It’s Time to Save

by Senator Ross Romero
District 7

September is National College Savings Month, and I wanted to make sure all the parents and families of future college students know about the Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP).  The importance of a college education cannot be overemphasized.

Did you know?

1.     College graduates age 25 and over earn nearly twice as much as workers who only have a high school diploma.

2.     Earnings from 529 plans are not taxed when used to pay for eligible college expenses.

3.     Utah taxpayers receive a 5% tax credit on contributions up to $1,650 per beneficiary, equaling $82.50.  If filing jointly, the 5% credit is applied to contributions up to $3,300 per beneficiary, equaling $165.  The UESP 529 account must be established before the beneficiary’s 19th birthday to qualify for the credit.

4.     No minimum investment is required to open or maintain a Utah Educational Savings Plan college savings account.

Did you know the UESP has been nationally recognized for its management?

“You will typically find the lowest costs among direct-sold 529s, such  as Utah’s Educational Savings Plan, with expenses of 0.38% or less.”

Money Magazine
August 2007

“The Utah Educational Savings Plan, which is run by the state, remains a top choice due to a diverse lineup of portfolios and low annual expenses, which mostly range from 0.25% to 0.38% across its portfolios.”

Wall Street Journal
March 1, 2007

While I have provided examples from UESP’s program, there are many other 529 plans which you may want to consider.  I personally have opened a UESP account for my son.  I know how much my university experience and education have meant for me (including meeting my wife), and I wanted to make sure he also has those same opportunities.

If you would like more information about saving for college, please review www.collegesavings.org/didYouKnows.aspx.

If you would like more information about USEP or would like to open an account, please visit www.uesp.org.

Visit your State Parks

by Senator Ross Romero
District  7

Senator Romero and son with Mike Johnson, Park Manager of Jordanelle State Park.

Jordanelle Marina and Campground

Jordanelle Reservoir

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go camping with my family and some friends at Jordanelle State Park.  While I was in the Park, I had the chance to meet Mike Johnson, the Park Manager.  Mr.Johnson was nice enough to tell me about the Park and explain what he had been working on for the Park.  Currently, the visitors’ center is being converted into a much more functional event center.  Once open, the event center will be available for rental so more individuals will be able to utilize the facility and enjoy the views of the lake and mountain side. 

Mr. Johnson also explained how he organized a fireworks display over the water on July 12^th.  This event will be repeated in the years to come, which should again draw visitors to the Park.  He expressed a desire to improve and groom trails around the Park and perhaps bring in some recreational activities like a zip line to be enjoyed by the Park’s visitors.  I appreciated the time Mr. Johnson took to explain his efforts and desires for the Park.  I think he was doing a great job attempting to blend making sure the Park was open and utilized to the public while at the same time making sure the environmental protections and proper maintenance were being enforced.

I hope you and your family have had the opportunity to enjoy a Utah State Park this summer.  If you have not or would like more information, I would encourage you to visit: www.stateparks.utah.gov.  The Parks’ website provides information about trails, boating, golfing and OHVs.  It is a wonderful resource for what is going on in our State’s Parks and even includes what the weather is in the Parks.  Finally, the website offers opportunity to learn about the family fun activity of geocaching–a high-tech treasure hunt using a global positioning satellite (GPS) unit. 

I hope you continue to have a fun and safe summer and look forward to hearing how you enjoyed your Utah State Park visit.

Zach’s Whereabouts

After finishing his legislative internship with Senator Ross Romero and Senator Scott McCoy this past session, Zachery Fountain secured his first “real world” job. He was hired as the Deputy for Legislation and Communication for the Murray City Mayor’s Office. In particular, he is excited about the opportunity to continue the work he relished during the session. Zach is appreciative of the opportunities the Hinckley Institute of Politics and the Senate Democrats have afforded him.

Zach’s new job at Murray City means the Senate Ds still have the chance to work with him. He was a terrific intern, and we wish him the best of luck going forward.

What to do with those “extra” tickets this summer…

by Senator Ross Romero
District 7

During the last Legislative Session, I and Senator Hickman were asked to speak to a gathering of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Utah (BBBSU) who were enjoying a field trip at the Utah State Capitol. Senator Hickman and I shared with the group how we became involved in public service, some of our goals, and why we thought service was important. During this brief interaction with the group, I was impressed with how committed the Bigs were to their Littles and the bonds that were developed through these relationships. I saw first hand how important this mentoring relationship is in helping the youth in our community have a role model to look up to. Some important information about the Littles includes:

82% of children served in Utah are from families without two parents (single, parent, grandparent, or other guardian-led homes).

82% are from low-income homes.

52% are minorities.

BBBSU will provide Bigs to almost 1,700 children in need throughout the state of Utah.

A recent study conducted by a national research firm Public/Private Ventures (P/PV) examined the impact of the BBBSU program on youth and found that when compared to their peers, Little Brothers and Little Sisters who met with their Big Brothers or Sisters for at least one year were:

46% less likely to start using drugs.

27% less likely to start drinking.

33% less likely to act violently.

52% less likely to skip a day of school, and earned higher grades.

Recently I learned I was the highest bidder of four 10th-row tickets to the sold out Stadium of Fire 4th of July Concert with Miley Cyrus. As much as I like the idea of going to the show to heckle Glenn Beck (the host of the event), I thought some Littles might appreciate the concert opportunity more than myself. I therefore contacted BBBSU and have donated the four tickets so some Littles might see their “superstar” peer. I hope this donation idea might catch on with others who have tickets this summer which conflict with travel plans and which might therefore be donated to BBBSU.

If you have any interest in learning more about BBBSU, please review their website at: www.bbbsu.org. If you have “extra” tickets of your own you would like to donate this summer, please contact Kim Sharples at 801-313-0303, Ext. 135, or if you’d like to make another kind of donation, please contact Merridith Ferne at 801-313-0303 Ext. 124 or email her at merridith.ferne@bbbs.org.

A Deserving Father of the Year

by Senator Ross Romero
District 7

Tonight the American Diabetes Association, through its Utah Chapter, will recognize and honor Senator Ed Mayne as a 2008 Father of the Year. While I did not know Senator Mayne as well as many (having served only 2 years with him in the Senate), I was deeply touched by his family’s openness and love which was evident during the funeral services. It was during these services I came to learn more about Senator Mayne, the husband and father. My respect and admiration for Senator Mayne, the father, grew as I heard from his children during the services as I saw how much they cared for him as a father and how well he had helped guide them to where they are. Similarly, having had the opportunity to serve with Senator Karen Mayne, I have come to see and hear in her the strength and support laid by the foundation and service of the late Senator Mayne. It is therefore truly befitting that the American Diabetes Association is recognizing Senator Mayne as a Father of the Year.

As we approach Father’s Day in a little over a week, it is my hope that we will not only honor our fathers but encourage their good health and exercise. The American Diabetes Association’s website www.diabetes.org offers a lot of important information about diabetes prevention and nutritional recommendations. Some of the recommendations include eating fish 2-3 times a week, drinking water and diet drinks, moderating portion sizes, taking the stairs and not the elevator, taking brisk walks, and reading food labels so you can measure what you are eating. Encouraging our father’s to think about their health through exercise and good health may be the best gift you can give and one that will ultimately be more appreciated than the tie that is returned because it was not the “correct size.”

Again, congratulations to the Mayne family for Ed’s recognition, and thank you for supporting him as he served to benefit all of Utah’s families. I would also like to thank the American Diabetes Association not only for its excellent award selection but for reminding us about the importance of good health.

Rosie’s $30,000 Reward

by Senator Ross Romero
District 7

It began at a fund raiser for the Utah Minority Bar Association (UMBA). I purchased a billboard donated by Reagan Outdoor Advertising as a contribution for UMBA scholarships. I intended to use the billboard for something such as acknowledging my wife’s birthday (which happens to be July 24th–so the whole state already throws her a party) or perhaps our 11th wedding anniversary, but something else came up.

A few months ago, I received a call from Frank Cordova, director of the Utah Coalition of La Rasa, asking if I could help publicize a $30,000 reward being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person who killed Rosie Tapia. In 1995, Rosie was 6 years old. She was taken from her bedroom window and sexually assaulted. The next morning, her body was found in the Jordan River. Thirteen years later, the crime is still unsolved. For more information about Rosie’s disappearance and efforts to find her, click on these links:

City Weekly; ABC4 News; KSL News

Meadow Gold Dairy, the Salt Lake City Policy Department, and the FBI recently held a news conference and announced the $30,000 reward to find Rosie’s murderer. I was inspired by their generosity and called Reagan Outdoor Advertising and talked with Dewey Reagan about redeeming my billboard certificate. I also asked if Reagan would consider donating an extra month of sign time to highlight the effort of finding Rosie’s killer. Reagan agreed and also secured Vision International to donate the sign printing. You will now see the sign located at approximately 2100 South and 1200 West. It is on the right side of the SR 201 heading west. (Click here to see a copy of the billboard).

I hope this blog post will help spread the word about the reward money being offered to find Rosie’s killer so the Tapia family can finally have some closure.

Please spread the word about the reward. Call 801-799-INFO if you have any information.

Torch of Freedom Award for Senator Romero

Last week, Senator Ross Romero was honored at the ACLU’s 50th Anniversary Bill of Rights Celebration. He received the Torch of Freedom Award for Progressive Leadership. Senator Romero received this recognition for his relentless efforts in the Utah State Legislature to bring attention to many critical community issues, in particular immigration and racial profiling. Click here and scroll down to read more about the event and Senator Romero’s award.

Senator Romero Receives Justice Award

Last month, Senator Ross Romero received a Peace and Justice Award from the Utah Coalition of La Raza at its 15th annual Cesar Chavez Banquet.  Senator Romero received this prestigious award for his work as a legislator and lawyer in the community.  Senator Romero is a member of the Utah Minority Bar Association.  Read the post on the Utah Minority Bar Association blog. Congratulations to Senator Romero.

City Weekly’s Best Legislator

City Weekly’s 2008 Best of Utah issue hit the news stands April 3. City Weekly readers voted on 100 “best of” categories. Senator Scott McCoy is the Readers’ Choice for Best State Legislator. CONGRATULATIONS Senator McCoy. If you have a copy of the April 3 City Weekly issue, you can read about Senator McCoy on page 60. You can also read about Senator McCoy by clicking here and then scrolling down until you see his picture.

Senator Ross Romero is third runner-up for Best State Legislator. CONGRATULATIONS Senator Romero.

Thanks for Keeping Us Safe

by
Senator Ross Romero
Senator Gene Davis
Senator Fred Fife

Last Saturday, March 29, Senators Romero, Fife, and Davis enrolled in Fire Ops 101, a genuine firefighter’s training experience for elected officials sponsored by the Salt Lake City Fire Department and the International Association of Firefighters. Fire Ops 101 was an example of the training that firefighters go through to prepare themselves for their strenuous and demanding profession.

Each senator donned a firefighting uniform, complete with gear, helmet, and boots and participated in hands on emergency situations. They climbed ladders carrying hoses and put out real fires in buildings, extinguished real car fires, extricated trapped victims in cars, and entered smoke-filled rooms wearing breathing equipment.

Senator Romero using cutting tools.

“It’s truly admirable to understand what firefighters have to do and the pressures they’re under and the effort they take to make sure we’re safe,” said Senator Ross Romero.

Senator Fred Fife said, “The stress from constant readiness on the job to meet the dangers of every call is a burden every firefighter must bear. That was demonstrated in the exercises. We learned that the work of firefighters requires teamwork and comradery. They displayed that for us. I learned much from Fire Ops 101, and it was a great experience for me.”

You can read reports and watch video of Fire Ops 101 at ksl.com, abc4.com, kutv.com, and The Salt Lake Tribune.

We express our sincere appreciation to our city’s firefighters for their commitment and bravery in performing the duties of their jobs.