July 2022 — MELISSA BALLARD

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Checking In At The Legislature: July 2022 Update

Friends and neighbors,

I want to sincerely thank you for your support in the Republican primary. I am happy to report that I received the Republican party nomination to continue representing our district in the Utah House. During this election, I was honored to receive the highest percentage of votes in all of the elections during this cycle for the Utah House of Representatives! Your support is greatly appreciated and I hope I can count on you again in November.

-Melissa

Helpful links:

Summary of June 2022 legislative interim highlights

Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July! I hope that everyone enjoys celebrating the birthday of our country and all the wonderful freedoms we enjoy here. I am thankful to all those who came before to create and support this country we call home.

First picture: My father and late Speaker Robert Garff in front of an F-16 in 1986. He flew as a passenger when he was Speaker of the House because of the federal funding he and Jake Garn worked hard to get for Hill Air Force Base. Robert Garff and U.S. Senator Jake Garn served in the Utah Air National Guard in their younger years.

Second Picture: My brother-in-law Hal in Front of F/A-18F was taken in front of a F/A-18F Super Hornet in 2008. He was in command of Strike Fighter Wing U.S. Pacific Fleet at NAS Lemoore, CA, as a Navy Captain. By the way, the F/A-18E and F/A-18F aircraft were types used in the latest TOPGUN: MAVERICK movie. He also flew the F-14A used in the movie as well. He flew a P-51 like the one Tom Cruise flew at the end of the latest movie. So, he flew all the types of U.S. aircraft in the movie!

New State Prison

The need for a new state prison has been pressing for a decade. Last month, the Utah Department of Corrections unveiled the new State Correctional Facilities which will both protect public safety and improve social outcomes. This new facility is better for inmates, better for our corrections officers, and better for the state. Read more about the new prison and how the state is planning to use the land at the old prison site here.

With Bountiful neighbor Cory Moore, UT Senator David Buxton, Prison Warden, and Officials.

Thank You for Participating in our Food Drive!

This past month, the Utah House Majority Caucus partnered with the Utah Food Bank to help fight hunger across our state. In addition to food donations, we were able to raise enough money to provide 3,825 meals to Utahns in need. If you didn't get a chance to donate but would still like to, visit utahfoodbank.org.

Capitol Hill Renovations

On June 15th, we broke ground for the new North Capitol Building while beginning the demolition of the state office building. I’m excited for this project to begin as the new building will serve as a state history museum and will help us welcome visitors to Capitol Hill. For more details on this ongoing project listen to Dana Jones, Executive Director of the Capitol Preservation Board. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Remember to Use Fire Sense

I hope you spend this summer making memories with your friends and family. As you enjoy fireworks and the outdoors, please remember to use your “fire sense” to prevent human-caused wildfires. Visit utahfiresense.org for helpful tips.

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PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT
MELISSA GARFF BALLARD