Checking in at the Legislature: December 2024

CHECKING IN AT THE LEGISLATURE:
DECEMBER 2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to you for re-electing me as your Representative in House District 20. It is a pleasure being able to serve you and our communities!

In this issue, you will find our venture of Taking Martha to Washington, November Interim Highlights, info about a South Davis County Town Hall Meeting, and a report on higher education.
 

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."

- Aesop


December is a time of giving. I invite those who are able to take time to serve this holiday season by donating to our local food banks.

I wish you a very Merry Christmas with your friends and family.

Warmest regards,

Melissa
UPCOMING EVENTS

QUICK LINKS

IN THIS ISSUE

1. Taking Martha to Washington
2. Preparing for the 2025 General Session
3. November Interim Highlights
4. Save the Date - South Davis County Town Hall
5. Legislative Auditors Release Report on Higher Ed
6. Donating this Holiday Season
Taking Martha to Washington
It was an honor to be part of Taking Martha to Washington December 10-11, 2024.

Her statue was ready in 2020, but like many around the world, her departure was postponed due to the pandemic. It was a long 10 year journey made possible by many in District 20— former Representative Becky Edwards, Senator Todd Weiler, and many volunteers and organizers with Better Days 2020. 

Martha Hughes Cannon was a Welsh born pioneer in Utah, doctor, mother, suffragette, and the first woman to be a State Senator in all the United States. 
Each US state is allowed 2 statues in the US Capitol, and Martha is only one of 14 women with that honor. She is now in the Emancipation Hall of the US Capitol Visitor’s Center. 

It was an amazing 2 days with leaders and elected officials from all over Utah, including many elected women from city, county, school board, and state offices continuing Martha’s work of public service to better our state. 

In 2019, I sponsored the Utah Resolution marking February 14th as Women Voter Registration Day in honor of Seraph Young, the first woman in all the United States and Territories to cast the first female vote February 14, 1870, with then Senator Deidre Henderson as the Floor Sponsor.

Thanks to the many Utah women who have followed Martha and Seraph’s path in forging trails and bettering our state…we also appreciate the great men around us who clear more paths and cheer us on. 
Preparing for the 2025 General Session
As this year comes to a close, we are busy preparing for the 2025 General Session. I’ve been assigned to serve on the Business, Labor, & Commerce, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice committees and I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to pass meaningful legislation that will help all Utahns. I will keep you updated throughout the session, but please reach out to me with questions and concerns. I want to hear from you! 
November Interim Highlights
Save the Date
You are invited to our South Davis County Town Hall Meeting, where my colleagues and I will share our policy goals for the 2025 General Session and hear about the issues that matter most to you and our community. I hope to see you there!
Wednesday, January 15th
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Bountiful City Hall
Legislative Auditors Release Report on Higher Ed
In November, legislative auditors released a major report on higher education efficiency and workforce alignment. The report urges institutions to better address Utah’s workforce needs, especially as they face projected declines in student enrollment.

Explore the latest legislative audits, including detailed reviews of OpenEd (formerly My Tech High) and emergency medical transportation in Utah.

Findings from the higher education audit:
  • Institutions do not calculate program-level costs or fully understand market demand when making institutional decisions.
  • Institution presidents should act with the system in mind to reduce program duplication, improve program outcomes, and coordinate programs.
  • In some areas, institutions are losing student market share to private non-traditional institutions.
Donating this Holiday Season
If you are able, please consider donating to our local food pantries this holiday season. Your support makes a huge difference.

Bountiful Food Pantry
480 E 150 N, Bountiful, 84010
(801) 299-8464

Center of Hope Food Pantry
74 S Orchard Dr, North Salt Lake, 84054
(801) 706-3101
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Paid for by the Committee to Elect Melissa Garff Ballard

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