I am honored and excited to begin the 2021 General Legislative Session today! Even though things are different at the Capitol this year, I would like to encourage your input and engagement. You help me to be better informed, and your input makes for a more substantive and informed legislative process.
Because of the pandemic and recent events, there are many changes to how we are doing business this session. As usual the Legislature’s website is very handy. You can track bills and see the calendar. Public participation in committee meetings will be virtual and the process is explained in detail here. There is also an entire episode of the Utah House of Representatives Podcast devoted to explaining how to participate this year. In addition to these resources the Salt Lake Tribune has an informative article on ways in which the session is different this year and how you can stay informed.
TUNE IN TO FACEBOOK FRIDAYS
I look forward to hearing from you and providing you updates. will be doing Facebook Live broadcasts each Friday of the session. You can join live and ask questions and make comments during the broadcast, or you can watch later on my legislative Facebook page.
LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW
Speaker Brad Wilson stated the following regarding policy priorities. “The Legislative Session is an opportunity for lawmakers to come together to debate and establish policies that will benefit the people of our state. With so much important work for the legislature to do in such a short amount of time, it is important that we lay out a plan that, if enacted over the next 45 days, will make a positive impact on the health, safety, and prosperity of all Utahns.”
You can view the 2021 policy goals here.
Additionally, in an interview by the Deseret News, Speaker of the House Brad Wilson and Senate President Stuart Adams listed the priorities that they see being addressed in this legislative session. Some of these are emergency powers, a possible tax cut, education funding, police reform, and mental health.
As always, please feel free to text, email, or call.