Category Archives: Senator Robles
Intern Appreciation Day!
Thank you to our awesome Utah Senate Democrats‘ interns!
• Senator Davis’ Interns: Elizabeth Stubbs & Vic Ardiano
• Senator Mayne’s Intern: Keegan Rank
• Senator Jones’ Intern: Taylor Bouchard
• Senator Robles’ Intern: Mario Organista
• Senator Dabakis’ Intern: Ben Ader
Read personal messages from the senators to their interns on Facebook.
Photo by Flawur Media
Day in the Life of the Utah Senate Democrats
29 Utah Senators. Five are Democrats. Here’s a look at a “Day in the Life of the Utah Senate Democrats” on February 19 during the 2013 Utah Legislative Session at the Capitol.
Photography by Flor Olivo of Flawur Media.
Utah Senate Democrats Lunch Winners
We were excited to host our first Utah Senate Democrats Lunch Winners on March 1 at the Capitol. We were thrilled both parties were represented!
More than 100 people entered the contest via social media within three weeks. We had a great conversation with the winners over chicken mole enchiladas and chiles rellenos catered by Rico Foods. We discussed education, health care and our own families, among other topics.
The winners were:
• Carlos Vasques of Fruit Heights, Davis County.
• Sarah Al-Obaydi of Salt Lake City.
• Jahn Curran of Salt Lake City, Rose Park.
• Michael Christensen of West Valley City.
• Julie Dole of West Jordan and Salt Lake County Republican Party Chair.
Utah Democrats: Standing Up for Our Military Personnel
The Utah Senate passed a measure today that will allow active duty personnel to receive property tax exemptions under certain conditions. SJR8, sponsored by Senator Luz Robles, D–Salt Lake City, will amend the Utah Constitution to allow for a property tax exemption for certain military personnel .
The Senate also passed a companion bill, SB 116, which will define the property tax exemption for military members to include certain members of the armed forces who performed military service in a combat zone in the prior year.
The cost to Utah taxpayers amounts to approximately $1 per homeowner.
Because the proposals require a constitutional amendment, the bill must pass with 2/3 of the legislature in support. Senators voted in favor, on a 24-4 vote. It now goes to the House for further consideration. Upon final passage in the House, the question will appear on the November ballot.
Utah Lawmakers Honor Girl Scouts
From the Salt Lake Tribune…
by Lee Davidson
Both houses of the Legislature unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday honoring the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts on March 12 — and received some free Girl Scout cookies in thanks.
“If those cookies are worth more than $10, you are going to have to report who you gave them to,” quipped Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, who was presiding in the Senate. Ethics rules do not allow lawmakers to accept gifts worth more than $10.
Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, chose not to preside as the Girls Scouts arrived, telling senators, “I learned last year that you don’t always get the treats if you sit up front.”
Sen. Pat Jones, D-Holladay, said being a Girl Scout helped her when she decided to seek office.
“When I ran my first campaign 12 years ago, I had to knock on doors and ask for votes. I knew I could do it because I remembered my Girl Scout years selling cookies.”
She told the Girl Scouts in the chamber, “I hope you are developing skills to run for office some day.
“It’s pretty clear how amazing this organization is” in helping teach girls skills and ethics, said Sen. Luz Robles, D-Salt Lake City, Senate sponsor of the resolution. Her daughter was among the Girl Scouts handing out cookies to legislators.
Should kids who are legal immigrants wait for health care?
Holladay • On their 10th attempt, Vitalina and Harold Lazarus finally won the immigration lottery to come to the United States from Ukraine.
They and their three children landed in Salt Lake City in March, and set about building the life they’d dreamed about for a decade.
Harold Lazarus got two jobs as a certified nursing assistant, and his wife took English classes so she can eventually put her economics degree to use.
The family gets by but would be in a world of hurt if the parents or children were to get sick.
“I always worry about breaking leg,” says Vitalina Lazarus, gesturing toward Davian, 3, and Daniel, 5. “They’re boys. They always jump.”
The couple also has Lina, 8, who on Friday was video-messaging with her father, a medical student who has returned to Ukraine for this semester’s classes.
The Lazaruses, say advocates, are just the kind of immigrant family for whom the Utah Legislature should string a safety net.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
Happy Birthday Senator Luz Robles!!
The Utah Senate sang “Happy Birthday” to Senator Robles this morning on the floor of the Utah Senate. Happy Birthday from all of us in the Utah Senate Democratic Caucus!
Senator Luz Robles – Soldiers could have property taxes waived
From the Salt Lake Tribune
by Lee Davidson
Members of the military who deploy out-of-state would have their property taxes waived temporarily under a proposal in the Legislature.
The Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved both SJR8 and SB116 and sent them to the full Senate. SJR8 is a constitutional amendment — which must pass by two-thirds majorities in both houses and be approved by voters — to allow the change, and SB116 is a statute needed to implement it.
“This will certainly make a big difference” to the families of military members who are deployed away from home, said Sen. Luz Robles, D-Salt Lake City, who is sponsoring the legislation. “We felt this would be a great opportunity to say thanks to them.”
To read the rest of the story, click here.
Senator Robles Working for Utah’s veterans
THE UTAH SENATE DEMOCRATS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Emily Bingham Hollingshead
Communications Director, Utah Senate Democrats
Ph: 435.590.9961
emily.hollingshead@gmail.com
Senator Luz Robles presents bills supporting the men and women of the military
SALT LAKE CITY, January 24, 2012 – Senator Luz Robles, D—Salt Lake City (District 1) will present two pieces of legislation that will affect Utah’s military personnel. The bills will be presented to the Senate Revenue & Taxation Committee today, and will expand a property tax exemption to military members who have performed military service in a combat zone.
“Utah’s men and women who serve in the military make a tremendous sacrifice on behalf of our country,” said Senator Robles. “I think it’s important that we do whatever we can to help them here at home. Extending certain property tax exceptions to qualified military personnel is one way we can do that.”
Robles’ two bills will be heard at the 4:00 pm committee in Room 250 at the State Capitol
SJR008 Joint Resolution on Property Tax Exemption for Military Personnel
SB0116 Armed Forces Property Tax Exemption
Who: Senator Luz Robles
What: Presentation of SJR008 and SB0116
Where: State Capitol, Room 250
When: 4:00pm
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Par Excellence Award for Senator Robles
Yesterday, Senator Luz Robles received the 2011 Par Excellence Award from the University of Utah Alumni Association. Senator Robles has a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and a master’s degree in public administration from the University. Only three years after completing her education, she was elected to the Utah State Senate, District One. She is currently vice president and Hispanic/Latino market manager at Zions Bank. Click here to read all about Senator Robles’ Par Excellence Award.
CONGRATULATIONS, SENATOR ROBLES!
