He represents District 63.
Happy Memorial Day
From 1776 until today, millions of men and women have given their last full measure of devotion to defend and preserve freedom. On this Memorial Day, we honor them, our gold star families, and express our deepest appreciation for their heroic sacrifices for our freedom. Above all, we express gratitude to God for this nation where we can enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Best Overall State!
Utah was ranked Number 1 Best Overall State by U.S. News and World Report using 70 metrics across eight categories including economy, fiscal stability, health care, and crime and corrections. Our commitment to innovation, education, fostering industry, and strengthening our economy are just a few of the reasons why this is such an amazing place to live, now and for generations to come. This is a compliment to everyone in our House District 63 and the entire state working together. I am grateful to call Utah home. You can check out the report here.
Rich State Poor States
Utah has been ranked as the State with the best economic outlook for the 16th year in a row! It is through careful fiscally responsible legislative policies that got us here and I remain committed to investing in our future. You can read the report here.
Thank You Mapleton City Fire Department
Thank you Mapleton City Fire Department for serving, protecting, and strengthening our community. These amazing men and women put their lives on the line to help people in the most challenging situations. This month’s Mapleton Fire Fighters Association pancake breakfast was a great success. Thanks for the food, friendships, and raising money for local charitable-giving initiatives.
Education Bills Become Law
It was an honor to join the Governor, Lt. Governor, my colleagues from the House and Senate, and educators from throughout the state at the ceremonial bill signing for 14 significant education bills, including SB180 which I co-sponsored. Education in Utah is a top priority, and this is the third year in a row that we have made historic investments in education including increasing teacher salaries, improving school safety, and protecting students’ religious rights, to name just a few.
Interim Meetings and Committee Assignments
During the year, my colleagues in the House of Representatives and Senate and I prepare for the upcoming General Session through our monthly interim meetings. These meetings started again this month on May 16. They are open to the public, and you are able to participate both in person and virtually. Click to view committees, assignments and interim study items. During the interim session, I’m serving on the Business & Labor, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, and Business, Economic Development & Labor Committees, all of which are very important to our House District 63.
For your easy use and reference, a summary of what occurred in this month’s interim committees can be found here:
A few significant items to note from the committees I serve on:
My Business & Labor Committee will study this summer the following topics: bank failure, consumer protections, copay accumulators, Department of Commerce audit, environmental, social and governance (ESG), insurance consumer protections, labor laws, and noncompete restrictions.
My Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee will study this summer the following topics: school safety and security, correctional facilities, healthcare state prisons, offender registries and related crimes, privacy and criminal justice, public safety workforce, substance use and criminal justice, and criminal justice resource and infrastructure.
4th Graders on The Hill
Maple Ridge Elementary 4th graders, their teachers and parents visited the Capitol this month and it was wonderful to be with them. Their inquisitive questions and knowledge kept me on my toes. Thank you parents, teachers, and students for your involvement and desire to learn about our amazing state and nation. And, thank you to everyone in Nebo School District, students, and families for successfully completing another year school year.
Flood Prevention
We are continuing to face an increased risk of flooding all across our State. On May 17, 2023, the Utah Legislature convened in a Special Session and unanimously passed the following: 1) Extended the emergency powers for flood mitigation and infrastructure until August 15 due to the record snowpack and concerns for potential future flooding, HJR101, 2) Reauthorized $40 million to cover associated flooding costs, HB1001. We’re fortunate to live in a state where everyone works together and plans for the future.
It’s important to monitor your local risk of flooding to help minimize damage in the event of a worst-case scenario. Click here to check your risk level and find some helpful flood preparedness resources.
Housing Affordability Efforts Continue
This month, the Commission on Housing Affordability resumed in preparation for the 2024 legislative session. Citizens, cities, organizations, and leaders from across the state will again collaboratively work together to identify policy and budget solutions to address one of the state’s most pressing issues. It is an honor to serve as the Commission’s Co-Chair.
House Spring Service Project
Each year, the House majority participates in a spring service project. This year, my colleagues and I are helping address flooding in our areas by volunteering to help fill sandbags and participating in other flood preparation activities. If you would like to get involved, check your city and county websites for volunteer opportunities.
Stay Up to Date
Want to learn more about the specific policies that were passed during this previous session or current Utah events? Try listening to our House podcast! In the latest episode, policy analyst Adam Sweet joins us to discuss the role of the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel in the lawmaking process. Listen here.
