Senator Robles Soccer Camp

by Senator Luz Robles
Minority Caucus Manager
Senate District One

On August 13th, 14th, and 15th, I had the opportunity to host an educational and soccer camp for children in my district.  This was the first year of Senator Robles Soccer Camp, and with the help of amazing volunteers and great sponsors, it was a great success.

The main focus of this event was to provide education for children between the ages of 6 and 10 years old in the areas of gang prevention, civic engagement, healthy habits, and oral health, integrating the great sport of soccer.  We opened the event with a beautiful reception for children and parents at the same location of the camp, which was the Sorenson Unity Center (thanks to all the staff of this facility who made the event a reality; special thanks to Angela).  During the reception, we had informational booths for the parents and children.  We had the visit of Leo the Lion and three players of Real Salt Lake, as well as elected officials of this area (Mayor Ralph Becker, Councilmember Van Turner, Rep. David Litvack and Rep. Jennifer Seelig). 

The rest of the time, the children got their uniform and gear and participated in classes and a soccer clinic provided by one of the most competitive soccer clubs in the state (La Roca FC).  Nutritional meals were provided for the children.  All the kids were very respectful and eager to learn new things, and more importantly, work in teams to stay healthy.

Providing a program like this with no cost for the families of these children was not easy.  I want to thank the sponsors that believe in supporting education and prevention with sports:  Workers Compensation Fund, Regence BlueCross BlueShield, Utah Consumer Lending Association, Gold Cross Ambulance, Rico, U.S. Census, Real Salt Lake, Creative Woodworks, Inc., and Zions Bank.
 
We had great support of presenters who worked really hard with the children:

Healthy habits - Terry (Salt Lake Valley Health Department)
Gang Prevention – Salt Lake City Gang Unity
Oral Health – Regence Caring Foundation
The History of the American Flag – Michael Clara (Leader for the Boys Scouts)
Public Safety – Sergeant David Moreno (Utah Highway Patrol)
Soccer Clinic – Adolfo Ovalle and staff (La Roca FC)

And, of course, thanks to the volunteers that donated countless hours of commitment to caring for all the needs and safety of the children:  Andy Gilbert, Grisett Contreras, Rene Leppe, Drew Martinez, and Jesse K.

My goal is to continue providing this program to more children in my district on an annual basis.  If you have any questions or you are interested in participating in next year’s program, please contact me at: lrobles@utahsenate.org

Senator Gene Davis Receives 2009 Citizen Diplomat Award

Last Thursday, August 20, the Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy (UCCD) presented Senator Gene Davis and Martha Ball
with the 2009 Citizen Diplomat Award.

Excerpts from the UCCD press release: 

The Citizen Diplomat Award is presented annually to individuals who have made a significant contribution to citizen diplomacy in the state of Utah.  The awards were presented at the 2009 Salute to Utah’s Citizen Diplomats held at the Jewett Center for the Performing Arts, Westminster College.

Senator Gene Davis, Senate District 3, has been instrumental in promoting the State of Utah’s global engagement in U.S. public diplomacy and citizen diplomacy through the International Visitor Leadership Program.  Citizen diplomacy is the concept that the individual has the right - even the responsibility - to help shape U.S. foreign relations “one handshake at a time.”  Senator Davis’ leadership is essential to ensure Utah has the same degree of global engagement found in other western states.

 Martha Ball, is the founder and former director of the Utah 3 Rs Project (Rights, Responsibilities, Respect).  Mrs. Ball has served as a Trustee for the Utah Council of Citizen Diplomacy, and as a Utah Citizen Diplomat, has welcomed over 50 international visitors from 30 countries into her home.

The Salute for Utah’s Citizen Diplomats is an event like no other - honoring remarkable Utah leaders who promote global understanding and respect between the people of Utah and other nations.

Senator Mayne–Eleanor Roosevelt Award Recipient

State Senator Karen Mayne has been chosen by the Utah State Democratic Party as this year’s recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Award.  Senator Mayne will be recognized at a luncheon October 22, 2009.

In the Utah Legislature, Senator Mayne works effectively with legislators on both sides of the aisle.  Senator Mayne is an advocate for Utah’s families, and she capably represents her constituents in Senate District Five.  She exemplifies the high standards and compassionate philosophy of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

Congratulations, Senator Mayne!  You are certainly deserving of this prestigious award.

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.

Resolution to Address Gang-related Activity

by Senator Luz Robles
Senate Minority Caucus Manager

I was very pleased with the positive response yesterday from the Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee members with regards to my presentation on my proposed resolution for the State Legislature to act on an interagency coordination of Gang Activity.  Last year I introduced SJR 21, and due to the lack of time, there was no vote in the House of Representatives.  At today’s interim committee meeting, I asked for the Gang Task Force headed by CCJJ and Salt Lake District Attorney Lohra Miller as well as the co-chair of the Gang Reduction Project from Salt Lake City (Leticia Medina) to present on the efforts taking place at their respective groups.  It was refreshing to hear how when we all come together, we can be more proactive in finding aggressive solutions to serious problems. 

My resolution will urge state and local governments to work in collaboration with the federal government in combating and reducing gang activity, focusing on prevention, intervention and suppression.  Working together with law enforcement, community and religious-based organizations as well with the community in general will make this endeavor possible.

This is not an issue that only impacts a specific geographic area of our state, even though it’s true that some areas are seeing more violent crimes due to gang-related activity.  This type of violent and disruptive activity is being seen all over the state.

It is time the State Legislature takes a proactive approach and commits to work with all the other stakeholders in finding real and comprehensive solutions.  I was pleased to see a true bipartisan support for this idea and hope to get a recommendation for this resolution in the next interim committee meeting.

Please take a minute to read the story in the Salt Lake Tribune.
 

SLCC Honors Senator Mayne

by Senator Karen Mayne
Assistant Senate Minority Whip
District 5 

 I am honored that Salt Lake Community College recently presented me with an award as a 2009 Legislative Champion.  However, I am even more grateful to have Salt Lake Community College as a part of my District 5.  With their commitment to changing people’s lives through education, and their dedication to serving Utah as the largest two-year community college in the state, Salt Lake Community College is undoubtedly the jewel of my senate district.

Salt Lake Community College and I share a common interest in helping to prepare the students of today for the jobs of tomorrow.  I have had the opportunity to work with Salt Lake Community College on apprenticeship programs.  We worked together to help promote Helmets to Hardhats, a program that introduces military veterans to promising trade apprenticeship opportunities.  Whether it is helping military veterans in finding jobs and adjusting to civilian life, or simply helping to educate the next generation of Utah’s students, I hope to continue working with Salt Lake Community College in helping students get the training they need to succeed in our competitive world.  It is my honor and responsibility to nurture and support Salt Lake Community College.

Utah’s Number One Again

Slated to “kick off” the third week of every September and run through the school year, America’s Legislators Back to School Program gives elected officials in all 50 states the opportunity to teach young people–the nation’s future voters and leaders–what it’s like to be a state legislator: the processes, the pressures, and the debate, negotiation and compromise that are the very fabric of representative democracy. The program is emphasized as a bipartisan event. Legislators of both political parties are urged to participate in this national event and help bring civics to life for young people.

“Just in” results indicate UTAH is NUMBER ONE in the country again with 94% of legislators visiting schools in their districts during the 2008-2009 school year. (Massachusetts and Utah tied for first place.)  Utah also ranked number one in 2005-06 and 2002-03.  Utah ranked number two in 2007-08, 2006-07, and 2003-04 and number three in 2004-05. 

Top Five Legislatures
Utah & Massachusetts - 94%
Virginia - 91%
Pennsylvania - 80%
Nebraska - 71%
Alaska - 60%

Top Five House
Pennsyvania - 100%
Utah & Massachusetts - 93%
Virginia - 91%
New Jersey - 64%
Hawaii - 61%

Top Five Senate
Louisiana & Massachusetts - 100%
Utah - 97%
Virginia - 93%
Nebraska - 71%
Nevada - 57%

CONGRATULATIONS to our 104 legislators and to Shelley Day in the Office of Legislative Research and General Council who oversees the program for the Utah Legislature.

Click here to see our state rankings through the years.

Click here to see the top 10 state comparison charts through the years.

America’s Back to School Program was founded in 1999 as part of the Trust for Representative Democracy at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). This year marks the 10th anniversary of America’s Back to School Program.

Hinckley’s Intern Report

We just received the Hinckley Institute of Politics’ 2008 Newsletter.  A few of our former interns are mentioned in the newsletter, so we want to mention them here, as well.   

Click on the link above and check them out:

Page 9 -  Zach Fountain - 2008 Intern for Senators Ross Romero and Scott McCoy

Page 9 -  Autumn Orme - 2008 Intern for Senator Patricia Jones

Page 11 - Andrew Gilbert - Fall 2008 Intern for Senator Luz Robles’ Campaign

Page 13 - Zach Fountain - 2008 Capital Encounter Intern, Washington, D.C.

Page 18 - Jesse Nix - 2008 recipient of the Robert H. Hinckley Graduate Sholarship and 2004 Intern for Senator Ron Allen

 Congratulations to all.  We enjoyed working with you during past sessions and wish you the best in your future endeavors.    

Buy American

by Senator Karen Mayne
Assistant Minority Whip 

I am proud to support “The Resolution to Buy American,” which encourages local governments to buy local and United States products whenever and wherever possible.  If we are going to revive America’s economy, then we must invest the money from the Federal stimulus package to retain existing jobs and maximize the creation of new jobs for the American people.  I believe this economic stimulus money should go back to employing the very people who provided it in the first place - America’s taxpayers.  Furthermore, buying American will help restore economic stability in our local communities and will directly help America’s families.

I have presented this resolution to City Councils and Townships, and they overwhelmingly support our goals because we all share a common interest in keeping America working.  From the construction of towering skyscrapers and the network of America’s highways, to the engineering of the world’s smallest computer chips, America’s greatness has always depended on creating new jobs that utilize our different talents.  Just as Americans persevered through economic hardship in the past, we must do so again now in the present by buying local and American-made goods.

In this time of a troubled economy, we all need to pull together to keep our friends and neighbors working.  We can achieve this by using American products and hiring locally, and in the end, we will refocus and create a better future.
 
 Click on this link Buy American Resolution to view the resolution.