1.Honoring the Life of William F. Buckley
The Sutherland Institute echoes the statement made by the President of the United States on February 27, 2008 concerning the life and legacy of William F. Buckley, founder and author ofNational Review.
Statement by the President:
America has lost one of its finest writers and thinkers. Bill Buckley was one of the great founders of the modern conservative movement. He brought conservative thought into the political mainstream, and helped lay the intellectual foundation for America’s victory in the Cold War and for the conservative movement that continues to this day. He will be remembered for his principled thought and beautiful writing — as well as his personal warmth, wit, and generous spirit. His legacy lives on in the ideas he championed and in the magazine he founded — National Review.
Laura and I send our prayers to Chris Buckley, the Buckley family, and all who loved this good man.
2.Sutherland’s 2008 Legislative Efforts End on a High Note
Legislators passed six bills supported by the Sutherland Institute in the 2008 legislative session. These bills represent important gains for parental rights, limited government, and public access to information.
“The passage of 6SSB 38: Transparency in Government Finance is a key win for Utah’s citizens,” said Derek Monson, policy analyst for Sutherland. “The transparency legislation allows citizens online access to see how state government is spending their tax dollars.”
“We were also very pleased with 1SHB 33: Waivers of Immunity - Exceptions, because it will help protect families from wrongful intrusion while allowing government workers to do their job of protecting children from abuse,” said Stan Rasmussen, Sutherland’s public affairs manager.
Other Sutherland-supported bills that passed:
- HB 256: Criminal Penalties Amendments - Including Jessica’s Law increases the penalties for heinous child sex offenses.
- SB 242: Law Enforcement Tracking of Domestic Violence Statistics requires that law enforcement officers gather information about the marital status of those involved in domestic violence incidents.
- HB 34: Email Information Required of Registered Sex Offenders requires that sex offenders who must register also provide online names and email addresses.
- 1SSB 36: Charter and Online Schools - Participation in Extracurricular Activitiesallows students in charter and online schools to participate in extracurricular activities at public schools.
“We express our thanks for the diligent efforts of the many legislators, engaged citizens, and colleagues for their hard work in helping to create conservative, principled policy that moves forward the cause of freedom and liberty,” Rasmussen concluded.
