Thanks for the Invitation, Camp Kostopulos

by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip

On Saturday, June 5, I attended an open house at Camp Kostopulos in Emigration Canyon.  Camp Kostopulos is sponsored by the Kostopulos Dream Foundation, an agency dedicated to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities.  Camp Kostopulos is a week-long residential summer camp where kids, teens, and adults with disabilities are able to socialize and enjoy numerous recreational activities.  It’s fun for the participants and, at the same time,  provides a reprieve for their full-time care givers.

At the camp, participants engage in various recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, camping, singing, arts and crafts, horseback riding, ropes course, etc.  They make new friends and renew their friendships from previous summers.  Participants stay on site for a full week in the capable hands of full-time staff members who provide 24-hour supervision.  I have included some photos I took of this wonderful facility in my Senate District.

I would like to thank Cheryl Smith, Development Director of the Kostopulos Dream Foundation, who escorted my family and me at the Camp Kostopulos open house.

In addition to summer camp, the Kostopulos Dream Foundation also offers year-round recreational programs for kids, teens, and adults.  For further information about Kostopulos, visit their website at www.campk.org and as always, donations are appreciated.

Finally, on July 10, 2010, the Kostopulos Dream Foundation is hosting the Wasatch Wheelchair Rally, a fundraising event which will showcase runners and walkers pushing empty wheelchairs in a race around Liberty Park.  For more information, visit www.campk.org/wasatch-wheelchair-rally.

Ropes Course

Horseback Riding

 
Senator Romero with his son and Cheryl Smith

Playground

Senator Davis greets Saudia Arabian Visitors

A group of seven international visitors from Saudi Arabia visited Utah under the auspices of the U. S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, administered locally by the Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy, to examine “Religious and Public Education.”  Participants were:

 Mr. Khalid Ateatallah ALAMRI
 Islamic Education Supervisor, Ministry of Education, Madinah

 Mr. Fahd Alean ALDLWE
 Islamic Education Supervisor, Ministry of Education, Al-Ula

 Mr. Fahad Abdulrahman ALHAMAD
 Islamic Education Supervisor, Ministry of Education, Hail

 Mr. Mohammed Nughaymish ALHARBI
 Islamic Education Teacher, Al-Mahd Directorate of Education, Ministry of Education

 Mr. Hussain Salman ALMALKI
 Islamic Education Supervisor, Ministry of Education, Jizan

 Mr. Abdullah Ali ALSAWEED
 Islamic Education Supervisor, Ministry of Education, Qassim

 Mr. Abdulaziz Rashid ALTUWAIRISH
 Islamic Education Supervisor, Ministry of Education, Dammam

 Mr. Hassan Abdullah SAWADI
 Islamic Education Supervisor, Ministry of Education, Abha

 The international visitors met with Senator Gene Davis on Monday, May 24, to discuss religion in Utah and its intersection with public education in infuencing education policy.  Senator Davis also took the group on a brief tour of our newly renovated Capitol.  They visited the House and Senate Chambers, the Rotunda, and peered through the windows at the base isolators in the basement of the Capitol.

Senator Davis and the Group from Saudi Arabia

Senator Davis and Mr Fahad Alhamad

Heroes on the Hill–Senators Jones and Mayne

Last week the Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities held its annual “Heroes on the Hill” luncheon.  Hero awards were presented to Senator Patricia Jones and Senator Karen Mayne for their influence and effort in improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

 Congratulations Senator Jones and Senator Mayne.

Senator Davis Greets International Visitors

Last year, Senator Gene Davis received the Citizen Diplomat Award from the Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy for his efforts in promoting the State of Utah’s global engagement in U.S. public diplomacy and citizen diplomacy through the International Visitor Leadership Program.  This year, Senator Davis is continuing his involvement with the program, and he met with three groups of international visitors last week at the Utah State Capitol.

A Multiregional Delegation representing 14 nations (Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Hungary, Lebanon, Macedonia, Malawi, Mexico, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Sudan, Swaziland, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela) traveled to Utah under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, administered locally by the Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy, to examine “State and Local Government in the United States.”  The International Visitors met with Senator Davis on Monday, March 15, to discuss the roles and responsibilities of state government, training for local government leaders, and informing citizens about state policy making.  (see photo of the group below)

A 6-person delegation from South Korea traveled to Utah as guests of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, administered locally by the Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy, to examine “Executive and Legislative Branch Cooperation and Competition.”  The Delegates met with Senator Davis on Tuesday, March 16, to receive an overview of the role and function of the two chambers of the State Legislature, and learn about the interplay between the legislature and the executive branches.  They also learned about the Utah minority Democratic Party, the party platform, and their key issues in Utah.  (see photo of the group below)

An 11-person international delegation from North Africa and the Near East traveled to Utah under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, administered locally by the Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy, to examine “Interfaith Dialogue.”  The delegates met with Senator Davis Tuesday, March 16, to discuss how state laws protect religious rights.  (see photo of the group below)

No such thing as a safe tan? Utah Leads the Way

Health concerns related to the use of tanning beds is once again in the forefront.   Numerous studies indicate that using tanning beds by youth increases their risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent.  Melanoma is one of the most deadly forms of cancer.  Approximately 69,000 cases were diagnosed last year alone.  Beyond melanoma, ultraviolet ray exposure is also linked to basal and squamous cell carcinomas which, according to the American Cancer Society, result in 2,000 deaths a year.

Now the Food and Drug Administration is considering stricter regulations for the use of tanning beds.  The FDA may require more precise warnings about the dangers.  As reported recently by the Deseret News editorial board, “the growing scientific consensus is there’s no such thing as a safe tan.”  The FDA will conduct a public hearing this coming March.

Cognizant of these risks, in 2007, Senator Patricia Jones sponsored and passed SB 52, Health Regulations for Public Indoor Tanning Beds.  Utah law now requires IN PERSON parental consent once a year for minors to use commercial tanning beds.  Parents are required to read warnings about the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays from tanning beds and sign for the number of tanning sessions their children can receive.

The health risks and associated costs down the road are avoidable.  Hopefully, the protection provided by Utah law and the prospective FDA regulations will affect the choices of our youth.  They may wisely opt for shade during the day and a spray-on tan for the prom.

Democrat Response to State of the State Address

Following Utah Governor Gary Herbert’s State of the State speech last evening, Democrats in the Utah Legislature offered the following narrative by Senator Patricia Jones as a response.  Please give us your feedback.  Click “leave your comment” at the bottom of this post.

Welcome, Senator McAdams

Today, Ben McAdams was sworn in as our newest senator in the Utah State Senate.  President Waddoups administered the oath of office.  Senator McAdams fills the District Two seat recently vacated by Senator Scott McCoy, who resigned last month.  Welcome, Senator McAdams.   We look forward to working with you.

Senator McCoy, Thank you for your Service

by Senator Luz Robles
Senate Minority Caucus Manager
representing Senate District One 

I want to say that the state of Utah is losing one of the most intelligent, articulate and knowledgeable parliamentarian legislators with Senator Scott McCoy’s resignation.  I feel honored to say that I had the opportunity to work side by side of Scott on issues impacting the quality of lives of the many citizens of this great state.  Whether it be working towards equality and justice for all to adequate liquor laws that allow for Utah to be a more welcoming place to our out-of-state visitors, Scott has always worked in finding viable solutions for a more effective form of government. 

 In this entry I also want to take the opportunity to share some thoughts about the great public service all of our 104 members of the State Legislature provide to the residents of our state.  I know I may agree to disagree with some of the policy positions that some of my colleagues at the Legislature have, but I have no question that their hearts are in the right place and that they work really hard to represent their constituents to the best of their abilities.  I don’t think everyone realizes the sacrifice all public servants and elected officials take on and provide to their constituents.   Some of the sacrifices include, among others, the loss of income, career sacrifices, privacy, and more importantly, time for themselves and their families.

I am grateful to be able to work with the men and women of our state legislative body, who truly care about their communities of this great state.  Thanks Scott for serving and making a difference in our state.  I know you will continue to serve in different capacities.  Good luck with your future endeavors. 

Thanks, Senator McCoy

by Senator Patricia Jones
Senate Minority Leader 

Our caucus member Senator Scott McCoy has resigned his senate seat effective this coming Friday, December 4, 2009.

Speaking on behalf of the Utah Senate Democrat Caucus, we thank Senator McCoy for his impeccable service in the Utah State Senate.  He has been a significant contributor to our caucus and a valuable source of insight and wisdom.  Among legislators, he has stated his views with candor and statesmanlike conduct.  Good public policy has been the objective of Senator McCoy’s service, and he has willingly built consensus to achieve this aim.  The constituents of Senate District 2 are fortunate to have been represented by this intelligent, fair-minded, articulate and influential individual.

Senator McCoy will be greatly missed in our caucus and the Legislature.  We wish him the best in his professional and personal endeavors.       

Senator McCoy Leaving the Senate

Senator Scott McCoy, who has represented Senate District Two for the last 4 years, plans to resign his position in the Utah State Senate, effective Friday, December 4, 2009.  McCoy issued the following statement to explain his decision to the residents of his district:

I’ve been honored to serve the citizens of Utah and of District 2 for the last four years. My time in the Senate has been profoundly rewarding, but also an enormous personal sacrifice.  The senators and representatives of Utah really make a terrific commitment of their time for the benefit of this state.  It’s not just during the 45 days of the session.  It’s every day and night.  It’s during interims and constituent phone calls.  My hat is off to my 103 colleagues who make this sacrifice day in and day out, every year. 

I’ve personally come to a crossroads in my career where I need to devote my full time and energy to the practice of law.  To do any less is a disservice to my firm and my family.  Unfortunately, I simply cannot find the necessary time to be a successful attorney and give the time and energy to fully represent the residents of my district. 

I’m very proud of the work I was able to accomplish as a Senator.  We changed important policies, opened many minds, and broke down many barriers.  Certainly, there is much more to be done. But for now, I need to leave that work in other capable hands.