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Summer is here! Hoping that your summer allows for some relaxation and time with family and friends. It has been a hectic summer with interim legislative meetings, commissions and committees, and continuing to chair the monthly Utah Fall Prevention Alliance and water stakeholder group. In addition to legislative policy work, I represent our district and state in other ways. I attend and speak at community council meetings, community activities and events. With re-election, however, my schedule has been a balancing act. Still, it is always very meaningful to connect with constituents. It is a constant reminder of the gravity and honor of representing our community.
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Interim Legislative Committees and Assignments
Interim meetings are different from our standing committees during the General Session because they include members from the House of Representatives and Senate, as opposed to just being members from each respective body. Appropriation committees include members from both the house and senate - this is the same during the legislative session and interim meetings.
To find out when these meetings are noticed and find the agendas and materials, please see the legislative website. You can attend in person (and testify during public comment), or listen online, live or at your convenience since it is recorded. For a summary of our interim meetings, please see Interim Highlights, which are excellent resources prepared by the amazing Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel.
Below is a list of my current legislative assignments:
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Standing Committees
Senate Rules
Senate Ethics
Education
Government Operations
Natural Resources, Agriculture &
Environment
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Leadership Committees
Executive Appropriations
Legislative Management
Appropriations Subcommittees
Executive Offices and Criminal Justice
Public Education
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Senate Confirmation Committees
Economic Development and Workforce
Services
Education
Judiciary
Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
Natural Resources and Agriculture
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Other Legislative Assignments
Commission for the Stewardship of Public
Lands
Federal Funds Commission
Judicial Conduct Commission
Legislative Water Development Commission
Native American Legislative Liaison
Committee
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June Interim Meetings
Executive Offices and Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee
On Tuesday, June 19th, I attended the Executive Offices and Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee. We reviewed what was funded for this committee during the 2018 session and various reports. Impactful was the report regarding the allocation of Corrections Compensation Increases and the importance of the increases in attracting and retaining employees, and the impacts on their lives because of these increases. We also learned about the appropriations for new voting equipment, equipment licensing and maintenance, upgrading voter registration database, and additional security measures. Along with the funding from the 2017 legislative session ($275,000 one-time) and 2018 legislative session ($4,500,000 one-time) for new equipment, and 2018 legislative session ongoing funding for equipment licensing and maintenance ($300,000) and additional security measures ($200,000), the federal government's unexpected funding will fulfill the needs with additional funding for new voter equipment ($1,700,000 one-time), upgrade voter registration database ($2,100,000 one-time) and additional security measures ($300,000).
Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Interim Committee
On Wednesday, June 20th, we heard reports on the State's best practices and stewardship efforts to improve air quality, and regarding the Uintah Basin Air Quality Research Project. We also heard the energy advisor report from Dr. Laura Nelson, the Governor's Energy Advisor.
Two reports that were of particular concern were from Brian Cottam, Director, Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands and Todd Adams, Deputy Director, Division of Water Resources. Director Cottam discussed Utah's dire drought conditions and that the new term of art is "Urban Wildfire" like we have seen at an alarming rate in California, and recently in Moab, Utah. According to Director Cottam, the ratio of human caused fires vs natural fires is 10 to 1. There have been 270 human caused fires vs. 27 natural fires - and every single human caused fire was preventable.
Deputy Director Todd Adams also gave a sobering report. Although per capita water use is 27% down from 2000 to 2017, and 2% down from 2016-2017, and municipal water suppliers do not expect to run out this year (because of storage water), Lake Powell, for example, is only half full. Deputy Director Adams said that it is like a savings account, and if you don't put money in, it will go down. Combined with the report on the drought, it was clearly, alarming.
Education Interim Committee
As I am scheduled for two meetings which are held at the same time, it is always a juggling act. Discussion revolved around competency-based education, educational services for students with disabilities, and School Safety. Terry Shoemaker, Executive Director, Utah School Superintendents Association, gave an excellent report on efforts being made and the need for possible additional funding. In 2017, there were 44 shootings, 25 children killed and 60 injured. In 2018, thus far, there have been 28 shootings, 40 deaths and 66 injured. Many legislators, including myself, are looking into issues addressing this increasingly disturbing trend.
Government Operations Interim Committee
One of the most impactful bills two sessions ago, sponsored by Rep. Norm Thurston, related to the political balance requirement of boards and commission. This bill passed the legislature, and although supported by the Governor's office during that session, was vetoed by Governor Herbert. I am sure that it is not an easy task to always find people for these boards and commissions, but it is important to have diversity of thought and input. For the list of Boards and Commissions on review, see here. I found this to be one of the most dangerous bills of that session and am concerned that it is being revisited.
I also had meetings with various constituents and organizations on school safety, landfill and recycling preservation, and interviews with students.
Ballot Initiatives
Several ballot initiatives are up for your vote this November. Three initiatives made the 2018 ballot - Medical Cannabis, Redistricting and Utah Decides Healthcare. Two initiatives did not make the ballot including County My Vote (CMV). While CMV had a sufficient number of overall signatures, it did not meet the threshold in 26 senate districts. Below includes information on the initiatives from the Lieutenant Governor's Office:
Additional details can be found at elections.utah.gov. Per statute, the Lt. Governor shall submit the initiatives deemed to be sufficient to a vote of the people at the next regular general election.
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Community Events - Community Council activities
Below are some of the community events happening this summer.
Millcreek City
For a complete schedule of Venture Out, see here.
This is an annual treat for families. I attended the first evening at Canyon Rim Park (6-8-18) where the food, music (band - "Current") and activities were fantastic. Last Friday's Venture Out was held at Churchill Jr. High with the movie "Coco". I plan on attending June 29th at Evergreen Park featuring music by John Allred and the movie "Paddington 2"; July 13th at Olympus Hills Shopping Center, featuring music by "Tempura Collective" (sounds interesting!) and the movie "Star Wars: The Last Jedi"; and July 27th returning to Canyon Rim Park, with music from "The Ranch Boys" and movie "The Greatest Showman".
East Mill Creek Lions Club
will host their July 4th Community celebration including a traditional "Chuckwagon Breakfast from 7-11 am, with a parade at 9 am, followed by activities and fun! I am a proud member and am amazed at the dedication and work my fellow Lions do for our community.
Millcreek Community Council
reported two summer activities - the garden contest and the luau.
I have had the honor during my time on the Salt Lake County Council to hand out awards with Chair Diane Angus. The garden contest presentation of awards will be held on July 19th. The deadline for the contest is July 13th, and judging will be on July 15th.
The wonderful and memorable Luau is August 17th at Big Cottonwood Park. Plans are underway to have dinner, entertainment, a bouncy house and slide. The movie will be "Moana". Other activities are being planned for that evening.
As part of the venture out, Millcreek Community Council will hold "Splish Splash Bash" on June 22nd at 6:00 pm, Big Cottonwood Park - 4300 South 1300 East, with the animated movie "Disney's Tarzan".
Holladay City
Holladay 4th of July Festival
Holladay's 4th of July Festival
starts with a Children's Parade, followed by a chuck wagon breakfast. A concert featuring Peter Breinholt will precede the fireworks display.
Holladay Arts Concerts on the Commons (4580 South 2300 East - 8 pm) presented by Holladay Bank and Trust. The 2018 Concert Schedule includes:
The annual Blue Moon Festival will be held Saturday, August 25th.
Please note that the last Household Hazardous Waste Collection event is July 14 from 7 - 10 am ONLY, Holladay City, 4626 South 2300 East. For questions, please call the Salt Lake County Health Department at (385) 468-3862.
Salt Lake City
Bonneville Hills Community Council
Bonneville Hills Community Council is having their annual
July 4th
Breakfast with Waffle Trucks, games for children and a great parade of decorated bikes, scooters and strollers. It is a great way to meet new neighbors. According to Chair Ellen Reddick, they have several community projects helping older neighbors with yard work and other needs.
4th Thursday at 6:30 pm
Anderson-Foothill Library
1135 South 2100 East
Foothill/Sunnyside Neighborhood Association
Denise Doxey
2028 E Laird Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
801-581-1611 home
801-707-7627 cell
Quarterly-contact chair.
Anderson-Foothill Library
1135 South 2100 East
Sugar House Community Council
The Sugar House Community Council is holding a Night Out Against Crime on August 7th from 5:30-7:30 at Fairmont Park. It is in collaboration with Fairmont Aquatic, Boys and Girls Club, Sugar House Chamber and SLCPD.
1st Wednesday at 7:00 pm
Sprague Library
2131 South 1100 East
Website
Wasatch Hollow Community Council
This year, Wasatch Hollow Community Council (WHCC) is putting on its Third Annual HollowFest in Wasatch Hollow Park on Saturday, September 15, from 3 to 7 p.m. There will be food trucks
, storytelling, games, a balloon artist, face painting, and live music at this family-friendly event. SLC Fire Department will bring a fire truck, and SLC Police Department will bring their blood hounds, while representatives from the Parks Department will be answering questions about Wasatch Hollow Preserve. This is the third year that WHCC has received funding from Salt Lake City's Arts, Culture, and Events fund to help put on this local event,
which is free and open to everyone.
4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm
Anderson Library
1135 South 2100 East
Yalecrest Neighborhood Council
1st Wednesday at 6:30 pm
Pingree School
780 South Guardsman Way
No meeting in January, July
Murray City
July 4th Activities
- Rotary Club Community Breakfast, 5 K and Kids Race, Parade and activities, including fireworks.
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Photo Highlights
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Honoring ultimate volunteer and Master Gardner Paul Fetzer at Holladay City (with Mayor Rob Dahle, Ann Fetzer, and Fetzer family) - above and to the right
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Connecting with inspiring students: pictured left is Joshua of Fox Hills Elementary who received an Award of Excellence in the literature category. His essay "Creation Within Reach" details his desire to work hard to become a doctor so he can help save the lives of people like his grandfather, who was awaiting a kidney transplant (Granite School District). Pictured right is Abena Bakenra, Pavel Asparouhouv, and Elizabeth Love ("March for Our Lives"); sharing their efforts after the Florida Parkland's mass shooting.
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With Primary Children's Give-a-thon
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Meeting with the League of Women Voters
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Receiving award from Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce
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Receiving award for efforts to honor our state's collective fire service at Utah's AFL-CIO convention |
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While we celebrate, let's remember our state and local laws on fireworks - especially with our drought conditions!
I will continue to work very hard for you, our district and our state. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the Utah Senate.
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As always, I appreciate your input. Your voice is critical. If you would like to volunteer, PLEASE contact me, I can be reached at
[email protected]
(legislative matters),
[email protected]
(personal matters), by mail to 4760 S. Highland Drive, #427, Salt Lake City, Utah 84117, or by phone at (801)580-8414. You can interact with me on my
Facebook!
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This newsletter is for legislative and related matters only
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This Senate seat includes the following house districts: District 36 (Rep. Patrice Arent), District 37 (Rep. Carol Spackman Moss), District 40 (Rep. Lynn Hemingway), District 46 (Rep. Marie Poulson) and District 28 (Rep. Brian King). To see who your Representative is
click here!
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Jani Iwamoto
Senate District 4
To visit my website,
click here. To visit my facebook page,
click here.
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