2022 Week Four Wrap Up

Week Four of the General Session

This week was another very busy week as we welcomed many special visitors to the capitol! On Monday, I got to visit with students from the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind. Tuesday was UVU Day on the Hill, and my intern and I were able to take a picture with Governor Cox, and Lt. Governor Henderson. Wednesday was especially fun as we welcomed the BYU Women’s Soccer Team and recognized them for the excellent season they had, including runner-up for the NCAA Championship. Thursday I had a virtual town hall which is always a great experience and opportunity to chat with you all! On Friday, my bill HB 198 Intergenerational Poverty Solution passed on the House Floor! On Friday evening, I had a bi-partisan opportunity to play pickleball with a group of legislators and the the governor.

Reps. Thurston and Hawkins welcomed and recognized BYU’s Women’s Soccer Team for their phenomenal season that lead to a #2 ranking!

Tax Cut

The Legislature passed SB 59, Tax Amendments, which will provide tax relief for all Utah taxpayers! This $190 Million tax cut was signed by the governor on Friday and includes three parts:

A reduction of the income tax rate from 4.95% to 4.85% (a total of $158 Million).
A $16 Million earned income tax credit that grants relief to the people who need it most.
A $15 Million Social Security tax cut, which raises the cap to qualify for the credit we passed last year.

This is a real compromise legislation. I don’t like everything about it and I’m pretty sure most of my colleagues don’t either, but it is a major accomplishment to be able to return money to taxpayers instead of growing government.

#1 Economy in the Country

Just this week, U.S. News and World Report issued its economic rankings, measuring each state’s economic stability and potential. Utah secured the top spot overall with a population of about 3,206,000 people and a GDP of $193 Billion. Click here to learn more.

Bills Update

HB 0176S01 – Utah Health Workforce Act: Scheduled for a Senate Committee Hearing (Senate Health and Human Services Committee, Tuesday morning)
HB 0198 – Intergenerational Poverty Solution: Passed the House and is awaiting committee assignment in the Senate
HB 0217S01 – Telephone Solicitation Amendments: Passed the House and is awaiting committee assignment in the Senate
HB 0283 – Mental Health Professional Licensing Amendments: On the House 3rd Reading Calendar for House Bills and should have a vote on Monday or Tuesday
HB 0328 – Driver License and License Plate Amendments: Favorably recommended by the Government Operations Committee
HB 0368 – Vehicle License Plate and Registration Amendments: Introduced in the House and is awaiting committee assignment
SB 011 – Local Election Amendments: Passed both the House and Senate and is awaiting the signature of the governor
SB 045 – Department of Health and Human Services Amendments: Awaiting a final vote in the Senate