Fighting for Salt Lake County’s Schools

by Senator Gene Davis
Senate District 3

The Deseret News featured Senate Bill 87, sponsored by Senator Gene Davis of Salt Lake County, in an article Tuesday, January 26, 2010.

SB 87 calls for the end of taking local school taxes and giving them to another district in Salt Lake County.  Senator Davis’ Senate District currently represents 4 out of the 5 school districts in Salt Lake County.  The equalization bill that was passed a few years ago has taken much needed money away from schools who need it the most.  While Jordan School District has continued growth and expenses, the other districts here in Salt Lake County need the money in order to keep schools safe and up-to-date.  Salt Lake City School District alone lost $6.6 million to the new Jordan School District.

The debate on equalization of school funding is not over.  We need a statewide solution to improve the overall value of education in our state.  Senator Davis is building consensus on how to achieve this end.

Democrat Response to State of the State Address

Following Utah Governor Gary Herbert’s State of the State speech last evening, Democrats in the Utah Legislature offered the following narrative by Senator Patricia Jones as a response.  Please give us your feedback.  Click “leave your comment” at the bottom of this post.

Off and running…

A few photos from our first day of session, January 25, 2010. 

The Pledge of Allegiance

Taylorsville High School Madrigals

Senator Romero’s Intern Elise Jorgensen (center in pink)

 
Senator Robles’ Intern Kira Hansen (center in gold)

Senator Mayne’s Intern Sara Muse (center)

Senator Morgan’s Intern Shidasha Holmstead (center in gray)

 
Senator Jones’ Intern Nick Daskalas (tallest)
Senators Davis and Goodfellow’s Intern Cody Bradford (third from right)

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.
 

Welcome, Senator McAdams

Today, Ben McAdams was sworn in as our newest senator in the Utah State Senate.  President Waddoups administered the oath of office.  Senator McAdams fills the District Two seat recently vacated by Senator Scott McCoy, who resigned last month.  Welcome, Senator McAdams.   We look forward to working with you.