Here are the highlights from Week Three of the Utah Legislature.
Celebrating Suffrage
February 14th was the 150th anniversary of women’s suffrage in Utah. Seraph Young, a school teacher, became an important figure in Utah history when she became the first woman to vote in a general election under the newly formed suffrage laws. Later, Utah’s own Martha Hughes Cannon was elected as the country’s first female State Senator. Women in the United States of America would not have the liberties that they have today without the work of many pioneering women like them.
A mural marking the historic event of Ms. Young’s vote hangs high in the chamber of the House of Representatives at Capitol hill. As part of the week-long celebrations at the capitol, all representatives wore yellow roses and Representative Melissa Garff Ballard spoke on the house floor to honor the women of Utah that have voted and served. It is worth your time to watch the proceeding of HJR12: Joint Resolution Celebrating Women’s Suffrage. I am including the link to the archived live stream that starts directly at Representative Ballard’s speech on the floor: https://le.utah.gov/av/floorArchive.jsp?markerID=109329
 Seraph Young |  Rep. Ballard speaking about suffrage |
Budget Process
For the first three weeks of the session, the Social Services Appropriations Subcommittee has met every day to provide recommendations on funding for health and human services programs. Our work includes recommending cuts as well as prioritizing requests for new or additional spending. As you can imagine, there was a long line of people advocating for new funding. While it could be argued that most of those programs provide valuable services that could help people, not every program can or ought to be paid for by taxpayer funds. Prioritization is not easy because it involves turning some people with good ideas away. While this work is certainly not fun, it is an important part of my responsibility to represent Utah in being a responsible steward for the use of taxpayer funds.
Weekly Highlights
Pharmacy Costs (Including Insulin)
As many people know, the price of many prescription drugs, including insulin, is lower in Canada than it is in the U.S. I have been engaged in on-going discussions with representatives of the Canadian government to figure out what can be done to provide help for our citizens without creating problems for Canadians. This week, I met again with Canadian Consul General of the Denver office, who was in Utah to discuss issues with the legislature. Our conversation ranged from the potential for an importation program as well as an open dialog on how Canadians make insulin more accessible and affordable.
 Meeting with the Consul General of Canada |
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
On February 13, I spoke to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It is important to advocate to prevent unnecessary deaths. There are a lot of resources out there to help. If you see the smallest sign in a friend or family member that might indicate that they are contemplating suicide, reach out immediately. You may be able to save a life.
 Speaking at AFSP |
Norm in the News
- Spanish Fork Press: Lawmakers discuss Romney’s vote, other state issues at town hall meeting
- Cache Valley Daily: Legislature looks into lowering insulin prices
- KUTV: Utah pharmacist details how insulin costs ‘skyrocket,’ supports legislation to cap co-pays
- The Guardian: Utah cuts healthcare costs by flying employees to Mexico for prescriptions
- Deseret News: Here’s how Utah legislators seek to lower prescription drug prices this session
- Law 360 Tax Authority: Utah Legislators OK State Sourcing For Online Vehicle Sales
- Star Tribune: Utah sends employees to Mexico for lower prescription prices
- Fox Wilmington: How some states are taking unusual action to lower prescription drug prices
- KSL News Radio: Dozens plead with Utah lawmakers to cap insulin co-pays at $30
Capitol Visitors
 Mrs. Mecham’s 4th grade class from Riverdale Elementary came to visit. My great-nephew was among the group pictured here! |  Students from Timpview High School came for experiential learning for their AP Government class. |
 Marilyn Boucher from Springville came to celebrate suffrage and got to sit with me on the House floor. |  Student leaders from Utah State University came to advocate for higher education. |
Bill Status
| Bill # | Short Title | Status |
| H.B. 49 | Sales Tax on Motor Vehicles | Passed (Enrolled) |
| H.B. 52 | Intergenerational Poverty Solution | House committee |
| H.B. 75 | Initiatives and Referenda Amendments | Introduced |
| H.B. 77 | Intergenerational Poverty Solution | House committee |
| H.B. 121 | Income Tax Revenue Amendments | Introduced |
| H.B. 123 | Vehicle Property Tax Amendments | House committee |
| H.B. 207 | Insulin Access Amendments | House committee |
| H.B. 290 | Occupational Licensing Amendments | House committee |
| S.B. 44 | Limited Support Services Waiver Amendments | Passed Senate, Introduced in House |
