Higher Education, a Wise Investment

by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip

I had the pleasure of serving on the Higher Education Appropriation Committee this year, and in those meetings, I had the opportunity to hear about the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority (UHEAA).  UHEAA  is an agency of the State of Utah which administers Utah’s student financial aid programs.  In 2009, 120,000 students received a total of $496 million in student loans through UHEAA.  Utah borrowers for higher education as reported by UHEAA have the lowest default rate in the nation.  We should all be proud of that.

UHEAA administers the student loan guarantee program and secondary market, state need-based financial aid, the Utah Educational Savings Plan Trust, and the Utah Engineering and Computer Sciences Loan Forgiveness Program.  On the UHEAA website, there is also helpful information on how to prepare and pay for college.  There are also links to other helpful websites.  At http://higheredutah.org/ there is information and news about the latest developments in higher education. At http://utahfutures.org/, you can find more information about planning for college and preparing for a career.  The UHEAA also has information for single moms who want to continue their education http://www.uheaa.org/singlemom/index.html.  I would encourage you to review these websites to help you prepare for your future higher education opportunities.  There is no better investment than an investment in your education.

Nonprofit Day on the Hill

Last Thursday, February 25, members of the Utah nonprofit community came together at the Capitol to promote a greater understanding of the role and impact these organizations have on the quality of life in Utah.  Sponsors of the second annual “Nonprofit Day on the Hill” are Utah Nonprofits Association, Utah Society for Environmental Education, Utah Afterschool Network, and Utah Cultural Alliance.

The mission of the Utah Nonprofits Association is to strengthen the Utah nonprofit community through its focus on mutual support, management development through training, and sector-wide advocacy.

The Utah Society for Environmental Education’s mission is to provide statewide leadership to expand the quality, scope and effectiveness of environmental education.  To achieve this goal, USEE serves as a resource for environmental educators, K-12 teachers, higher education and the Utah community at large.

The Utah Afterschool Network supports state-wide afterschool partnerships that will impact policy development at all levels.  The organization works to secure resources and funding for high-quality afterschool programs.

The mission of The Utah Cultural Alliance is to provide a dynamic cultural environment to serve and strengthen the cultural community through advocacy, member services, and networking.

Thirty-three member organizations spoke to legislators, including Senator McAdams and Senator Romero, about the numerous benefits provided to our communities through the collaborative efforts of nonprofit organizations.

Senator McAdams

 
Senator Romero

Welcome, Big Brothers Big Sisters

Yesterday on the Senate Floor, Senator Ross Romero recognized members of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah in the gallery.  Senator Romero commended them for their significant contribution to mentoring in our communities.  Senator Romero is an active supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah.  The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is “to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with measurable impact.”  Big Brothers Big Sisters serves children ages 6-18.

“Bigs” (the adults) and “Littles” (the kids) meet once a week in schools, libraries, and community centers to talk and participate in fun activities.  Research has shown these positive relationships to be helpful in many ways.  Participating “Littles” are more confident in their schoolwork performance and get along better with their families.  They are also less likely to begin using illegal drugs, less likely to begin using alcohol, and less likely to skip school.

Senator Romero answered questions while the group ate lunch in the Multi-purpose Room of the Capitol. One of the “Littles” asked Senator Romero why he decided to become a state senator.  He responded to the question by saying, “Well, I have always been involved in serving my community, so becoming a state senator seemed like a great opportunity to further serve my community.”

Answering Questions

 
Lunch Time

Helping Keep our Youth Safe

by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip

There is an ongoing debate about restricting cell phone use while driving and efforts in the past for a total ban.  This year in the Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee, we have heard testimony from young drivers who support a complete ban because their friends were injured or killed in accidents involving cell phone use.

Based upon this testimony, I decided to sponsor Senate Bill 113, Wireless Telephone Use Restriction for Minors in Vehicles, which restricts cell phone use by persons younger than 18 years of age.  This bill highlights the need for young drivers to acquire experience behind the wheel before introducing distractions to the mix.

The bill provides for an infraction if a person under 18 uses a cell phone while driving.  If a person violates the law and is involved in a motor vehicle accident, the penalty is a class C misdemeanor.  Thirteen states have passed the same provision restricting young drivers.

Below are statistics for Utah Teenage Distracted Driving Crashes for 2006 (new information for 2007 will be available shortly).  Source: University of Utah Applied Cognition Lab

In crashes where cell phone and other electronic devices were the distraction:

1 person was killed
3 people had incapacitating injuries
27 people had non-incapacitating injuries
48 people had possible injuries
42 people had ER visits and 2 people had hospital visits
$240,000 was charged by the ER or hospital

It bothers me when I read the obituaries and see young people dying of suicide, accidents, etc.  I chose age 18 as the cutoff because at that age, most young people have completed high school, are more experienced behind the wheel, and have demonstrated a higher level of maturity.

While I know some are for a complete cell phone ban while driving, this bill is meant to safeguard the younger drivers in our community.

Finally, Representative Phil Riesen is carrying this bill in the Utah House of Representatives.

It’s Time to Clear the Air

by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip

Last month I had the opportunity to hear a presentation regarding Park City, Utah’s effort to track its sustainability numbers.  Energy and water conservation are a couple of ways we can help sustain our communities.  Park City is particularly sensitive to how we treat our environment since it hosts many visitors to ski on its surrounding slopes.  Even slight temperature increases year after year have the potential to reduce snowfall amounts, jeopardizing the ski and tourism industry which will affect our state’s economy whether we ski or not.

Park City’s program was adopted to allow homeowners and businesses to calculate how much energy they are using.   At http://www.parkcitygreen.com, Park City residents can calculate their carbon and water footprints and learn what they can do to reduce their impact on the environment.  There is a carbon calculator, a water calculator, and a waste calculator.  I encourage you to review this website and familiarize yourself with its calculators and the accompanying suggestions for reducing our impact on our environment.  Each person and home doing its share can make a big difference.
 
Another site to help us clear the air is http://www.utahmomsforcleanair.org.  The site addresses subjects such as engine idling, smarter driving, etc.  It is a helpful reminder for us about what we can do to make a difference, which is especially relevant when we look out our windows at our polluted air. 

Please take a few minutes to visit these sites and consider what you can do to reduce energy consumption and help clear our air so we will live healthier, longer lives.
 

Utah’s Shining High School Stars

by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip

During the past few months, the successes and tragedies of the American Fork High School Marching Band have been highly publicized.

The band was overcome with the loss of Heather Christensen, an Assistant Band Director, who was tragically killed in a bus accident following a band competition in Pocatello, Idaho.

Since then, the band competed at the “Red Rocks Invitational Marching Band Competition” on November 6, 2009, at Dixie College in St. George, Utah.  More than 25 bands competed.  The American Fork Marching Band took first place, earning the state championship.

The following day, November 7, the band took first place in the “Bands of America, Western Regional Championship” in St. George, Utah.  Bands from Utah, Washington, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico, and California competed for the championship.

The band has been invited to compete in the Grand National Championships, an annual competition held in Indianapolis this coming weekend, November 13-14, 2009.  (The American Fork High School Marching Band is currently ranked 7th nationally.)

The band was the first from Utah to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2007.  The band was invited to play at the 2005 Presidential Inauguration.  The band marched at the Rose Bowl Parade in 2002.  The band has won the equivalent of the state championship for the past 18 consecutive years.

The band’s featured program for this year is “The Greatest Generation,” a tribute to the men and women who have served our country in the Armed Forces.

CONGRATULATIONS to the band for its resilience and excellence.

In order to travel to Indianapolis this coming weekend, the band is seeking sponsorships and donations.  Please call today (801-610-8400) and send your donation to reward these students for their hard work.  Please make checks payable to the Alpine Foundation-RE: AFHS Marching Band and mail to 575 North 100 East, American Fork, UT 84003.  Your donation is tax deductible.

Listening tour…continued.

by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip 

This past August, the Senate Democrats were invited to join the House Democrats on their Carbon/Emery County weekend excursion hosted by Representative Christine Watkins.  With the aid of Rhoda, the House Minority Assistant, Representative Watkins planned the itinerary for the trip.  Senator Patricia Jones, Senator Luz Robles, and I just tagged along.  Thanks, House Democrats, for inviting us.

Friday evening, we enjoyed a dinner hosted by Representative Watkins and her husband at their home in Miller Creek.  Several county officials attended the dinner and shared a lot of information with us about rural issues important to Carbon and Emery Counties such as mining, water rights, land use, energy development, higher education, etc.  
 
The next morning, we caravanned to visit several important sites in Carbon and Emery Counties.  First on the agenda was a tour of the Huntington Power Plant, managed and staffed by PacifiCorp.  The plant tour was very educational.  Power production is a complex process and a complex issue affecting every citizen in our state and country.  The Utah coal mining industry and power production industry in these counties employ thousands of Utahns, who in turn, support their families and boost our Utah economy.

Unfortunately, I then had to return to Salt Lake City following the mine tour.   The rest of the group proceeded to the Crandall Canyon Mine Memorial.  The monument honors the lives of six miners and three rescuers who lost their lives in the 2007 mine collapse.  The monument is also a tribute to their families. 

Along with most Utahns, I recall vividly the angst I experienced as the events of the Crandall Canyon Mine tragedy unfolded.  I send my best wishes to the families of the miners and rescuers and to everyone in the community.

The group next had lunch at Huntington Park, and Castle Dale Mayor Neal Peacock was on hand to visit with the group and answer questions.

Then the group visited San Rafael Swell’s Wedge Overlook.  The Wedge Overlook is one of the most beautiful vistas in Utah, overlooking the San Rafael River as it flows through the “Little Grand Canyon.”

This trip provided a great opportunity to visit one of our state’s rural areas and learn about the lives and livelihood of our citizens who reside in Carbon and Emery Counties.  I am glad I was able to make the trip to eastern Utah.  As a legislator, I sometimes have to make decisions on behalf of every citizen in the state, both urban and rural.  This educational experience broadened my view and will enable me to more fully understand important issues in our state.   

Representative Christine Watkins and Husband John

Huntington Power Plant

Front Row:  Rep. Chavez-Houck, Sen. Robles, Rep. Watkins & Rep. Moss
Back Row:  Rep. King, Sen. Romero, Rep. Seelig, Rep. Litvack & Rep. Seegmiller

Senator Jones, Mayor Peacock, Senator Romero & Representative Litvack

Another Great Community Resource–Volunteers of America, Utah

by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip
Senate District 7

Last week, I visited the Homeless Youth Resource Center, a facility sponsored by Volunteers of America, Utah. The Center provides services for homeless street youth through its Street Outreach Program, Drop-in Center, and Transition Homes.

Volunteers of America was founded over 100 years ago in 1896 and continues today to pursue its objective of helping those who need help the most. Volunteers of America, Utah offers a variety of services and programs with a focus on homeless individuals and individuals with substance abuse issues. Its programs are extensive, offering detoxification, 12-step meetings, case management, referrals for treatment, transition housing, counseling, group therapy, recreation, life skills training, and many more, touching the lives of more than 10,000 people locally.

Individuals served by Volunteers of America, Utah are just like you and me. They have grown up in your neighborhood or attended school with you, and they could be family, co-workers, or friends. They are simply individuals in need. The Homeless Outreach Program provides services to the adult community. The Street Outreach Program and Homeless Youth Resource Center offer services to youth on the streets.

Volunteers of America, Utah relies on the generous contribution of its volunteers, who prepare meals, perform administrative or janitorial functions, lead activities, supervise children, etc. You may volunteer your services on a one-time or regular basis.

There is an ongoing need for volunteers and donations for the good work done by Volunteers of America, Utah. If you have a desire to learn more, click here for an overview of services. Click here for information about volunteer opportunities. Click here for information on how to make a donation.

Thank you Utahns for your good work volunteering in our community.

Countdown to the Census

by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip

On June 24, 2009, I was asked to speak to a meeting of the Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce, along with Senator Luz Robles.  At the meeting, I spoke about the importance of the census and making sure all are part of the count.

The 2010 Census will have one of the shortest census questionnaires in the history of our country, taking only 10 minutes to complete.  Questions are name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether the householder owns or rents his/her home.  Quick and Simple.

An accurate Census count matters to us in Utah.  Federal and State government use census information to determine where to spend more than $300 billion in federal funds annually.  Information is gathered to determine how to allocate spending for such things as new schools, libraries, public buildings, highway safety and public transportation systems, new roads and bridges, police and fire departments, and many other projects.

Community organizations use census information to develop social service programs, community action projects, senior lunch programs and child-care centers.  The numbers help businesses identify where to locate factories, shopping centers, movie theaters, banks and offices–activities that often lead to new jobs.

One way community leaders (state, local, and tribal governments) can assist in helping make sure there is an accurate count is to register for the Local Update of Census Address (LUCA) program to update the Census Bureau’s address information for their communities.  Another way to assist with the count is to participate in a Complete Count Committee.

So remember, be sure you are part of the Count on Census Day which is April 1, 2010.  It is important to all of us in Utah. 

For more information about the census, please visit this link:  http://www.census.gov/2010census. 

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)