by Macey Matthews
Communications Graduate
Westminster College
Session Employee
Young people had a big impact on the November election, and now they are preparing to do the same with this year’s legislative session. On Wednesday, members of the Young Democrats of Utah came to the Capitol to meet with Democratic lawmakers. They came with six bills that they plan on targeting, three they support and three they oppose. Ethics, abortion, voting reforms, gay rights, and gangs are the issues the group will be focusing on. Group leaders will be encouraging members to write letters to committee chairs, lawmakers, and local publications. They also plan on conducting meetings with senators and representatives on both sides of the aisle.
Senator Ross Romero spoke to the group and thanked them for their involvement and leadership. He also encouraged them to get their friends involved.
You can become part of the legislative process, too. To find your local legislators and their contact information, just enter your address in the box on this website. Then pick up the phone or a pen and lobby away!
This question was posed this week on the Senate floor by Senator Lyle Hillyard to Senator Chris Buttars, who tried to amend SJR1 (Senator Patricia Jones) to include nuclear as a renewable source of energy. SJR1 encourages cities and towns to work with the State Energy Program to develop model ordinances for cities and towns that choose to develop wind, geothermal or solar energy projects. This non-binding resolution is intended to expedite the process of renewable energy project development and give municipalities guidance as needed.
Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon and members of the Salt Lake County Council have a new name for the Kearns Senior Center. Its new name is the Eddie P. Mayne Senior Center, in honor of the late Senator Ed Mayne. Mayor Corroon said, “We rarely dedicate buildings after people, but Ed certainly deserved this honor.” Senator Mayne, his wife, and his father were instrumental in establishing the center.
