It’s been four weeks since the legislative session ended and I’ve had a little time to reflect on my first session freshman experience. My primary reaction is one of gratitude. Thank you for giving me this amazing opportunity to serve and represent our communities in the legislature. I learned so much and really enjoyed working with amazing people who are trying to do what they think is best for our state. We don’t always agree on path forward, and I appreciate the challenge of grappling with competing issues and viewpoints. During the session and in the past weeks, I have heard from many of you via email, phone, text and in person expressing concerns about water, education funding, spending, federal government overreach, and social issues.
The past week, after the tragic school shooting in Nashville, many have reached out concerned about guns and school safety. I’ve put together some information on efforts the 2023 Legislature has made to improve school safety, and my personal efforts to help reduce gun violence in a recent website post.
Thank you to each of you who have reached out to share your opinions on important issues facing our State.
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At the start of this year’s legislative session, my colleagues and I outlined three policy pillars for our state: Stewardship of our natural resources, keeping life affordable, and investing in our future. Over the course of seven weeks, we worked together to pass meaningful legislation that will benefit individuals and families throughout the State. I am proud to say we accomplished our goals. You can learn more about these policies and how they will benefit you here.
Our area in Centerville & Farmington has a long history of problems with flooding/. Many remember “Lake Centerville” which covered the frontage road and the terrible mudslide in Rudd Canyon in 1983. Many improvements have been made to local infrastructure over the years to prevent flooding and mudslides. I’m grateful for the volunteer efforts to clear debris from creek beds and drainage areas that have already taken place this spring, but we all need to remain vigilant and aware that with increased rainfall comes an increased chance of flooding. Please pay attention to messages from our cities and from Davis County on flood risk. Monitoring local risk of flooding can 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.
This past session, the Legislature passed the largest tax cut in State history, totaling $850 million in total tax reduction. These bills were signed by Governor Cox earlier this month and they will provide real relief to every Utahn.
We have been blessed with abundant precipitation and snowfall this winter. While I am grateful for the moisture we have received, and I realize it’s a bit ironic to talk about flood prevention and water conservation in the same newsletter, it’s still important that we do our part to conserve this water for the future. During this past session, my colleagues and I passed several meaningful bills to aid in the conservation effort. Conservation saves water, and it can save you money! For more information about how you can conserve at home, click here.
The rise of depression and mental illness in our children and teens over the recent years has given lawmakers great cause for concern. To help protect our future generation, this Legislature passed HB 311 and SB 152. You can learn more about these bills and what they mean for your family here.
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, Vice Chair of the Executive Appropriations Committee, Rep Robert Spendlove, gives an overview of the current state of Utah’s banking system. Listen here.
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