We are officially halfway through the 2022 Legislative Session! Another busy and interesting week is over, and I am excited to share with you some of what happened! SB 59, Tax Amendments, passed this week and was sent to the Governor for his signature. This law lowers the income tax from 4.95% to 4.85%. It also decreases taxes on social security benefits for the elderly ($15 million) and adds additional taxpayer savings through the Earned Income Tax Credit ($16 million). Another hot topic to watch is Utah Lake. There were competing messages regarding the best path forward regarding Utah Lake. Don’t Pave Utah Lake was at the Capitol for a rally as well as The Utah Lake Restoration Project. There are a few bills regarding Utah Lake that I expect to see sometime in the next two weeks. Ultimately, we need to have an open, meaningful, and transparent dialogue on this important issue. Utah Lake is a critical feature of Utah for water, wildlife, recreation, and more. I look forward to taking a deep dive into this issue. Please feel free to share your thoughts on the issue. I value your input and concern about this great state!
Fallen Soldiers
This week we were privileged to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving our country. Our nation is a safer place because of these courageous heroes.
Restrictions of Federal Funds
The federal stimulus money did not come without strings attached. Watch this short video to learn about some of the restrictions the legislature is navigating in the state budget this year.
Thank you Teachers
We know the past two years have been especially straining for teachers. Not only have you adapted to virtual teaching and at-home learning, but you also faced teacher and staff shortages which contributed to your already full plates. We admire your ability to step up during challenging times and go above and beyond to help our students succeed. Watch this thank you video to learn how the Legislature is working hard to support teachers.
#1 Economy in the Country
Just this week, U.S. News and World Report issued its economic rankings, measuring each state’s economic stability and potential. Utah secured the top spot overall with a population of about 3,206,000 people and a GDP of $193 Billion. Click here to learn more.
Twentieth Anniversary of the Olympics
February 8th marked the 20 year anniversary of the opening ceremonies for the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City! In appreciation of the Utah Olympic Legacy, the House passed HJR 12 to recognize the organizations involved in the 2002 Olympics Games and Paralympic Winter Games. The resolution also encourages continued efforts to maintain Olympic winter sports venues in our state.
Podcast
There are 98,482 kids in Utah in need of child care who do not have access to it. Representative Pulispher joined us this week to discuss HB 15, Access to Child Care Amendments, which will help close the gap between need and capacity in our state. Listen today on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
Kind Regards,
Representative Doug Welton
Utah House District 67
Bills Passed This Week
(As of Friday Morning)
H.B. 19 DNA Specimen Analysis Amendments
H.B. 21 School and Child Care Center Water Testing Requirements
H.B. 38 Property Theft Amendments
H.B. 58 Surgical Smoke Evacuation System Requirements
H.B. 64 Drinking Water Amendments
H.B. 67 Voter Roll Maintenance Amendments
H.B. 77 Medication for Inmates
H.B. 117 Victim Address Confidentiality Program
H.B. 121 Water Conservation Modifications
H.B. 130 Driver License Test Amendments
H.B. 131 Watershed Restoration Initiative
H.B. 135 Open and Public Meeting Comment Requirements
H.B. 150 Disability Ombudsman Program
H.B. 160 State Resource Management Plan Amendments
H.B. 163 Driver License Testing Modifications
H.B. 167 Mental Illness Psychotherapy Drug Task Force
H.B. 180 Off-road Vehicle Safety Education
H.B. 181 Railroad Crossing Maintenance Amendments
H.B. 186 Vehicle Registration Amendments
H.B. 191 Revenue Bond and Capital Facilities Amendments
H.B. 200 Medicaid Waiver for Medically Complex Children Amendments
H.B. 216 Office of State Debt Collection Amendments
H.B. 217 Telephone Solicitation Amendments
H.B. 225 Access to Medical Records Amendments
H.B. 228 Crime Victim Reparations Amendments
H.B. 230 Refugee and Immigrant Student Policies Amendments
H.B. 241 School Epilepsy Training Amendments
H.B. 245 Occupational Safety and Health Amendments
H.B. 251 School Dropout Prevention Amendments
H.C.R. 1 Concurrent Resolution to Work Together to Address the Climate, Public Lands, and Carbon Sequestration
H.C.R. 7 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Improving Air Quality Through Enhanced Zero Emission Rail
H.C.R. 9 Concurrent Resolution Recognizing Hepatitis Awareness Month and National Hepatitis Day
H.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Honoring the Sikh Community
H.J.R. 8 Joint Resolution Promoting Awareness of Motorcycling Profiling
H.J.R. 12 Joint Resolution Recognizing the Utah Olympic Legacy
S.B. 11 Local Election Amendments
S.B. 13 State Road Jurisdiction Amendments
S.B. 15 Department of Government Operations
S.B. 59 Tax Amendments
S.B. 60 Agreements to Provide State Services Sunset Extension
S.B. 64 Identification for Vehicle Registration Amendments
S.B. 72 ATV Weight Limit Amendments
S.B. 77 Military Vehicle License Plate Amendments
S.B. 97 Solid and Hazardous Waste Amendments
S.B. 101 Nurse Apprentice Licensing Act
S.C.R. 2 Concurrent Resolution Highlighting Utah's Willingness to Cooperate with the Federal Partners for Efficient and Sustainable Management of Public Lands