SB60-Repealing Labor Commission Responsibilities

by Senator Ross Romero
District 7

Senator Ross Romero sponsored Senate Bill 60 to eliminate the obligation of the Utah Labor Commission, through the Anti-discrimination and Labor Division, to gather information regarding the fee charged to employees by employment agencies. The bill unanimously passed in the Utah State Senate and is now working its way through the House of Representatives.

Currently, the Utah Labor Commission is obligated to maintain an oversight role over the fees individuals pay to employment agencies. The bill’s purpose is to repeal this responsibility of the Labor Commission since in recent years the practice of charging employees fees by temporary agencies has been eliminated. The law still requires city and county oversight and regulation over employment agencies. In addition, the employment agencies are still obligated to post a bond as part of their licensure.

The purpose of SB 60 is to address a resource issue confronting the Utah Labor Commission. The current process demands the use of unnecessary man hours for an outdated process. Passage of this bill will help alleviate some work to an already busy Labor Commission while also ridding the Commission of unnecessary regulatory responsibility.
SB 60 will now be heard in House of Representatives with Representative Chavez-Houck as the House sponsor.

Issues of Utah’s Seniors

by Senator Fred Fife
District One

For many Utahns becoming a senior is an enjoyable, rewarding time of life. For others it is not. Some seniors struggle to meet their basic needs: food, shelter, health care, and the necessities for combating isolation. There was a report recently that Utah Food Bank delivered 300 food boxes to needy seniors as part of recognizing Martin Luther King Day. Many others were not so lucky.

Affordable housing is a major issue for seniors forced to relocate. Rents and housing costs have escalated far beyond increases in Social Security benefits. When a mobile home park is converted for commercial or condominium development, a senior mobile homeowner is faced with $20,000 to $25,000 in moving costs, if they can find a new location for it. Many cannot afford to keep their homes.

Seniors are the fastest growing segment of our society and are in more need of health care than any other segment of society. Affordable health care is out of reach for many seniors, resulting in complications and isolation. These seniors become disabled because of old age.

Native Americans look at life and living as coming full circle. They recognize that infants are fully dependent on others, and so, too, are elders. Our society needs to ensure that our seniors are provided with the basics of food, shelter, health care, and the necessities for combating isolation.

We, this 57th Legislature have the opportunity to play a major role in this effort.

The Passing of President Hinckley

President Hinckley was not only a great spritual leader but was a great leader for the entire nation. His sincerity and compassion toward people are unsurpassed by any of our national leaders.

My family and I offer our sincere condolences to the family of President Hinckley and to all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Senator Mike Dmitrich
Senate Minority Leader

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.

Senator Karen Mayne, New Caucus Member

Video of President John Valentine administering the oath of office to newly appointed Senator Karen Mayne.

Meet the New Senator Karen Mayne

Yesterday, Karen Mayne received the oath of office
from President John Valentine in Utah’s newly renovated
Senate Chamber.

Enjoy the photos below of Senator Karen Mayne.

It’s Effective Today

This morning at 9:00 a.m., President John Valentine will administer the oath of office to newly appointed Senator Karen Mayne. The new Senator Mayne will represent Senate District 5, which was recently vacated when her husband, Senator Ed Mayne, passed away.

Financial Literacy-Skills for a Lifetime

by Senator Patricia Jones
Assistant Senate Minority Whip

This session, I am sponsoring legislation which, if passed, will greatly broaden Financial Literacy Education in our public schools. It’s practical and smart. It was editorialized recently in the Deseret Morning News.

More than ever before, parents and grandparents believe it is vital to educate our young people to be financially responsible. Just take a look at today’s economy and you will see dire consequences of financial irresponsibility. It is critical for the stability of our families and will give our kids the ability to compete in today’s economic world.

Currently, there is a financial literacy requirement in our high schools, a half-year course in the sophomore or junior year. But it’s too little, and often too late. In addition to the half-year course, my bill integrates practical financial lessons into the math and social studies curricula in grades K-12 in areas such as:

Credit Card Debt: How much does it really cost you to buy on credit?
Investments: How do you choose a wise stock market investment?
Home Ownership: How much can you really afford for your home?
Foreclosure: If it happens, how will it impact your family?
Budgeting: How do you wisely spend your money?
Savings: Why is it important to save for a rainy day?
Retirement: How much money will be needed and for how long?
Gambling: Is it worth the risk?
Payday Loans: Do you understand the exorbitant interest rates?
Bankruptcy: How does it impact your future?

The bill provides funding to teach teachers the concepts and to assess students’ understanding of the concepts. Also proposed is a Financial Literacy Passport, a checklist of financial literacy goals which students can complete in conjunction with their required Financial Literacy half-year course in high school.

An education in financial matters for our children is a wise investment in their future.

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!