SLCC Legislative Champion

Last month, Senator Karen Mayne was honored as 2009 Legislative Champion by Salt Lake Community College.  She was among three other legislators who support and embrace the spirit of Salt Lake Community College.  The college is nestled in Senator Mayne’s #5 Senate District.

President Bioteau thanked the senator for helping with legislation enhancing and forming a broader education base.

 Senator Mayne said, “It is my pleasure to serve Salt Lake Community College.  It’s the jewel of my Senate district.”

This Summer: Get Out and Explore

by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip

Last summer on this blog, I shared my recommendation to visit our Utah State Parks.  I discussed my wonderful camping experience at Jordanelle State Park.

Last weekend (June 6-7), I visited Zion National Park with my family.  I was again reminded how beautiful and diverse our state is and the many treasures it possesses.  We stayed at the Park’s south entrance in Springdale, Utah, at the Majestic Lodge, and the name is well deserved.  The trip was organized by my mother-in-law in part to entertain my sister-in-law and baby niece visiting from Michigan.  I share who was on the trip to illustrate that the Park has opportunities for all ages and adventurers.  While we generally stayed on the paved trails with my four-year-son and niece (except a morning non-trail adventure to the Weeping Rock), we heard from others who waded down the Virgin River for ten hours, camped at the Park, and climbed its massive walls.  We had a great time looking at the birds and lizards as well as the cliffs and water.  In addition, it was nice to know that we were helping the local and state economy by spending time and money vacationing in Utah.

I was surprised when I arrived home on Sunday to read in The Salt Lake Tribune about Zion National Park’s 100-year celebration, having just been to Zions.  I have provided some links in this post so you can see for yourself what was written in the Tribune and how you can plan a trip of your own to visit the National Parks within our beautiful state.  Click here to read the  Tribune article about Zion National Park and its celebration of its “Century of Sanctuary.”  Click here to read Deseret News article about the economic benefits of National Parks.  Click here to read more about National Parks in our state.

I encourage you to get out and explore all our State has to offer.

(Click on photos below to enlarge)

Sen. Davis Greets Visitors from Africa

Senator Gene Davis met with a group of visitors from Africa last Monday at the Capitol.  Among the African countries represented were Chad, Mali, Kenya, Senegal, Niger, Madagascar, Sudan, Namibia, Ghana, and Burkina Faso.  The group, sponsored by the United States Department of State and locally by the Utah Council on Citizen Diplomacy, participated in a regional project for Africa  entitled ”Religious Freedom and Interfaith Dialogue.”

The question/answer format included discussion about what it means to have a minority party, the role of the minority party, state representation versus federal representation, and religious freedom.  Senator Davis mentioned to the group that we begin our legislative sessions each day with a prayer given by either a member of the body or an invited ecclesiastical leader.  Some in the group were puzzled by the conglomerate of multi-denominational prayers.  Senator Davis simply replied to the group that the senators’ open hearts allow them to be be guided by every prayer offered.   Senator Davis said, “Respect for a person’s religion demonstrates respect for the individual.”

Several interpreters accompanied the group to translate for Senator Davis and many of the participants.  Languages spoken in the group were English and French.

Offices of the Utah Council on Citizen Diplomacy are located at Westminster College in Salt Lake City.  Westminster’s president, Michael Bassis says:

“Considering all that the organization (Utah Council on Citizen Diplomacy) does to promote global respect and understanding between the people of Utah and other nations, we are honored to offer them office space on our campus and access to our wonderful facilities. But the enormous value they bring to our campus is what drives our enthusiasm for this partnership. This value comes through our joint sponsorship of public lectures on topics of transnational importance and, perhaps most importantly, it comes from the opportunities UCCD creates for our students, faculty and staff to interact with delegations of emerging leaders from countries across the globe that visit Salt Lake each year through UCCD’s International Visitor Leadership Program.”

First Special Session - 2009

by Senator Luz Robles
Minority Caucus Manager
Senate District One

The Utah State Legislature met today to change some technical pieces on laws we passed this last session.  More importantly, we were able to fix the Medicaid hospital provider reimbursement rates, making it the same as all other providers in the state.  Our health care system is seeing a dramatic increase in uninsured and Medicaid caseload growth.  This is when the state needs to take are of our providers to establish continued levels of health care.

I also had the opportunity to be part of the committee to notify Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., that the Legislature had gathered for the First Special Session, and I had the opportunity to personally congratulate the governor on his new position as Ambassador to China.  He was very gracious and seemed eager to serve his country at the national level.  My experience with Governor Huntsman as a former staff member of his administration, and as a Senator, has always been positive.  He will be greatly missed here in the halls of the State Capitol.

Governor Huntsman’s open-mindedness and willingness to listen to all ideas brought a different experience in Utah State government.  I wish him and his family the best of luck in China, and I look forward to working with Lt. Governor Herbert.

Governor Huntsman’s Ambassadorship

by Senator Patricia Jones
Senate Minority Leader

On behalf of the Utah Senate Democrats, we congratulate Governor Huntsman on his pending responsibility as our country’s ambassador to China.  We concur unequivocally with President Obama’s brilliant choice–Governor Huntsman is the perfect individual for the job.

When political labels are set aside and the needs of people prevail, it is evident where Governor Huntsman’s priorities lie.  In his tenure as Utah’s governor, he has advocated for many of the same issues Democrats advocate for every day, and generally we feel aligned with his views.

Like Utah’s Democrats, Governor Huntsman has advocated for issues representative of mainstream Utah.  He pledged his support for public education and teachers–and followed through.  He has supported higher education as a means of empowering Utah’s citizens and thereby boosting economic development.  He has adamantly opposed the disposal of nuclear waste in Utah.  He has actively participated in the Western Climate Initiative which, among its objectives, is the development of renewable energy sources.  He has advocated for the most vulnerable of our population and devised methods of addressing their immediate and long-term needs.  He supports increasing the cigarette tax, as we do.

We send our best wishes to Governor Huntsman and his family as he embarks upon this new endeavor.  He is a model public servant and will use his diplomatic skills to achieve success as our country’s ambassador to China.

We also send our best wishes to Lt. Governor Gary Herbert, who will become Utah’s governor upon Governor Huntsman’s departure.

Looking ahead to 2010, you will see a number of Democrat candidates who are capable and qualified to fill the governor and lieutenant governor positions and can do so with Governor Huntsman’s same aplomb and policies that reflect mainstream Utah.

It’s a Celebration

Governor Huntsman signed SB 73, Unincorporated Areas Amendments (The Township Bill), and SB 15, Workers’ Compensation Premium Assessment and Related Funding, in ceremonial fashion surrounded by many contributors who helped make the ideas become law.  (April 8, 2009)

 
Governor Huntsman and Senator Mayne

 
Governor Huntsman signs SB 73

 
Representative Poulson, Lucille Workman (Senator Jones’ mother), Senator Patricia Jones, Frank Pignanelli, Mayor Peter Corroon, Nichole Dunn and Paul Rogers

 
Governor Huntsman signs SB 15

Royce Moser, MD; Don Marano, President, IHI Enviromental; Kurt Hegman, MD., Director, Rocky Mountain Occupational and Health Center and Senator Mayne

What Makes an Effective Legislator?

by Senator Patricia Jones
Senate Minority Leader

What makes an effective legislator?  According to the Deseret News (“GOP Powered Utah’s 2009 Session” 3/23/09), success is measured by the number of bills passed during the legislative session.  But is that the best yardstick?

Judging the effectiveness of a lawmaker by the number of bills he or she passes is like measuring the competence of a parent by the number of children they bring into the world.  Besides, I have never had anyone call and beg for more laws.  To the contrary, I receive many calls pleading with me to help derail harmful legislation.

This is not sour grapes.  I served six years in the Utah House and just completed my third year in the Utah Senate.  During my tenure, I have passed numerous bills dealing with critical issues related to health, senior citizens, public education, financial literacy, and renewable energy.  So have my Democratic colleagues.

Utah’s Democrats play a critical role in our legislature, often without fanfare or credit.  Utah’s Democrats contribute new ideas.  Case in point: the much-heralded liquor reform legislation was possible in part by Sen. Scott McCoy’s idea to eliminate “liquor stickers,” saving the state $1 million a year.  Sen. McCoy graciously offered his idea to the Republican sponsors of the legislation in order to assist the passage of the reform package.

The merit of legislative bills varies widely.  A legislator may sponsor and get credit for a bill that simply changes the word, “a” to “an.”  Or, the lawmaker may sponsor a bill to sunset outdated provisions in Utah law.  Simple.  Many of the simple bills are handed off to newly-elected Republicans, knowing the legislation will sail through.  Regardless of political party, lumping simple bills with bills that are thoroughly vetted over a series of months is misleading.

Utah’s Democrats on Capitol Hill are the voice of reason for mainstream Utahns.  The fiscally-responsible 2009 Democratic budget called for an increase in the tobacco tax, strongly supported by the public, but rejected by the majority.  Utah Democrats have pushed for genuine ethics reform over the years.  Utah Democrats have rallied for senior citizens, for environmental issues, advocated for people with disabilities and others who are vulnerable, carried the flag for public and higher education year after year….and have offered up substantial and important pieces of legislation.  Now that is a more accurate yardstick.

Helmets to Hardhats Program Day

THEY DEFENDED AMERICA; NOW LET THEM HELP YOU BUILD IT

This afternoon, Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr., signed a declaration recognizing Helmets to Hardhats and declared March 30, 2009, as Helmets to Hardhats Program Day.  Helmets to Hardhats is a nonprofit organization hosted by the Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment and Veterans’ Employment (CMRAVE), which connects veterans to promising careers in the construction industry.  Utah is the 27th state to recognize the vital role of Helmets to Hardhats.

Among those accompanying Governor Huntsman today for the signing were Senator Gene Davis; Senator Karen Mayne; Terry Schow, Executive Director, Utah Department of Veterans Affairs; General Jeff Burton, Utah National Guard; Major General Peter Cook, U.S. Army Reserves; Steve Hadley, Veterans Outreach Program, Department of Workforce Services; Darrell Roberts, Executive Director, Helmets to Hardhats; Dale Cox, Operating Engineers Local No. 3; Rob Mason, Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons; Jim Judd, president, AFL-CIO; Darlene Goldman, Salt Lake Community College; Dale Brockbank, U.S. Department of Labor; Mark Biloz, Regional Director, Veterans Administration; and numerous others representing the construction industry and armed services.

Helmets to Hardhats provides training and support to veterans returning from military service to facilitate a smooth transition to civilian life.  Veterans log in to http://helmetstohardhats.org, establish an account, and begin their search for a productive career.  The Helmets to Hardhats staff of construction industry and military professionals help guide veterans through their career search, connecting them with apprenticeship programs and providing career advice.  Many Utah veterans have received this training.  Click here for Ami Joi O’Donoghue’s great article in the Deseret News relating Darrell Robert’s personal military experiences.

Information is also available on the site about the Wounded Warrior program, which supports disabled Veterans by providing the tools, information and community that will help Veterans gain careers in the Building and Construction Industry.

Here are some impressive Helmets to Hardhats statistics for 2008:

Unique Visitors – 320,259 unique visitors to the H2H website, an increase of 13% over 2007.

Registered Veterans – 21,694 veterans as candidates, an increase of 14% over 2007.

Veterans Hired – 1,714 veteran hires through H2H, a 10% increase over 2007; 79 of whom are Wounded Warriors.

Job Searches – 510,527 candidate career searches, a 24% increase over 2007.

Job Applications – 5,713 candidates applied for career positions, a 27% increase.

Utah Career Postings – 28

Registered Utah Veterans – 127 veterans, 13 of whom are Wounded Warriors

Utah Hires – 9

Darrell Roberts, Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats, flanked by Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr., and Major General Peter Cook, U.S. Army Reserves

 
Governor Huntsman Reads the Declaration

 
Governor Huntsman Signs the Declaration
with Senators Davis and Mayne (on the right)

 
The Participants

 
Darlene Goldman, Darrell Roberts and Senator Mayne

 
Dale Cox, Senator Davis and Darrell Roberts

Perfect Timing

by Senator Gene Davis
Senate District 3

Half way through Utah’s 2009 general legislative session, the United States Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), providing a much-needed influx of cash into Utah’s 2009 and 2010 state budgets.  Commonly known as President Obama’s economic stimulus package, it significantly softened the impact of Utah’s declining state revenue.  Both Senate Democrats and House Democrats favored accepting and using the federal stimulus money and urged their colleagues to support the assistance from the Obama White House.  Budgets of virtually every department in state government were bolstered by stimulus money.   Click here for details from the Legislative Fiscal Analyst.

This year and through 2011, Utah will receive $1.7 billion from ARRA, which will be distributed to targeted departments for specific purposes.  For example:

Federal money reduced the cuts in public education for 2010 from 17% to only 5.2%; higher education from 17.5% to 9%.

The Department of Workforce Services received $19 million for child care funding, $78 million in food stamp funding, and $9 million for temporary assistance for needy families.

The Department of Transportation received $149 million and will use the funds for about 30 highway projects throughout the state.

The Department of Health received $68 million in 2009 and $94 million in 2010 for a temporary increase in the match rate for Medicaid services.

The Department of Human Services received funds for various agencies in the department.

The Department of Economic Development and Revenue received $39 million for weatherization of homes for adding insulation, sealing leaks, and modernizing heating and air conditioning equipment; a Community Service Block Grant of $5 million; Homeless Prevention monies of $5.6 million; and $33 million for USTAR to recruit science and technology researchers.

The Legislature passed Senate Bill 260 (second substitute) to create the Housing Relief Restricted Special Revenue Fund using ARRA funds to provide a $6,000 grant for any person who purchases a newly constructed, never-occupied residence in Utah.

From the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant, Utah will receive $16.2 million for a variety of efforts such as hiring and support for law enforcement officers; drug and gang task forces; crime prevention, courts, corrections, treatment; and justice information sharing initiatives.

AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON…..

Monies from the stimulus package will preserve jobs and create many new jobs in Utah as the federal government focuses on building and re-building infrastructure.  There are numerous transportation, water, and sewer projects, all of which require manpower.

Accountability is paramount.  President Obama expects the state to be a responsible steward of the federal stimulus funds.  Visit www.recovery.utah.gov for information about Utah’s stimulus money.

Saving Money by Reducing Energy Needs

by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip

Whitney Bitner, Rachel Dansie, Hannah Durham, Hannah Hoopes, Lizzie Egan, and Victoria Hoggan are seventh graders at Olympus Junior High School.  The girls call themselves the Green Queens.

This year, the girls participated in the Lexus Environmental Challenge, a contest giving students an opportunity to help their communities.  Their project is to encourage people to have more energy-efficient homes.  They are trying to motivate people to perform an “energy audit” of their homes, evaluating their doors, windows, lights, cooling, and heating.

The Green Queens competed and are now one of 48 teams out of 525 teams to succeed in the first round.  Now the Green Queens are competing in the final World Challenge.  There will be 16 winning teams, and they hope to be one of them.  If they win, the prize will be $50,000!  Olympus Junior High School would receive $10,000, Ms. JoAnne Brown, their outstanding teacher, would receive $5,000 for her classroom, and $35,000 would be divided among the Green Queens for scholarships.

Can you help the Green Queens win the prize?  Visit their blog and make a commitment to do an energy audit of your home.  There are seven days remaining to make your pledge.  March 26 is the last day!  The girls need your help right now!

The Green Queens and President Obama share the same goals for energy efficiency.  Vice President Joe Biden announced last week that Utah will receive, as part of the Obama stimulus package, $37 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program and $35 million for the State Energy Program.  The funding will support weatherization of homes, including adding more insulation, sealing leaks, and modernizing heating and air conditioning equipment, which will pay for itself many times over.

The Weatherization Assistance Program will allow an average investment of up to $6,500 per home in energy efficiency upgrades and will be available for families making up to 200% of the federal poverty level—or about $44,000 a year for a family of four.

The State Energy Program funding will be available for rebates to consumers for home energy audits or other energy-saving improvements, development of renewable energy projects for clean electricity generation and alternative fuels, promotion of Energy Star products, efficiency upgrades for state and local government buildings, and other innovative state efforts to help families save money on their energy bills.

I also wanted to share my experience with an energy audit I had performed about a year ago.  A representative from Questar came in and spent about and hour looking over my appliances, water heater, insulation and general lay out.  He then suggested some improvements and informed me how Questar and Rocky Mountain Power were participating in the energy audit and reimbursement program together.  To name a few, my audit report recommended additional insulation around electrical outlets, insulation in attic and windows to be replaced. I took the audit’s advice and secured additional insulation and replaced some windows.  I submitted my receipts and received a modest refund for the window replacements.  The attic insulation however was basically covered by the reimbursement program.

I was glad to learn about what I could do to reduce my energy footprint through the energy audit process and have appreciated the per month savings I have received from my audit improvements.  I would highly recommend taking part in this energy audit process and to see how you can make a difference.

Congratulations to the Green Queens for their outstanding efforts.