A Beehive of Activity

If you take a visit to our beautiful Capitol, you may notice the various beehive decorations placed throughout the building. Our early pioneers adopted this symbol, and it continues to be just as prominent today. Bees symbolize a community that works for the good of the whole group, with each bee doing its part. For us Utahns, the beehive symbolizes the Utah community as individual citizens working together to support and help one another, creating a thriving state.

The symbolism of the beehive translates perfectly to the work you and I are doing in this year’s Legislative Session. Everyone can bring their experiences, perspectives, and knowledge as policies are proposed, discussed, and voted on. It’s the coming together and working together that I love about Utah. Thank you for your critical involvement and the opportunity I have to serve you as we work together to benefit Utahns for generations to come. Our communities and the Legislature exemplify Utah as the Beehive state.

Locals On the Hill

House District 63 was well represented again this week at the Capitol. Neighbors, friends, students, teachers, parents, law enforcement and businesses participated in committee meetings, and advocating for our communities. I’m grateful for your involvement and assistance.

Everyone in our communities is invited to come to the Hill during the Legislative Session. Please let me know when you are at the Capitol and I’d love to see, visit, and help you.

Supporting Opportunities for K-12 Students

As a Legislature, we’re expanding opportunities for K-12 students by reducing financial burdens and increasing access to career and technical education. Last session, we eliminated school fees for coursework, and this year, we’re enhancing individualized learning options to set students up for success. With Utah leading in education outcomes per dollar spent, my colleagues and I are committed to empowering students, parents, and educators with more choices for a brighter future.

Keeping Utah Business Friendly

This session we are fostering economic prosperity by supporting business-friendly policies and cutting red tape. By streamlining occupational licensing through the new Office of Professional Licensure Review, we’re removing barriers that keep qualified workers on the sidelines. We’re tackling workforce shortages, increasing job opportunities, and ensuring Utah remains a top state for business and innovation.

Balanced Budget - Leading the Nation in Fiscal Responsibility

Balancing the state budget is one of the most important constitutional responsibilities given to the Legislature. It’s wonderful that each year Utah has a balanced budget because of the foresight of our state’s founders requiring this through our state constitution. Additionally, Utah is actually the ONLY state in the nation that allows all lawmakers to be part of the budgeting process. To accomplish this, all 104 lawmakers sit on an appropriation subcommittee. I serve as the Chair of the Public Education Appropriations Committee that works directly with the $8.5 billion education budget that provides most of the operating funding for our public schools.

This week, the House and Senate passed the annual $11.8 billion base budget, which will help fund key areas in our state. My colleagues and I will continue to make adjustments to the state budget over the next several weeks. To see the total state budget, as well as all the individual budgets and expenditures for every dollar the state collects in taxes, visit: https://budget.utah.gov.

Bills Passed by the House this Week

Bill topics have been vast and varied this week including: attainable housing, tax deductions, energy, nuclear power, water infrastructure, career and technical education, child labor, prostitution, sexual extortion, airports, occupational safety, higher education, precious minerals, law enforcement, municipal elections, fluoride, fentanyl, recidivism, and much, much more.

Here's my voting record for the 2nd week of the Legislative Session:

HOUSE FLOOR VOTES:

HB50 Yes

HB55 Yes

HB267S1 Yes

HB59 Yes

HB60 Yes

HB64 Yes

HB71 Yes

HB73 Yes

HB269S1 Yes

HB1 Yes