Week five is over and there are only two weeks left. Over 140 bills have been passed by the Legislature and sent to the Governor for his review. This week I presented two bills on the House Floor, H.B. 262 and H.B. 287, both trying to address healthcare issues in Utah.
The first one, H.B. 262 Children’s Health Insurance Amendments, provides funding for outreach programs to get more children insured under the state's Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The bill passed the house with a vote of 57 - 6 - 12.
The second bill, H.B. 287 Nurse Practice Act Amendments, allows Nurse Practitioners to practice to the full extent of their licensure. Removing unnecessary regulation on them when prescribing certain medications. The bill passed out of the house with a vote of 57 - 14 - 8. Both bills are now off to the Senate where they will be further debated.
Honoring Utah’s Gold Star Soldiers
Each year, the Legislature honors Utah’s fallen soldiers and their families. This week, Rep. Wilcox presented a citation honoring the soldiers for their courage, bravery and selflessness. He also led the House in a moment of silence. We are beyond grateful for the men and women who sacrifice their lives protecting our freedoms.
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LCPL Matthew Ryan Adams US Marine Corps |
SSG Daniel Andrew Hawkins US Army |
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SGT Douglas Lee Moxon Utah National Guard |
SSG Brent Joseph Allred Arizona National Guard |
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MSGT Peter Nelson Utah Air National Guard |
SFC Tyler John Hill Utah National Guard |
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SPC Landon Marsh Utah National Guard |
SGM Frank Jason Hicks Utah National Guard |
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1LT Kenneth Kage Allen US Air Force |
SPC Skyler Genesis Oliver US Army |
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SGT Joshua Lawrence Deans Utah National Guard |
SPC Orson Rey Koyle US Army |
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SGT Bryan Cooper Mount US Army |
MSG Christian Stanley Ulberg Utah Air Guard |
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MAJ Michael Cal Gentry US Air Force |
Economic Development
In an effort to boost economic growth, the House passed H.B. 348 Economic Development Amendments. The bill reimagines Utah's economic development strategy to support local businesses, help Utah entrepreneurs, bring regional and national headquarters to Utah and encourage job creation in rural parts of our state. To better understand how this bill is benefitting Utahns and Utah businesses, listen to last week’s podcast found here.
Education and Mental Health Council
H.B. 288 Education and Mental Health Council, passed the House this week. This bill creates a council made up of educators, mental and behavioral health experts and other advocates. The council will provide action-oriented guidance to state leaders on how to meet the behavioral and mental health needs of children and families in our state.
Housing Affordability
H.B. 82 Single-family Housing Modifications, passed the House this week. This bill is an important step in addressing Utah’s housing affordability challenges as it helps increase housing availability and relieve pressure on prices by decreasing regulations.
Balancing Emergency Powers
With the onset of COVID-19, Utahns watched the Emergency Management Act in effect for an extended period for the first time in our state’s history. It became clear the Emergency Management Act is not structured for long-term emergencies such as a pandemic. After listening to Utahns' concerns, the Senate and the House of Representatives began working with the governor’s office to create checks on broad executive emergency powers.
S.B. 195 Emergency Response Amendments, limits extensive executive emergency powers during long-term emergencies without hindering rapid response. It does not disrupt the ability of the executive branch or health department to respond to short-term emergencies, such as natural disasters. Moving forward, we must ensure that our actions maintain the appropriate separation of powers during both long-term and short-term emergencies.” You can find the full statement here.
Congressman John Curtis and Senator Mike Lee
Each session, we look forward to visiting with our congressional delegation. This week, Congressman John Curtis joined the House Majority Caucus and spoke of his role in Washington D.C. and how we can work in unison to better the lives of Utahns.
We also enjoyed a visit from Senator Mike Lee. He spoke to us about his policy priorities and the work he is doing to help improve our state.
Letter to President Biden
In a joint letter state leaders urged President Biden to reconsider his actions taken against Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. It was signed by Governor Cox, Lieutenant Governor Henderson, Speaker Wilson, President Adams, Attorney General Reyes, Senators Lee and Romney and Congressmen Curtis, Moore, Owens and Stewart.
Vaccine Update
Utahns 70 years and older are successfully receiving COVID-19 vaccines. With these efforts underway and an increase in vaccine doses, those 65 and older will now be offered vaccines. Find out more here.
Kind regards,
Representative Doug Welton
House District 67
