*|MC:SUBJECT|*

Checking In At The Legislature:
2022 Legislative Session Week 2

Neighbors,
 
Week two of the General Session has come to a close. I’ve spent a lot of time meeting with constituents, stakeholders, and special guests in addition to attending committee hearings and voting on bills on the House floor. Read more about all things happening at Capitol Hill below, and as always, don’t hesitate to reach out at mballard@le.utah.gov.

-Melissa

Upcoming Events:

  • Click here to join- Saturday morning Legislative update online.

Helpful Links:

  • This week, The House and the Senate passed the base budget. The legislator will continue to adjust the state budget over the next several weeks. Learn more with this short video.
  • You can get access to see which committees I am in and watch them virtually with this link.

In this issue

  • Bill Highlight of the Week HB149
  • Honoring David Langley from NSL
  • My new Intern, Caroline Crockett
  • Photos from this week

Bill Highlight of the Week 

This week's highlighted Bill is HB149 Power of Attorney Amendments that passed out of committee for a floor vote. This bill strengthens the rights of individuals to determine their financial affairs through a more robust and better-protected power of attorney. Judges must consider an existing power of attorney before granting a conservatorship. I was able to work alongside attorney Craig Hughes from North Salt Lake to get this issue across to my fellow legislators. Read more about the bill here.

Policy Pillars for the 2022 General Session

This week I was able to honor the life of former Capitol employee David Langley on the House Floor. David passed away in early December after a long battle with injuries he suffered in a multi-vehicle crash in June caused by an intoxicated driver. The crash also claimed the life of his beloved wife and father-in-law and critically injured his mother-in-law. I had the privilege of meeting David’s father, brother, and friends prior to floor time on Monday to discuss the life of David.

David enjoyed exploring local nature areas, helping neighbors and friends, and spending quality time with his wife Aria and dog Michelle at their home in Murray. He will be missed for his constant smile, his dry sense of humor, and his quick wit and one-liners that brightened everyone’s day around him. Most importantly, he will never be forgotten for his kind acts and generosity to his community.
Pictured from left to right: Tami Blonquist (Colleague and friend to David), Greg Langley (David’s father), me, Matt Langley (David’s brother), Brinton Gregory and Thayn Baer (Colleagues and friends to David).

My New Intern, Caroline Crockett 

My Intern for the 2022 Legislative Session is Caroline Crockett. She is a senior at the University of Utah, my alma mater, studying Economics and Political Science. She has grown up in South London and Utah and plans to go back to England next year for Graduate school at the London School of Economics. I look forward to working with her for the remainder of these 45 days.

Photos from this week

I’ve been working with Congressman John Curtis on conservative clean air legislation for the country to also benefit Utah.
I chaired the Higher Education Appropriations Committee this week where my brother-in-law, Rick Folkerson, presented Keys to Success- a bridge between students K-16, parents, higher ed/tech, scholarships, and jobs. Encourage students and adults to download the app. Learn more here. 
With Woods Cross Police Chief Chad Soffe – Thank you for what you do to keep our city safe.
I had the opportunity to speak at the Utah Federation of Republican Women when they visited the capitol this week. Thanks to NSL resident Lynda Cox for all her organizing efforts.
Learn More About Melissa
Facebook Facebook
Instagram Instagram
Email Email