Weekly Update 02/15/15

Enjoyed a visit with Latinos in Action from Dixon Middle School (and Attorney General Sean Reyes).

Agreeing to Disagree

This week I have learned that it’s ok to disagree on issues.  I’m not sure the exact source of the quote (maybe Barry Goldwater), but I think it’s relevant here: “We can disagree without being disagreeable.”  After having cast well over 100 votes, I occasionally find myself voting in small minorities or with unlikely colleagues.  This is to be expected.  It’s unlikely that any two representatives would vote exactly the same on every issue.  Furthermore, I don’t expect that anyone who supports me will necessarily agree with how I vote on every issue. In fact, on a couple of occasions, I have had second thoughts about my votes after the fact.  Whether we agree or not, I take great pride in listening to all points of view.  On issues that are important to you, make sure to let me know your thoughts.

Tempest in a Teapot

Some of you may have read in the Trib a recent Paul Rolly article about a purported stare-down between me and Speaker Hughes.  The Speaker and I got a great laugh from that article.  It simply never happened; in fact, neither of us can remember even looking at each other during that particular vote.  While Rolly made him out to be a tough guy, you need to know that he has been nothing but supportive so far this session.

Wood Smoke Update

I have been told that the Division of Air Quality will be recommending that the board not proceed with the blanket ban on wood smoke.  However, I think this is an issue that needs to be monitored.  I worry that they will come right back with another version of the ban, such as limiting certain types of stoves or fireplaces or just expanding the current definition of bad air days.  I am aware of a bill file that has been opened on this issue and have asked to be considered a co-sponsor.  This issue is not over so keep your eyes open.

Some Survey Results

Thank you to everyone that completed the online survey, 131 responses so far.  Answers are still coming in, but here are a few things that I have learned relating to current issues.

1. There is a general lack of support for partisan school board elections (12%).  This was actually the least popular option of the five, falling even below our current system.
2. When it comes to Medicaid, partial expansion is the most popular option (35%).
3. There is support for increasing teacher pay (68%), reducing class size (67%), and increasing funding directly to local school districts (57%).

While I will always do my best to study issues carefully and draw my own conclusions, it is helpful to know what those in our district think about key topics. I will continue to report on survey results as issues come to the forefront at the Legislature.

Issues on the Watch List

• Transportation Funding – We need to do something, but the big question is what. There are no easy answers.
• Water Policy – This has been a sleeper issue so far, but is likely to heat up soon.
• Election Issues – Several more bills look to be coming that will affect election policy.
• Medicaid Expansion – This is the elephant in the room.  Watch for major policy discussions about this issue.

Upcoming Events

There are two more town hall meetings on the schedule for February:

• Eggs and Issues (Provo)
• Bills and Bagels (Spanish Fork)

I will also be at the Utah County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner on Saturday, February 21.  (More details on their web site)

I hope to see you there!