Federal Funding

WASHINGTON -- Once again, Congress has delayed until the last minute approving funds to keep the federal government running. And once again, lawmakers are giving their constituents more reasons to be disgusted and alienated.

FARMINGTON -- Davis School District expected an additional 900 students in its schools this year. Instead, that number almost doubled, and school officials scrambled to make room in already crowded classrooms.

I had a delightful lunch at Idle Isle with Brigham City Mayor Dennis Fife and two of his council members last week. Our talk reminded me once again of the hard, if not impossible, jobs we expect our elected people to do.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- While turning down one federal handout last week, the administration of Kansas Republican Gov. Sam Brownback was applying for a different one.

No, thanks: $31.5 million for implementing the new federal health care law.

Please remit: $6.6 million to promote marriage.

The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services is seeking $2.2 million a year for three years to pay for counseling that encourages unwed parents to marry. Free marriage licenses would be given to those who do.

State officials portrayed the grant request as the state's first major marriage initiative aimed at reducing child poverty.

OGDEN -- Mayor Matthew Godfrey says his administration has abandoned a proposed $160 million streetcar system because the price has derailed the project.

OGDEN -- Ogden is among 10 cities chosen to receive funding as part of the Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds grant program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Wednesday.