congress employs over 11,500 staffers, most of whom work for a specific member of Congress. On average, each U.S. Senator has around 34 personal staffers and each U.S. Representative has around 14 (learn more). Likewise, in most states each legislator has at least a few staffers working for him or her.

Utah is the exception. Members of the Utah legislature have no personal staff. There is some shared staff, of course; for example, each legislative committee has a couple shared staffers that help the legislators draft and analyze bills. But individual Utah legislators do not have any personal staff.

As a result, Utah's legislators rely heavily on their interns for assistance and advice. Congressional interns often work for a Representatives's junior staffer, but legislative interns here in Utah work directly with their legislators. You will have much more meaningful experiences working with your Utah legislator than you would have working in a large Congressional office. But to succeed, you will need to be as useful to your legislator as an office full of personal staff.

My task is to prepare you as well as possible for that role so that you can be as successful as BYU interns have been in the past. Toward that end, we will cover several topics:

• Utah's political history, culture, and geography
• Utah's political system (powers of governor, courts, legislature)
• How legislators represent constituents
• How legislators make laws (committees, floor procedures)
• What motivates legislators
• Utah's fiscal policy and budget process
• Policies likely to receive attention from the legislature this year
• Names and faces of important legislators

Along the way, I hope you will make an effort to acquaint yourselves with one another. To be successful, you will need to work together throughout your internships.

Broader learning outcomes

The political science department has established specific learning outcomes to ensure that all our graduates grow spiritually and intellectually. In this class, we will also work on these goals:

• "Possess a factual and theoretical knowledge of ... political processes." We may discuss less theory than is typical for an upper-division political science course, but your factual knowledge will go through the roof.
• "Participate effectively in political processes." You will learn how constituents and lobbyists interact with elected officials.
• "Effective and professional writing." You will practice several forms of professional writing in this preparation course, including memos, reports, constituent emails, and so on.
• "Want to serve the communities ... to which [you] belong." Few experiences at BYU provide you with a richer opportunity to serve your fellow citizens than this internship.

How much credit do we receive?

You will receive 2.0 credits for this class, PlSc 297, held during the first three weeks of January. PlSc 297 will be graded as rigorously as other political science courses; it is not a free "A" merely for participating. You receive 2.0 credits because you do two-thirds as much work as in a 3.0 credit class, not because the work is easier.

You will receive 3.0 or 6.0 credits for the actual internship and related coursework as part of PlSc 399r.

Everything listed in this syllabus contributes to your PlSc 297 grade. Everything listed in the PlSc 399r syllabus, including your actual performance in the internship, contributes to your PlSc 399r grade. The PlSc 399r syllabus is available online. Please review it now and take note of all deadlines. Reading the PlSc 399r syllabus carefully will also help you decide whether to enroll in 3.0 or 6.0 credit hours; you cannot change your mind later, so think it through now.

Do not enroll in any other winter semester class unless it will not require any work until after the legislative session ends in March. In the past, some interns have tried to take classes at the Salt Lake Center even while serving in the legislature. That is not acceptable; shirking your duties in this way will have serious consequences for your 399r grade. You may also be fired from the internship by legislative staff.

If you wish to complete more credit hours this winter, you have a few options. Sometimes online or independent study courses can work. The most convenient option is to enroll in PlSc 330 or PlSc 360. The department offers these second-block courses specifically for returning legislative interns, meaning that these classes don't get fully underway until after the internship ends. Of course, you are not required to enroll in anything other than PlSc 297 and PlSc 399r if you don't want to.

What is the workload?

This is a 2 credit class, so we will do roughly two-thirds as much work as in a typical (3 credit) political science class. However, we will do that work in a little less than three weeks, so it will feel very intense.

You receive only 2.0 credits, but that does not mean this class is any easier than a 3.0 credit class. It means only that we spend fewer (total) hours over the course of a semester. Grading will still be rigorous. Students who treat this class as an easy A are often disappointed by their final grade.

The university catalog defines an A as "excellent," B as "good," C as "satisfactory," and so on (see here). Elsewhere, the catalog contains this interesting policy (here):

"The expectation for undergraduate courses is three hours of work per week per credit hour for the average student who is appropriately prepared; much more time may be required to achieve excellence."

Think that through for a moment. A regular semester has 14 weeks, so a two-credit course would involve 84 hours of work over the course of the semester. We will do all that work in 10 days or so. If you are an "average student" who wants an average grade, plan to spend roughly 8 hours on this class every day. In our department, "average" means B.

If you want to achieve "excellence," the university's definition of an A, then "much more time may be required."

Punchline: Yes, this is a two-credit course, but you will still need to work hard if you wish to receive an excellent grade.

Grades, assignments, and policies

45%	Skills assignments
55%	Final exam

Attendance and participation are required. This course's unusual goals require your active participation. There are likely to be last-minute changes to our schedule, so keep your schedule flexible.

Each missed lecture will result in a 5% penalty to your final grade unless it is excused and made up. If you are sick or have an unavoidable conflict, ask me (promptly) to excuse the absence. If I do, I will allow you to make up the lecture by following the instructions below.

Makeup assignments. If I excuse your absence, you may do a makeup assignment to waive the 5% penalty. Here's what you do: Get a copy of the lecture notes from one or two people (ideally two). Write up a 1-2 page summary in your own words. That's part 1. Now, download the lecture slides from the course website. The last two slides will contain a list of review questions and a list of terms. Answer each review question in your own words. Define each term in your own words. That's part 2. For part 3, make a list of any questions that you have. Submit this makeup assignment in person to my office so that we can discuss your questions. (Trust me, it's much easier and more enjoyable to just come to class.) This make-up assignment (including the meeting with me) is due within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) of the missed class. Please make an appointment by email to ensure that you do not miss the 72 hour deadline. Late penalties are described elsewhere in this syllabus.

Skills assignments. During your internship, you will respond to constituent emails, track bill progress, summarize committee hearings that your legislator cannot attend, analyze constituent surveys, write talking points, and discuss the state budget. Our daily skills assignments will provide you an opportunity to develop these skills. I will give further instructions in class.

Final exam. Comprehensive. Multiple choice. In addition to questions about readings and lectures, expect questions about the skills assignments, individual legislators (study your flashcards), Utah geography (study your other flashcards), and political news.

Late assignments: Assignments due on a day that we meet are due at the beginning of class; if they are turned in later that day (or if you come late to class) but before 4:45pm, there is a 5% penalty. Assignments due on a day that we do not meet are due by 4:45pm to the drop box near the 7th floor SWKT elevators. One weekday late is a 10% penalty; two weekdays late is a 25% penalty; later is unacceptable. Papers must be turned in hard copy, not by email, unless otherwise indicated in the assignment instructions. If something legitimate (serious illness, car accident) makes your assignment late, contact me as soon as possible to work things out.

What books do we need to buy?

Most readings come from free online resources, although you might need to be on campus to access some URLs. You also need these materials:

• Required: The BYU Legislative Intern's Handbook (course packet)
  • Available in the bookstore. Read it carefully. It will guide you through the skills assignments. The final exam will test on it heavily.
  • I recommend reading it three times: Once before the course starts, once as you complete reading assignments shown in the schedule below, and once as you prepare for the midterm. Know it very, very well.
• Recommended (optional): Utah State Government: A Citizen's Guide.
  • Available in the bookstore for $10-15. You can also buy it online for around $10 plus shipping.
  • Written by legislative staff. The reading schedule below suggests several chapters to read. It's optional, but it's inexpensive enough that you really should pick up a copy. It won't show up on the exam, but it may help you in the actual internship.
• Required: The news. Stay abreast of developments in Utah politics; you will not succeed in your internship if you do not stay current. Questions about current events WILL appear on your exam.
  • Required: Subscribe to the Salt Lake Tribune's daily "political cornflakes" news summary. You can subscribe by email, put it in your RSS reader, or just visit the Tribune's "Out of Context" blog each day. I strongly recommend you sign up for the email version. Visit Out of Context for details.
  • Recommended: Subscribe to the Utah Policy Daily. They'll email you links to the most important news stories every day.
• Required: The Case for Representative Democracy: What Americans Should Know about their Legislatures, published in 2001 by the National Conference of State Legislatures.
  • It's free. Download it here.
• Required: Legislator flashcards.
  • To help you learn the names and faces of key legislators, I have created some flashcards. They are online; look for a link in the course website's sidebar.
• Required: Map flashcards.
  • To help you learn a little Utah geography, I have arranged for some additional online flashcards. You will learn the names of all 29 counties in Utah. You will also learn the names and locations of a couple dozen cities around Utah.
  • If you prefer a hard-copy handout instead of online flashcards, you can print out this packet.

Preventing sexual harassment

By law, Brigham Young University is obligated to protect its students from gender discrimination, including unlawful sexual harassment, in all programs and activities sponsored by the university. As you embark on your internship, please be aware of what constitutes sexual harassment and what you should do if you encounter it during your internship opportunity.

Definition. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when

• Submission to the conduct is made a term or condition of an individual’s employment, or
• Submission to or rejection of the conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting the individual; or
• The conduct interferes with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

Examples. Behaviors that contribute to a hostile environment include, but are not limited to:

• Discussing sexual activities
• Telling off-color jokes
• Unnecessary touching
• Commenting on physical attributes
• Displaying sexually suggestive pictures
• Using crude language or demeaning or inappropriate terms
• Using indecent gestures
• Engaging in hostile physical conduct

Appropriate response. Both employers and employees have a responsibility to prevent and stop workplace harassment. If you experience harassment while participating in a BYU-sponsored internship, report the behavior to your internship coordinator (either me or Scott Dunaway) and your experience provider (Nathan Brady, the legislature's internship coordinator). They will take appropriate action to address and correct the behavior. You may also contact the university’s Equal Opportunity Manager directly or use the 24-hour hotline:

• BYU Equal Opportunity Manager, Sue DeMartini
  Telephone: (801) 422-5895
  Email: sue_demartini@byu.edu
• 24-hour hotline: 1 (888) 238-1062
  http://www.ethicspoint.com

I take these issues very seriously. So does BYU. You may read more about sexual harassment here.

Plagiarism

While all students sign the honor code, there are still specific skills most students need to master over time in order to correctly cite sources, especially in this new age of the internet, as well as deal with the stress and strain of college life without resorting to cheating. Please know that as your professor I will notice instances of cheating on exams or plagiarizing on papers. General information about the honor code can be found at http://honorcode.byu.edu. Details about Academic Honesty are found at http://saas.byu.edu/catalog/2011-2012ucat/GeneralInfo/AcademicHonesty.php

Writing submitted for credit at BYU must consist of the student's own ideas presented in sentences and paragraphs of his or her own construction. The work of other writers or speakers may be included when appropriate (as in a research paper or book review), but such material must support the student's own work (not substitute for it) and must be clearly identified by appropriate introduction and punctuation and by footnoting or other standard referencing.

The substitution of another person's work for the student's own or the inclusion of another person's work without adequate acknowledgment (whether done intentionally or not) is known as plagiarism. It is a violation of academic, ethical, and legal standards and can result in a failing grade not only for the paper but also for the course in which the paper is written. In extreme cases, it can justify expulsion from the University. Because of the seriousness of the possible consequences, students who wonder if their papers are within these guidelines should visit the Writing Lab or consult a faculty member who specializes in the teaching of writing or who specializes in the subject discussed in the paper. Useful books to consult on the topic include the current Harbrace College Handbook, the MLA Handbook, and James D. Lester's Writing Research Papers.

Discrimination

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an educational program or activity that receives federal funds. The act is intended to eliminate sex discrimination in education. Title IX covers discrimination in programs, admissions, activities, and student-to-student sexual harassment. BYU=s policy against sexual harassment extends not only to employees of the university but to students as well. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender based discrimination, please talk to your professor; contact the Equal Employment Opportunities Office at 422-5895 or 367-5689 (24-hours); or contact the Honor Code Office at 422-2847.

Disabilities: Brigham Young University is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the University Accessibility Center (422-2767). Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by the UAC office. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures. You should contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Office at 422-5895, D-282 ASB

Reading and assignment schedule

Dates are highly likely to change, so come to class and check your email so that you will hear about any announcements I make. You can also view the reading schedule in calendar format.

• Unit 1: Utah's Political Context

• Mon, Jan 7th, 2013. Utah's political history and culture. What are Utah's cultural regions? What does party competition in Utah look like?
  Terms	Cache Valley; Ogden; Salt Lake Valley; Utah Valley; Central Utah; Dixie; Uintah Basin; West Desert; Monument Valley; Wasatch Front; factions in Utah (Patrick Henry Caucus, Cowboy Caucus, Conservative Caucus etc); legislature vs Congress
  Readings 116 pages	Skills development Senate leader flashcards (practice) Start memorizing map of Utah counties (practice) Internship handbook, Preface, all chapters in Part I [23 pages] The internship Read the PlSc 399r syllabus and all assignment instructions [10 pages] Utah State Legislature LRGC, Internship program overview (follow the links and poke around a bit). [3 pages] BYU's winter 2010 Utah state legislature internship newsletter [8 pages] The Senate Site (2010), LEG 101: The basics [11 pages] Utah's political history and partisan balance Internship handbook, Chapters 9-10 [11 pages] Brown (2010), "Is Utah the most Republican state?" [1 page] Brown (2012), "Introducing the 2nd most Republican Utah Legislature in 80 years" [1 page] Recommended: Citizen's Guide (2005), ch 1, 2, 3, and 23 [49 pages optional] Factions within the legislature. The Patrick Henry Caucus Reflections (2009): "Factions and parties in the Utah House" (Written prior to the formation of the Patrick Henry caucus, but still insightful) [5 pages] Video (Feb 2010): The Patrick Henry Caucus's manifesto [3:47] Utah Policy Daily (Nov 2010), "Utah County's Influence on Utah's Capitol Hill Grows Under New Speaker" (or PDF) [3 pages] Daily Herald (Dec 2011), "Founders of Patrick Henry Caucus moving on" (or PDF) [1 page] The 2012 legislative session - Looking back Salt Lake Tribune (March 2012), "2012 Utah Legislature adjourns; focus on sovereignty" (or PDF) [3 pages] Daily Herald (March 2012), "Legislators looking at a variety of topics for next session" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (March 2012), "Herbert vetoes sex-ed bill, says it constricts parental choice" (or PDF) [2 pages] Daily Herald (May 2012), "Host of laws go into effect on Tuesday" (or PDF) [2 pages] Utah Policy Daily (May 2012), "Utah House roster will be quite different in 2013" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (May 2012), "Utah alone in Sagebrush Rebellion after Arizona governor's veto" (or PDF) [2 pages] Brown (2012), "Recap: What have we learned about the 2012 Utah legislature?" Follow the links. [10 pages] Richards/Monson (2012), "What issues most influence approval of the legislature?" [1 page] Every day: Follow Utah political news (SLT, DN) [15 pages]
  Resources	The internship Listen to three BYU interns on KVNU's "For the People": Part 1 and Part 2 [11:11] Factions within the legislature NY times, March 2010, "States' rights is rallying cry for lawmakers" (or PDF) [3 pages] Salt Lake Tribune, June 2010, "Conservatives push for more power in Utah House" (or PDF) [2 pages] The 2011 legislative session - Looking back Daily Herald (March 2011), "Lawmaking 2011: GRAMA, feral cats, spice, guns and boundaries" (or PDF) [2 pages] Deseret News (March 2011), "Utah Legislature: Lawmakers helped some, hurt others" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (March 2011), "Utah lawmakers — were they listening?" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (May 2011), "351 new laws take effect in Utah" (or PDF) [2 pages] LA Times (Dec 2011), "Immigration laws pose a test of states' rights in Supreme Court" (or PDF) [2 pages] The 2011 legislative session - HB477, the ill-fated GRAMA reform Deseret News (March 2011), "GOP lawmaker apologizes for HB477 vote, saying he feared retaliation" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (March 2011), "Opposites attract to repeal government records law" (or PDF) [2 pages] Brown (March 2011), "How rushed was HB477, the GRAMA bill?" [1 page] Utah Policy Daily (Dec 2011), "Bob Bernick's Notebook - Reflections on the Political Year Past" (or PDF) [2 pages] The 2010 legislation session Deseret News, March 2010, "Utah legislature adjourns after closing budget gap, passing ethics reforms" [2 pages] Deseret News, March 2010, "Utah legislature: GOP, Democrats team for ethics reform" [1 page] Reflections: "Republican v Republican in the Utah Senate" [8 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (March 2010), "The states' rights session" [2 pages] The 2010 legislative elections Daily Herald, November 2010, "Utah County Republicans retain state seats" (or PDF) [1 page] Factions within the Utah legislature Salt Lake Tribune 1997, "GOP urbanites want a bigger voice in Utah" Salt Lake Tribune 1997, "It may rule, but Utah GOP lacks unity" Salt Lake Tribune 1998, "1998 is declared the year of the farmer" Salt Lake Tribune 2008, "Infighting at Capitol splinters GOP" Salt Lake Tribune 2009, "Blowup temporarily trashes transportation budget" UPD 2009, "The Patrick Henry Caucus"
  FYI	About legislator flashcards: Every day I will assign a specific subset of the legislator flashcards for you to learn. I'm not asking you to turn anything in, only to learn that part of the flashcards. There may or may not be a quiz in class, but legislators will definitely appear on your final. If I show you a picture, you should be able to give the legislator's name, chamber, party, and leadership positions (if applicable). I hope you will learn all the legislators' names, but I especially expect you to learn the names of leaders, standing committee chairs, and appropriations subcommittee co-chairs. About memorizing maps: Same deal as with the legislator flashcards. When I ask you to memorize maps, expect to see them on your final exam.

• Tue, Jan 8th, 2013. Utah's political system. Is Utah federal? How powerful is Utah's governor? How are citizen legislatures different from professional legislatures? How does direct democracy work in Utah?
  DUE	Legislative website (skills assignment; instructions)
  Terms	Federal; unitary; plural executive; appointment power; veto; item veto; GOPB; agenda-setting power; persuasive power; session; general session; standing committee; appropriations subcommittee; LFA; LRGC; LAG; citizen legislature; professional legislature; direct democracy; initiative (direct vs indirect); referendum (popular vs legislative)
  Readings 84 pages	Skills development House leader flashcards (practice) Memorize map of Utah counties (practice) Internship handbook, all chapters in Part III [19 pages] Executive-legislative battles Reflections (2009): "Vehicle fee increases: Legislators vs governor" [8 pages] Reflections (2009): "Budget battles: Role of executive and legislative branches" [7 pages] Structure of Utah's government Internship handbook, chapters 11 through 15 [22 pages] Recommended: Citizen's Guide (2005), ch 4, 5, and 7 [62 pages optional] Utah's electoral system Internship handbook, chapter 23 [1 page] Cotti (2011), "A new report on Utah's nominating system" [2 pages] Brown (2010), "Is Utah's turnout low because it has so many young voters?" [2 pages] Brown (2010), "An easy way to boost midterm-year turnout in Utah" [2 pages] Brown (2012), "No, Utah will not have 80% turnout" [1 page] Brown (2011), "Where have all the freshman legislators gone?" [1 page] Brown (2012), "Utah legislators serve longer than they used to" [1 page] Brown (2012), "Lots of freshmen in the Utah House?" [1 page] The 2011 redistricting process Brown (2011), "Redistricting backgrounders: What have we learned?" [2 pages] Every day: Follow Utah political news (SLT, DN) [15 pages]

• Wed, Jan 9th, 2013. LRGC training in capitol.
  DUE	Attend intern orientation. Bring identification.
  Readings 28 pages	Internship handbook, review chapters 4 and 5 [4 pages] Internship handbook, chapter 13 [6 pages] Internship handbook, chapters 53 and 54 [3 pages] Recommended: Citizen's Guide (2005), pages 112-115 [4 pages optional] Utah capitol parking information Get ahead on readings and work on flashcards Every day: Follow Utah political news (SLT, DN) [15 pages]
  FYI	Staff ask that you arrive by 8:30am. I expect you there 15 minutes early. Meet in room W30 (that's in the basement of the west building). Plan to stay most of the day. Lunch will be provided. Bring an additional snack if you're worried about it. Dress professionally. You will have a photo taken. You MUST complete your hiring paperwork prior to this training. You should have done this online weeks ago, using a username and password provided by legislative staff. Talk to me pronto if you do not remember doing this. Bring appropriate identification for hiring purposes. You need one document that establishes identity (such as a driver's license, state-issued identification card, or U.S. military identification); you need another document that establishes eligibility to work (such as a Social Security card, certified birth certificate, or other proof of citizenship). Bring a U.S. passport if you have one, since that single document will establish both identity and citizenship. For a list of acceptable hiring documents, search Google for I-9 acceptable documents. If you miss this training, you will receive double the usual penalty for missing class. Tardiness will also receive a penalty. As you gain experience driving to the capitol and finding parking your commute will shorten, but for this first trip, plan at least 75 minutes from BYU to the capitol by car. (That's AFTER you pick up your carpool.) Use visitor parking east of the capitol.

• Thu, Jan 10th, 2013. Briefings in the Capitol.
  DUE	Attend briefings in Capitol
  Readings 20 pages	Skills development Leader flashcards for both chambers (practice) Start memorizing the map of major Utah cities (practice) Other readings Governor Herbert's priorities (also follow the links to read about each priority) [5 pages] Scroll down in this syllabus and find the "Legislative preview" lecture. Read the news articles dealing with issue priorities for the coming session so you can ask intelligent questions about policy disputes likely to arise this year. Every day: Follow Utah political news (SLT, DN) [15 pages]
  FYI	Meet at 1:45pm in the Hall of Governors. (That's the large open area in the middle of the Capitol's lowest floor, where the portraits of governors are). We will take a guided tour of the capitol from 2:00-2:45, then we will hear from several interesting people from 3:00-5:30. Dress professionally. Participate actively and ask meaningful questions during the briefings. Nodding off will hurt your grade. If you miss this event, you will receive double the usual penalty for missing class. Tardiness will also receive a penalty. Arrive 15 minutes early to be safe.

• Unit 2: What Utah Legislators Do

• Fri, Jan 11th, 2013. Representing constituents. What is representation? How do legislators see their constituency? How do legislators communicate with constituents and estimate district opinion?
  DUE	Constituent emails (skills assignment; instructions)
  Terms	Geographic constituency; reelection constituency; primary constituency; personal constituency (intimates); issue representation; service representation; allocational representation; descriptive representation; delegate vs trustee
  Readings 126 pages	Skills development Senate standing committee chair flashcards (practice) Start memorizing the map of major Utah cities (practice) Internship handbook, all chapters in Parts IV, V, and VI [48 pages] Legislator participation Brown (2011), "Are Utah's legislators skipping votes?" [2 pages] Brown (2011), "When do Utah's legislators skip votes?" [2 pages] Brown (2011), "Which legislators miss the most votes?" [2 pages] Brown (2011), "Why do legislators skip votes?" [2 pages] Brown (2011), "Which legislators run the most bills?" [2 pages] Constituent influence Utah Legislature, "How can I be heard and make a difference in Utah?" (or PDF) [1 page] Fenno (1977), "U.S. House Members in their Constituencies" (or PDF), but only pages 883-890 [8 pages] Richards (2011), "Are legislators faithful to their constituents?" [2 pages] Constituents, lobbyists, and interest groups NCSL (2001), The Case for Representative Democracy, ch 2-4 [15 pages] Reflections: "Constituent and interest group influence in the Senate" [8 pages] Reflections: "Constituent and interest group influence in the House" [7 pages] Reflections: "Who do legislators listen to?" [8 pages] Campaign finance and ethics rules Utah Policy Daily (2010), "More Utah legislators finding a way around Utah's financial reporting rules" [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (2010), "Special interests are Utah politicians' cash cows" (or PDF) [2 pages] Every day: Follow Utah political news (SLT, DN) [15 pages]

• Mon, Jan 14th, 2013. Making laws. How does a bill become law in the House and in the Senate? Why do we have rules of procedure?
  DUE	Bill status and talking points (skills assignment; instructions)
  Terms	1st reading calendar; 2nd reading calendar; 3rd reading calendar; consent calendar; concurrence calendar; time certain calendar; previous question; rules of procedures; Mason's manual; drafting attorney; fiscal note; committee actions (amend, substitute, hold, table, report favorably)
  Readings 122 pages	Skills development House standing committee chair flashcards (practice) Memorize the map of major Utah cities (practice) Internship handbook, all chapters in Part VII [29 pages] Technicalities of legislative procedure Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst, The LFA Guide to Bills, Budgets, and Fiscal Notes (or PDF), especially pages 3-6, 12-14, 19-20, 27-34 [36 pages] Utah Legislature, "How to read a bill" (or PDF) [1 page] Utah Legislature, "The Utah code" (or PDF) [2 pages] Recommended: Citizen's Guide (2005), ch 6 [23 pages optional] Handout: Parliamentary motions (or PDF) (Utah's motions are similar, but not exactly like this) [2 pages] Skim the Utah Legislature's rules. After scanning the table of contents, choose at least 5 joint rules, 10 Senate rules, and 10 House rules to read about in detail. [10 pages] Implications of legislative procedure NCSL (2001), The Case for Representative Democracy, ch 5-6 [10 pages] Brown (2011), "Who has the decisive vote in the Utah legislature?" [2 pages] Legislative leadership Salt Lake Tribune, November 2010, "Lockhart united legislators fed up with Clark's heavy hand, insiders say" (or PDF) [2 pages] Brown (2010), "Why is Becky Lockhart the new speaker?" [2 pages] Reflections: "The powers of state senate presidents" [7 pages] Reflections: "The House Rules Committee chair" [4 pages] Every day: Follow Utah political news (SLT, DN) [15 pages]
  Resources	Reflections: "The Senate Rules Committee chair" [6 pages] Reflections: "The roles of legislative leadership" [9 pages]
  FYI	If you know which legislator you will be working for, then there are deadlines this week in PlSc 399r. Check that syllabus for details. (Even if you don't know who you're working for yet, now would be a good time to review the instructions for assignments A through C in the 399r syllabus.)

• Tue, Jan 15th, 2013. What legislators want. What behaviors does the reelection incentive lead to? Do these behaviors show that our Constitutional structure is flawed?
  DUE	Constituent survey 1 (skills assignment; instructions) Attend morning briefing
  Terms	hierarchy of needs; reelection incentive; power within the House; median voter theorem; advertising; credit claiming; position taking; protectionist phase; expansionist phase
  Readings 91 pages	Skills development Senate appropriations subcommittee chair flashcards (practice) Memorize all maps (practice) Internship handbook, all chapters in Part VIII [31 pages] Why legislators serve NCSL (2001), The Case for Representative Democracy, ch 1 [9 pages] Influences on legislators Reflections: "House leadership and campaign contributions" (You may skip the sections dealing with 2006 and earlier.) [18 pages] Reflections: "What determines how Senators vote?" [10 pages] Reflections: "How legislators make decisions when voting" [8 pages] Every day: Follow Utah political news (SLT, DN) [15 pages]
  Resources	Video: Better Know a District: Utah's 3rd [6:59] Video: Leg Wrestling Rematch [3:24] Mayhew (1974), Congress: The Electoral Connection, pages 1-77 [77 pages] Fenno (1978), Home Style: House Members in Their Districts, ch 5 [32 pages]
  FYI	In addition to our regularly scheduled class, we will meet at 9:00am in the Provo City Council chambers for a briefing. I'll give details in class.

• Unit 3: Utah Policy Areas

• Wed, Jan 16th, 2013. Budgeting and fiscal policy. How does Utah's tax burden compare to other states? Where does Utah get its money? What can we expect in FY 2013?
  Terms	General sales tax; selective sales tax; sin tax; property tax; income tax (individual vs corporate); progressive vs regressive taxation; flat tax; General Fund; Uniform School Fund; Rainy Day Fund; fiscal year; FY 2013; FY 2014
  Readings 110 pages	Skills development House appropriations subcommittee chair flashcards (practice) Memorize all maps (practice) The budgeting process Recommended: Citizen's Guide (2005), ch 8 (fiscal management), also pp 107-109 (appropriations process) [33 pages optional] GOPB, The Budget Process [1 page] Review: Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst, The LFA Guide to Bills, Budgets, and Fiscal Notes (or PDF), especially pages 7-11, 27-34 [36 pages] FY 2014 (July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014) Salt Lake Tribune (Sep 2012), "State ends fiscal year [FY2012] with $98 million surplus" (or PDF) [1 page] Bernick (Nov 2012), "Utah's Budget Picture Getting Better and Better" (or PDF) [3 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2012), "Guv's budget gives more for Utah education, especially science" (or PDF) [2 pages] Skim Governor Herbert's FY 2014 budget recommendation book, especially the cover letter and pages 1-6 [45 pages] Anything else you can find in the news about the budget FY 2013 (July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013) Governor Herbert's FY 2013 budget summary [1 page] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2011), "Governor: Education funding bump key to economic growth (or PDF) [3 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2011), "Few surprises in governor's health policy agenda" (or PDF) [1 page] Daily Herald (Dec 2011), "Utah governor unveils $12.9B budget proposal" (or PDF) [2 pages] Every day: Follow Utah political news (SLT, DN) [15 pages]
  Resources	FY 2013 (July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013) Governor Herbert's FY 2013 budget summary [1 page] Skim Governor Herbert's FY 2013 budget recommendation book [30 pages] Governor Herbert's FY 2013 budget presentation [26 pages] Skim Governor Herbert's FY 2013 budget intent language [7 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Nov 2011), "State budget projections up by about $400M" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2011), "Governor: Education funding bump key to economic growth (or PDF) [3 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2011), "Utah educators pleased with governor's education recommendations (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2011), "Few surprises in governor's health policy agenda" (or PDF) [1 page] Daily Herald (Dec 2011), "Utah governor unveils $12.9B budget proposal" (or PDF) [2 pages] Daily Herald (Dec 2011), "Gov's proposed budget calls for teacher pay increase" (or PDF) [2 pages] FY 2012 (July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012) The Senate Site (Sen. Lyle Hillyard, Dec 2010), "State Budgeting for 2011" [3 pages] The Senate Site (Dec 2010), "The hole, defined" [2 pages] Governor Herbert's FY 2012 budget proposal: Read the press release [2 pages] Governor Herbert's complete FY 2012 budget proposal (released December 2010): Read the cover letter (page iii), budget summary (page ix), overview (pages 1-9, skim pages 10-24), and guides (pages 26-27). For every subsequent chapter, read the first few pages (agency budget overview, governor's goals and initiatives, proposed legislative intent language). For example, read pages 29-33, 40-42, 50-52, 56-58, and so on. You should also skim the detailed tables in one or two chapters so that you can get a feel for how to read them. [75 pages] Deseret News (Nov 2010), "Utah state budget revenues aren't bad, or good" (or PDF) [1 page] Utah Policy Daily (Nov 2010), "Ed Funding Debate Hints at Coming Conflict with Feds" (or PDF) [3 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2010), "House GOP blows $130M hole in Herbert budget" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Jan 2011), "Guv, Legislature at odds over budget" (or PDF) [2 pages]
  FYI	Read as many news clippings as you can find about the budget situation; the articles linked above are minimal suggestions.

• Thu, Jan 17th, 2013. Guest speakers.
  DUE	Constituent survey 2 (skills assignment; instructions)
  FYI	We'll have one visitor from 3-4 and another from 4-5. I'll tell you more about them in class. As with all briefings, expect this to be a question-driven event. You've done a great job asking great questions in past briefings. Let's keep it up. Your questions don't have to be strictly work-related. You can ask career questions, too. If you are interested in law school, lobbying, a legal career, journalism, or press relations, then today's speakers should interest you.

• Fri, Jan 18th, 2013. Legislative preview. Policies to watch in 2011.
  Readings 66 pages	Skills development Study all flashcards (practice) Memorize all maps (practice) Internship handbook, all chapters in Part IX [6 pages] Preparing for the session Internship handbook, review everything (you've read it all by now), especially Parts I, III, and VII Read the PlSc 399r syllabus and all assignment instructions so you can ask questions today [10 pages] 2013 general session: Overview More readings coming soon Cann (2012), "What are Utahns' top issue priorities?" [2 pages] Cotti (2012), "The Utah Priorities Survey: Top issues in 2010 and 2012" [2 pages] Daily Herald (March 2012), "Legislators looking at a variety of topics for next session" (or PDF) [2 pages] Daily Herald (Nov 2012), "Legislature to talk alcohol and education funding" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Nov 2012), "Utah food tax could skyrocket" [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2012), "Don't raise the food tax" [1 page] Vicker (Nov 2012), "Op-ed: 2013 challenges and potential" [2 pages] Pignanelli and Webb (Dec 2012), "What are the tough issues facing Utah's legislature?" (or PDF) [2 pages] Daily Herald (Dec 2012), "Utah lawmaker to propose helmet law" (or PDF) [1 page] Utah Policy Daily (Dec 2012), "Some plum committee assignments go to legislative newcomers" (or PDF) [5 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2012), "Can Utah car-smoking ban pass this time around?" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Jan 2013), "Utah lawmaker: Let's use booze profit for schools" [1 page] Utah Policy (Jan 2013), "Weiler pushing reforms in 2013" [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Jan 2013), "Lawmaker again pushing Utah Compact resolution" [2 pages] Daily Herald (Jan 2013), Rep Stratton looking to fix towing problem [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Jan 2013), "Eagle Forum has warnings on debt ceiling, abortion, preschool" [2 pages] Mero op-ed, Salt Lake Tribune (Jan 2013), "Active Utah's immigration law" [1 page] Deseret News (Jan 2013), "John Swallow accusations prompt call for ethics, campaign finance reform" [2 pages] Previous general sessions Check the "resources" to see the readings I assigned prior to recent legislative sessions. I encourage reading these articles for some perspective on what's been considered important in recent years. Every day: Follow Utah political news (SLT, DN) [15 pages]
  Resources	2012 general session: Overview Read every news article you can find about upcoming legislation. (The following articles are a minimal list of articles you should read.) (Just wait; I'll plug more articles in here as the session gets closer) Deseret News (Dec 2011), "Plans to overhaul liquor agency gaining speed, legislative leaders say" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2011), "Doubt clouds search for Utah liquor-control agency chief" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2011), "Utah plans to sue feds over thousands of roads" (or PDF) [2 pages] Deseret News (Dec 2011), "Fate of parks still in question" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2011), "Utah lawmaker wants to kill the clock on daylight saving time" (or PDF) [2 page] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2011), "Bill seeks to stop court shopping by payday lenders" (or PDF) [2 pages] Deseret News (Dec 2011), "Bill could prevent 'open-carry' gun owners from facing criminal charges" (or PDF) [2 pages] Deseret News (Dec 2011), "Bill may let some sex offenders off registry 5 years early" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Jan 2012), "Utah senator taking another shot at affinity fraud" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Jan 2012), "Utah senator wants to ban minors from tanning beds" (or PDF) [2 pages] Daily Herald (Jan 2012), "Lawmaker looking at altering requirements to be a legislator" (or PDF) [2 pages] 2011 general session: Overview NCSL (Dec 2010), Top 11 issues of 2011 [2 pages] Deseret News (Jan 2011), "2010 tough year for Utah politicians" (or PDF) [2 pages] 2011: Illegal immigration Deseret News (July 2010), "Governor calls for thoughtful approach to reform at immigration summit" (or PDF) [3 pages] New York Times (Sep 2010), "Mormon-owned paper stands with immigrants" (or PDF) [4 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Oct 2010), "Sandstrom has no answer about driving privilege card" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Nov 2010), "LDS on illegal immigration: Don't split families" (or PDF) [2 pages] LDS news release (Nov 2010), "Church Supports Principles of Utah Compact on Immigration" (or PDF) [1 page] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2010), "2 high-profile lawmakers debate immigration strategy" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2010), "Legal immigration can take decades" (or PDF) [3 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2010), "Wimmer's bill would deny undocumented students in-state tuition" (or PDF) [1 page] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2010), "Sandstrom, Robles hope to agree on immigration" (or PDF) [1 page] Deseret News (Jan 2011), "Bridging the divide: As the legislative session begins this month, the immigration reform battle heats up" (or PDF) [7 pages] 2011: Gay rights Deseret News (Nov 2009), "Mormon church supports Salt Lake City's protections for gay rights" (or PDF) [2 pages] Deseret News (Feb 2010), "Utah Legislature: GOP senators step back on gay rights legislation" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Nov 2010), "Moab, Murray pass anti-discrimination ordinances" (or PDF) [1 page] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2010), "Tenth Utah entity backs gay, transgender protections" (or PDF) [2 pages] Deseret News (Dec 2010), "Gay advocates press for new ordinance in Ogden" (or PDF) [1 page] 2011: "Message bills" from the legislature's conservative wing Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2010), "State bird, state flower ... now a state firearm?" (or PDF) [2 pages] Utah Policy Daily (Dec 2010), "Wimmer wants to challenge 16th amendment" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2010), "Utah lawmakers call for a Constitutional convention" (or PDF) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2010), "Legislation proposes Utah adopt a gold-based system" (or PDF) [2 pages] 2011: Other issues to watch Salt Lake Tribune (Dec 2010), "Paul Rolly: GOP down the doughnut hole?" (or PDF) (note that redistricting won't happen until after the session is over) [2 pages] Salt Lake Tribune (Jan 2011), "State's four-day workweek headed for debate" (or PDF) [1 page]
  FYI	By now, you should know all the flashcards. Remember, any legislator might appear on your final, but you will see more leaders/chairs than backbenchers on the exam; make sure you know their names especially well. If you want to see the news articles I assigned for this lecture last year, check the "resources" section

• Tue, Jan 22nd, 2013. Final exam
  DUE	Final exam
  FYI	The final exam will be in the testing center Tuesday and Wednesday. Please take it as early as possible, since your legislator may ask you to start working later this week. The exam will emphasize legislator flashcards (especially leaders and chairs), map flashcards, the internship handbook, and lectures. When reviewing the handbook, pay particular attention to boldfaced terms. When reviewing readings and lectures, use the last two slides from each lecture as your review sheet. If you haven't already done assignments A-C for PlSc 399r, then they're probably past due (unless you still don't know who you are working for). Check the PlSc 399r syllabus for details.

• Unit 4: The legislative session

• Mon, Jan 28th, 2013. First day of session. Be there bright and early.