2023 Week Two Wrap Up

Week 2 of the Legislative Session

It has been another great week of legislative action! This week saw a lot of action in committee meetings as well as floor time. My bills are also moving through the process and I hope to continue making steps towards passing meaningful legislation that will benefit all of you.

One of those bills is a proposal to reallocate federal block grant funding to counties to provide dedicated resources to families that want to get out of poverty. Professor Ben Gibbs and I were able to to meet with Governor Cox to discuss how this would work and get his feedback (and hopefully support). The next day, my intern was able to get a photo with him and the Lieutenant Governor. I have appreciated the opportunity to have a working relationship with them in developing good policy for our state.

Rep. Thurston and Intern with LG Henderson and Gov Cox

Budgets and Funding

This year I am back on the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee (after spending some time on a different committee) and have been asked to be the vice chair. We have already met four times and are making great progress preparing to make key recommendations for funding. While there are still three more study meetings, I am enthusiastic about the possibility of removing some of the earmarks and special interest funding in favor of giving local school boards more flexibility. I am confident that in addition to the important discussion about tax cuts, we are looking at record increases in funding for our local schools.

The Legislature is required by the state constitution to pass a balanced budget before the end of our general session. To make sure there is never a need to shut down the state government, during the first two weeks of the session we establish a baseline budget. Each of the eight appropriations subcommittees submit base budgets for their assigned subject area. Later, we will consider budget bills that add to or substract from those baseline budgets. The end result will be our comprehensive plan for state funding for the coming year. You can learn more about the state’s budget here.

Representing You

This week Jared and Richard from UTL were able to come and visit me. They are tech entrepreneurs that provide curriculum solutions for Chinese dual language programs in elementary schools. It was great to chat with constituents and help them see the process. My intern Jackson did a particularly good job of showing them around the capitol and giving great commentary on the legislative process. I was also pleased to host Clayton Tullis (see featured photo), a neighbor and friend that lives in our district. He got to spend time with me on the House Floor and saw a very engaging committee discussion. It is always great to be proactive in hearing what the community cares about and how we can work with them to build our community. If you are interested in a visit to the capitol, please let me know.

Upcoming Town Halls

I will be participating in virtual town halls for the next four weeks, hosted by the District 62 leaders of the Utah County Republican Party. Residents of District 62 are encouraged to join these interactive sessions. Here is the schedule:

Wednesday, February 1, 7-8 p.m.
Wednesday, February 8, 7-8 p.m.
Wednesday, February 15, 7-8 p.m.
Tuesday, February 21, 7-8 p.m.

All times are subject to change. To receive joining information, register here.

My Bills – A Status Update

HB 26 – License Plate Amendments – Simplifies the processes for requesting and implementing changes to our license plate programs.
Awaiting a vote of the full House

HB 35 Unfair Practices Act Amendments – Repeals this antiquated and duplicative section of the code so businesses will have a better idea of what the law requires.

Awaiting final passage in the Senate

HB 75 State Commemorative Periods Amendments – Clarifies what a commemorative period is and how they should be declared.

Passed the House and is now in the Senate

HB 116- Intergenerational Poverty Solutions – Provides an incentive program to encourage parents of low income children to save for their post-high school training and education.