Image above: Representative Thurston stands for a picture with medical students from his district.
To my constituents and friends,
We are more than halfway through the legislative session and I thank you all for staying involved and making your voices heard. I am proud of the work that my colleagues and I have accomplished so far and I believe that we are creating legislation that will positively impact the lives of Utahns. As we enter the second half of the session, I encourage you to stay involved. Your voices matter and I will continue to do what I can to support and pass legislation that reflects that.
Provo School Board Visit
On Thursday, I had the honor to meet with members of the Provo School Board, as well as Superintendent Dau. The work that the Provo School Board and Superintendent do for education in Provo is so important and I’m grateful for the work that they do. Their efforts to do what’s best for Provo students, parents, and teachers is a reason why Provo has one of the best districts to receive an education in. It’s always a joy to work with them, and I’m glad they could come up.
Image above: Representative Thurston poses for a picture with members of the Provo School Board and Superintendent Dau.
Working for Utah
This week has been productive, fast-paced, and meaningful for Utah. My colleagues and I have already passed legislation to improve housing affordability, create a 30 year statewide energy plan, and invest in our outdoor recreation opportunities. These bills have a real, meaningful impact not only for our state but for our community. Make sure you’re following along with the process over the next 3 weeks. I would love to see you at the Capitol, but you can also participate online at le.utah.gov.
Topic on the Hill: Statewide Initiatives
Last week, Representative Kyle brought into the House Government Operations Committee a joint resolution that would change the initiative threshold as it pertains to tax increase. HJR 14- Proposal to Amend Utah Constitution- Statewide Initiatives passed out of committee and was brought to the house floor for a vote, where it passed with a vote of 54-20-1. Under HJR 14, the threshold for an initiative seeking to raise taxes would be raised from a simple majority to 60%. Both in committee and on the house floor, I voted yes. Raising the tax burden on taxpayers is something that we should not take lightly. If a good majority- 60% of voters- believe that taxes should be raised, then taxes should be raised. Ultimately, if this resolution passes both legislative bodies, the approval of the voters will be needed, giving you the final say on this matter.
Image above: Representative Thurston meets and discusses legislative priorities with members of the Provo School Board and Superintendent Dau.
FFA Day on the Hill
One of my favorite days at the Capitol is FFA day on the hill. Growing up, I had the opportunity to participate in the FFA (Future Farmers of America) and I can attest to the impact that it had and still has on me. I’m grateful for the chance to meet with these students and I look forward to participating in future FFA days on the hill.
Image above: Representative Thurston meets with FFA (Future Farmers of America) officers from throughout Utah.
A Update On My Bills
Last week, I presented bills both on the floor and in committee:
HB 104 S1- Property Owner Association Amendments– Prohibits HOAs and COAs from enforcing rules that prevent homeowners and unit owners from making radon mitigation changes to their homes or units.
Status: passed Senate committee and moves on to the Senate floor for a vote.
HB 228 S1- Public Employee Leave Amendments– requires certain state employers to provide, at minimum, unpaid leave for state legislators.
Status: passed the house floor with a 71-0-4 vote on Monday and now awaits a senate committee.
HB 423- Residential Valuation Appeal Procedures– creates a more level playing field when it comes to the valuation of residential property.
Status: passed the House Political Subdivisions Committee and will now move to the house floor for a vote.
HCR 7- Concurrent Resolution Encouraging Repeal of the Jones Act– calls on Congress to repeal The Jones Act
Status: passed the Senate Education Committee unanimously and moves onto the Senate floor for a vote.
HB 208- Teacher Licensure Amendments– puts an emphasis on competency as it pertains to teacher licensing programs
Status: passed the Senate Education Committee and moves onto the Senate floor for a vote.
Image above: Representative Thurston presents his bill, HB 104 S1- Property Owner Association Amendments, in the Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee, where it passed with a vote of 5-0-3.
Norm in the News
Utah lawmakers reject proposal to expand health coverage to more pregnant women (KSL TV)
Utah lawmakers consider license plate rules for “69” (Axios Salt Lake City)
