Week 2 of the Legislative Session
This week the regular routine really ramped up with hours of committee meetings, debating bills, and hearing requests for appropriations. For anyone who’d like to follow along with committee hearings and budget discussions, you can watch them live and even participate at this link.
As a legislature, we are acutely aware of the need for increased funding for providers of disability services, and we heard heart-rending testimony from those who are in dire need of help and support. As far as I can tell, if there is any purpose for government, this is it: to help those who cannot help themselves. We have been asked to fund $40 million for these crucial workers and the services they provide. I really hope we will make that happen along with funding for other key frontline social services workers.
Update on Tax Cuts
On Friday, the Senate passed more than a $160 million tax cut for all Utahns. S.B. 59 State Income Tax Rate Reduction reduces the income tax from 4.95% to 4.85%. Most of us recognize that tax cuts almost exclusively benefit those that pay taxes, so this may not do much for the lowest income families, since they pay very little in income taxes. In addition to a tax cut, thanks to our strong, well-managed economy, we will be funding education and social services with record increases. This is an important balance. Cutting taxes helps ensure that remain a great place to live, work and raise a family, but we have to make sure that we don’t go too far and start hurting our ability to provide necessary government services. You can learn more about the tax cut here. Watch the bill’s presentation on the Senate floor here.
Representing You
I had the opportunity to visit with a variety of different groups this week! Students from Provost Elementary came to the Capitol for a field trip where we talked about the legislative process, the history of the Capitol, and important rights that they have. Later in the week, I got to visit with educators from the Provo School District, who were on the Hill advocating on behalf of all our wonderful teachers in our schools.
My Bills – A Status Update
I have several priority bills that I will be sponsoring this session. It’s still a bit early to know where things will go, but here is a quick update:
- HB 0176 – Utah Health Workforce Act – passed out of the House Health and Human Services Committee 12-1 and will be heard by the whole House soon.
- HB 0198 – Intergenerational Poverty Solution – on hold pending discussions about tax cuts and funding social services.
- HB 0217 – Telephone Solicitation Amendments – waiting to be assigned to a committee.
- (In process) Special License Plates – Simplifies and streamlines the process for proposing and approving special group license plates and puts it on a more equal footing.
My presentation of HB176 in the House Health and Human Services Committee.
