2023 Spring — MELISSA BALLARD

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CHECKING IN AT THE LEGISLATURE:
SPRING 2023!

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

On June 14th, the legislature will hold another special session to work toward filling the vacancy of Congressman Chris Stewart. I thank him tor his years of service in the Air Force and Congress. Happy Memorial Day and may we all remember and honor those who sacrificed for our freedom.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support and trust. It is truly an honor to serve you in the legislature, and I am committed to exceed your expectations.

Warmest regards,

Melissa Ballard

Helpful Links

Governor's documents regarding Chris Stewart's resignation (Joint Release, Writ of Election, Proclamation)
Click here to see all the bills passed in the 2023 legislative session
Click here for a recording of the May Special Session

Memorial Day flags, Chris Stewart

In this Issue:

Recap of Important Legislation/Special Session
Meeting with mayors and city managers
Honors and Awards
Meeting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's Daughter
Graduation day
More Highlights

May Special Session

This past month, the Legislature convened in a special session to address the needs of the state by extending the current state of emergency and allocating funds to help mitigate the ongoing statewide flooding. You can watch the recording of this special session here.

Bills passed during the special session:
H.B. 1001 Emergency Response Funding
H.B. 1002 Restricted Persons Amendments
H.B. 1003 Firefighter Death Benefit Amendments
H.J.R. 101 Joint Resolution Extending Emergency Powers for Flood Mitigation and Infrastructure Rehabilitation

Utah Growth and Infrastructure

I participated in a productive meeting with mayors and city managers from North Salt Lake (NSL), West Bountiful (WBnfl), and Woods Cross (WX), along with representatives from the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), Utah Transit Authority (UTA), and Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC). We discussed the future plans for Redwood Road, a potential rail road bridge, and strategic planning for the anticipated growth in our community.

Meeting with mayors and city managers from NSL, WX, and WBnfl, with UDOT, UTA, and WFRC reps

Honors and Awards

I am grateful to Salt Lake Community College for honoring me as the SLCC Legislative Champion at commencement, and I am honored to be recognized by the Salt Lake Chamber as a 2023 Legislative Business Champion. Together with my colleagues, we have passed legislation to boost Utah's economy, promote smart business practices, foster innovation and growth, and support the business community. I am committed to initiatives that ensure Utah's prosperous future.

Awards

Love- It Starts With Me!

Spent an incredible day with Dr. Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Her powerful speech at the YWCA leadership conference inspired hundreds of women. We discussed her children's book, "Love- It Starts with Me!" with leaders from various sectors, including the governor's office, education, diversity, librarians, and staff from the USBE. Dr. Bernice King emphasized justice, love, and non-violence, highlighting the influential role of women in saving our nation's soul and fostering global peace.

Cover of book, Dr. Bernice King and USBE board members

Graduation Day!

I also had the privilege of presenting my daughter-in-law Caroline Ballard with her Master's in Real Estate diploma as the Legislative Chair of Higher Education Appropriation at the University of Utah. It was a wonderful day spent with fellow legislators, college presidents, and esteemed board members.

Graduate Caroline Ballard, UofU professor and NSL neighbor Jeff Davis