Immigration

by Senator Ross Romero
District 7

Utah’s economy is currently one of the most robust in the United States. Utah has been blessed with many new jobs and opportunities. Utah has a 3.2% unemployment rate, which is one of the lowest in the nation. Any willing and able-bodied person who wants to have a job should have a job in this environment.

Some in this State want to address the immigration issues facing our nation through state action or legislation. While we agree something must be done to address the immigration issues affecting our nation, we believe this is an issue best addressed at the federal level. Many laws enacted by other neighboring states have had an adverse economic effect on their states’ economies. This has not changed the state of immigration in the United States but has negatively impacted the states which have adopted this patchwork approach.

Utah was founded by early pioneers looking for a better opportunity for themselves and their families. Nothing is more American or natural than sacrificing for one’s children and family and working hard for it. We cannot overlook those who are out of compliance with our laws as we address this important issue; however, we must also recognize the human impact of our decisions.

I am pleased by our community’s religious leaders recently reminding us that our decisions affect people. Our decisions will have a direct effect on some and an indirect effect on all. I am encouraged our Presidential candidates are talking about immigration and possible solutions. Taking the time necessary to study the proposals through an interim study may be the best action. This will give us time to hear from our new administration and President.

It’s Official

It’s official. Senator Jon Huntsman, Jr., has appointed Karen Mayne to fill the Senate seat of her late husband Senator Ed Mayne. Her appointment is effective January 1, 2008. President John Valentine will administer the oath January 16, 2008.

Senator Karen Mayne is already hard at work in her Senate district, communicating with constituents and helping them with their needs.

We extend a warm welcome to Karen! We know her. We acknowledge her political experience and her community service. She is the ideal person to continue the endeavors launched by Senator Ed Mayne. She’s off to a great start!

Distinguished Alumni

Former Senator Patrice Arent and current Senator Ross Romero (both Democrats) are featured in the “Alumni Spotlight” of the Hinckley Institute of Politics Newsletter (p. 18). The newsletter is published annually, and the recent edition takes “A Look Back at 2006,” when Patrice Arent was still a senator and Senator Romero was still a representative. Click here to read the “Alumni Spotlight” page in the newsletter or just click here and scroll down to read the profiles of former Senator Arent and current Senator Romero. We’re PROUD of our distinguished caucus members, past and present.

DEJA VU

In last Monday’s Tribune, a pamphlet was tucked away in the folds of the newspaper entitled “The Real Salt Lake Stadium.” Here is an excerpt from page 2:

Who supported HB38?

“The new law received broad bi-partisan support from both Democrats and
Republicans, with support from Senate President John Valentine, House
Speaker Greg Curtis, Majority Leader Dave Clark, and Minority Leader
Ralph Becker.”

Noticeably absent from the list of bi-partisan supporters in the pamphlet (and on the ReAL website) is Senate Minority Leader Mike Dmitrich.

Deja vu???

After the passage of HB38, a pompous news conference was held outside the State Capitol, attended by key players who put the deal together (political players–not soccer players, though they were in attendance, also).

To his credit, Governor Huntsman acknowledged the bi-partisan effort and invited the State’s minority leadership to attend the news conference. Senator Dmitrich even took a turn at the dais.

ReAL owner Dave Checketts and his entourage then presented ReAL scarves and jerseys (with their names on them) to Republican legislators and left the Democrats scarfless and jerseyless.

The issue is not a scarf or a jersey. The issue is that Mr. Checketts failed to acknowledge the vital role of BOTH parties in passing HB38, which appropriated funds for the stadium.

Six Senate Democrats deserve thanks for their aye votes, which were ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY for the stadium ReALity.

Grand Old Elected Official & Sports Official

Don’t miss today’s Utah Policy Daily featuring a profile of Utah Senate Minority Leader Mike Dmitrich. He was elected in 1968 to the Utah Legislature at the age of 31 and has served continuously since then, making him Utah’s longest-serving legislator. It is a colorful characterization written by Greg Jarrard entitled “Mike Dmitrich: Grand Old Man of the Legislature,” and also highlights his professional career and his career as a high school basketball and football referee. He and his wife Bo live in Price USA (as he affectionally calls his home) and have three children and three grandchildren.