Thursday February 16, 2023

Two years ago, state lawmakers approved a bill allowing Grand County to spend some transient room tax revenue on economic diversification. The experiment was set to expire in 2026. But now, some want to scrap the program by this summer. Plus, a recent poll found support for conservation policies in western states remains a top priority. And later, the first ever Queer Ball, a party for local LGBTQ+ youth, was held recently in Cortez, Colorado. Our radio partners report that the city has become a battleground over self-expression and queer rights.

// Photo: Rep. Phil Lyman is sponsoring a bill that would end Grand County’s ability to fund economic diversification efforts with transient room tax dollars. Lyman, San Juan County economic development director Elaine Gizler (middle) and business owner Lori McFarland (left) spoke in favor of the bill before the House Revenue and Taxation Committee.

// H.B. 416 Transient Room Tax Amendments
https://le.utah.gov/~2023/bills/static/HB0416.html

// 2023 Conservation in the West Poll:
https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewest/2023.html