Week 1 (of 7) Newsletter for 2022 General Session
Legislative Newsletter
Utah House of Representatives sent this bulletin at 01/24/2022 10:22 PM MST
LEGISLATIVE NEWSLETTER
DISTRICT 43
Representative Cheryl Acton
On Saturday before the first day of General Session, I hosted a Town Hall at the Bingham Creek Library to hear your thoughts on current issues. I also posted a survey online to get a clear picture of constituent sentiment on several matters we will be addressing this year, like tax cuts and the death penalty. [If you haven't already answered the survey, it is linked below.] And many of you have reached out by email and text to let me know how you would like me to vote on various bills. Thank you so much for engaging! That's how our system was designed to work.
Knowing that General Session is a busy time, people often ask what it's like. I describe it as a 45-day adrenaline rush. We run from committee to committee to committee (House members are assigned to at least three) while sponsoring bills and shepherding them through the process. It's always interesting to see what ideas other legislators put forward hoping to improve our state.
Because it is so busy, we are assigned interns for General Session. Ruby Vejar is helping me this year, and she is excellent! Feel free to email Ruby if you have trouble reaching me: rvejar@le.utah.gov
I will be hosting another Town Hall on Saturday, February 12 (12-1pm) at Bingham Creek Library, but feel free to text or email anytime and I will do my best to respond!
Cheryl
Governor Cox
On Thursday, we welcomed Governor Spencer Cox to the House Chamber to hear this year’s State of the State address. Speaker Wilson responded to the address by stating, “We greatly value the strong working relationship we have with Governor Spencer Cox, Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson and the entire administration. Because we work from the same conservative foundation, the governor’s agenda aligns with many of the principles we laid out in our Utah Way Forward plan on the first day of the session. We look forward to working productively with the Executive Branch throughout the session and beyond.”
Survey
I want to hear from you! I would like to hear your input on some issues. Please take a few minutes to answer this brief survey. Your input will help me represent you as I vote on important issues during the Legislative Session. Click here to take the survey.
My Intern, Ruby
Ruby is a student at Weber State majoring in political science. She grew up in Riverside, California, but moved with her family to Cache Valley, where she attended high school. She enjoyed participating in the "We the People" program.
Ruby is helping me track my bills (and everyone else's) this session. She's also updating my calendar daily and making sure I see all of my emails.
Great Salt Lake Summit
While many of us don’t give much thought to the Great Salt Lake, it has significant impacts on our state’s environment and economy. On January 5, Speaker Brad Wilson hosted the first-ever Great Salt Lake Summit. Scientists, environmental advocates, and industry leaders joined state lawmakers to discuss possible policy solutions to ensure the Great Salt Lake is preserved for future generations to enjoy. Read Speaker Wilson’s op-ed about this issue here.
Podcast
This week, Speaker Brad Wilson joined us to discuss the policy priorities for the House Majority Caucus and the specific issues we can expect the Legislature to tackle over the next 6 weeks. Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
National Blood Shortage- Donations Needed
AABB, America’s Blood Centers, and the American Red Cross urge eligible individuals to make and keep appointments to donate blood. The blood supply is at one of its lowest levels in recent years and if the blood supply does not stabilize soon, blood may not be available for some patients when it is needed. All eligible individuals are encouraged to donate. Click here to find donation centers near you.
H.B 55 Juvenile Justice Services Amendments
This bill increase access to voluntary services for youth leaving Juvenile Justice Services (JJS) Care Up to Age 25. This Preventative Investment will support better outcomes for youth exiting JJS care, and avoid the higher cost of secure care.
Policy Pillars for the 2022 General Session
The Utah House Majority Caucus identified five policy areas to serve as pillars to frame the 2022 Legislative Session. I am excited to debate these important issues over the next 45 days as we practice a forward-thinking, principled, and collaborative approach to public policy.
Water
Affordable Utah
Education Modernization
Maintaining the Utah Way
Generational Investments
Read a summary of the 2022 Legislative priorities here or view the complete policy booklet at house.utah.gov
