Inside Sources Full Show February 13th, 2025: Pulse check on the legislative session, Expanding the Utah Supreme Court, Staying engaged with political news

We've now crossed the halfway point of the 2025 Legislative General Session. Between the House and the Senate, roughly 800 bills have been introduced so far, with more being churned out daily. Where do things stand halfway through the session? House Speaker Mike Schultz joins Inside Sources to offer some insights and updates on bills with education and elections. 

 

Lawmakers are Utah's Capitol Hill have introduced several bills this session addressing the role of the judiciary here in the state. Now, a new bill file looks at the possibility of expanding the Utah Supreme Court -- adding more justices. Inside Sources hosts Leah Murray and Thomas Wright share their thoughts on whether this would be a good or bad idea. 

 

More movement in the push for Cabinet nominees to be confirmed in the Senate. Today, Secretary of Education nominee Linda McMahon testified before a Senate Committee and Kash Patel received enough committee votes to move to the full Senate as he works to become the next FBI Director. Plus, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has now been sworn in as Secretary of Health and Human Services.  

 

On the Hill 2025: Giving veterans more access to Utah’s state parks 

Veterans could get better discounts to visit Utah's state parks through a bill this legislative session. It'd expand on the existing "Veterans with disabilities honor pass,” which grants discounts to veterans who have a service-related disability. State Senator Karen Kwan joins us to talk more about the bill and the bipartisan support she’s gotten for it. 

 

Two new economic reports are out today, shedding additional light on how the economy is doing. It comes after yesterday's consumer price index showed that inflation is continuing to rise. Some are blaming President Trump, who’s mostly blaming former President Biden. At what point does the current president need to take responsibility for things and stop blaming the former administration? 

 

One month and one day until the federal government runs out of money. And while Republicans control both chambers of Congress, they're continuing to struggle about getting on the same page. The House and Senate have both released their versions of a budget plan; are they similar enough to pass? Inside Sources discuss the state of budget reconciliation. 

 

Housing... it's going to take creative solutions to fix this kind of problem. And one bill proposes a creative solution to affordable housing by tying it in with the Utah Inland Port Authority. State Senator Kirk Cullimore is running the bill. He joins Inside Sources to talk about it and other housing bills on Capitol Hill. 

 

There are several things going on in the political world right now, and that can make it feel overwhelming. The state's legislative session, all of President Trump's orders, plans, and nominees, talks of international conflicts and trade wars -- if you feel overwhelmed by it all, you're not alone. When there's so much going on how can you stay engaged in politics without burning out?