2012 — Week Seven

We’ve made it through another successful General Session, which concluded on Thursday. We’re very excited to have passed legislation that addressed our main priorities, including fully funding education, avoiding tax increases, and paying down our debt. Our choices help ensure our status as one of the strongest and most competitive states in the nation.

Our biggest priority in the final week was to finalize a state budget. Many long hours went into this process, and we are thrilled to have passed a strong, balanced budget that does not call for a tax increase.

The budget that we passed not only funds the growth in our public education system, but also increases the amount of money spent per pupil in the state (a 1.15% increase, to be exact). That increase can be spent by your local school districts however they see fit: whether that is an increase in teacher pay, or other programs. We also approved a 1% increase for all higher education employees, and funded retirement costs and a 1% COLA for state employees.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you regarding your concerns and expectations. Please feel free to contact me at any time.

Highlights for Week 7: March 5-8

With the session barely in the rearview mirror here is a highlighted bill. (clicking the title of the bill, will take you to the text of the full version)

• House Bill 272 – Pilot Program for Autism Spectrum Disorders Services - A pilot program has been created that will support young children with autism, to help them try and curb the effects in late life.

Please attend your Caucus meeting on Thursday, March 15th

We're already looking forward to elections. Every member of the House must run this year, including me. We strongly encourage your participation in your local caucuses. It's a great way to involve yourself in the direct representation of your community. For more information about the caucus meetings and to find out where to attend go to the Utah Republican Party website or the State's Voter website.