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Checking In At The Legislature: 2020 Session Week 6
Neighbors and Friends,

It has been surprising to me to see that Education is Utah’s largest state budget item at nearly 50% for K-12, and 17% for higher education, yet it has no funding trajectory. By current design, it relies on the annually changing and volatile income tax for funding. We are anticipating an increase again in WPU (weighted pupil unit) funding from 4% to 5%.

You will have the opportunity to decide if you would like more consistent education funding. I’m in support of SJR 9 and HB 357, two bills this session, which will help give this consistent funding for education, including a yearly percentage to accommodate for growth. SJR9 gives UTAH VOTERS the opportunity to vote for a constitutional amendment in November 2020, allowing income tax revenue to include funding children and individuals with disabilities while HB357 puts in statute to protect, stabilize, and fund the WPU and growth for education. This proposal includes no tax increase and provides consistent education funds during down economies from a newly created education rainy day fund.

This change is contingent upon YOU and other VOTERS choosing to add “children and individuals with disabilities” to our income tax funds as a constitutional provision in November 2020.

The State School Board of Education supports this, Superintendents Association, Utah Association of Public Charter Schools, School Business Officials. On Tuesday, HB357 will be in the Senate for a final vote, and SJR9 will be in the House for a final vote. For an article about this, click here. 

In This Issue:

  • For a list of bills passed as of 3/9/20, click here
  • Seeing the Utah Constitution: Women’s Right to Vote
  • International Women’s Day with Utah women legislators
  • Significant Bills: Insulin, Telehealth, a bill for Higher Education Boards to merge, Regents Scholarship update
  • Coronavirus: Update on my Telehealth bill, and pandemic commitment from the Governor
  • Utah Department of Corrections, probation and parole
  • Visitors to the Capitol

Seeing The Original Utah Constitution

State historians have worked hard to preserve the Utah Constitution and helped Idaho to start their own constitution preservation. The open page in this photo is significant to me with the passing of two of my resolutions: HJR12 Joint Resolution Celebrating Women’s Suffrage in Utah (2020) and HCR16 Concurrent Resolution Designating February 14th Utah Women’s Voter Registration Day (2019 legislation)
Utah Constitution open page states Article 4 Section 1 The Rights of the Citizens of the State of Utah to vote and hold office shall not be denied or abridged on account of sex. Both male and female citizens of this State shall enjoy equally all civil, political, and religious rights and privileges.

International Women’s Day

March 8th was International Women’s Day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women all over the world. It’s been a pleasure to serve with these amazing women in the Utah legislature.

Significant Health and Education Bills:


HB249- Insulin Co-pay Amendments – my legislation merged with Rep Thurston’s HB272 Insulin Access Amendments, which will reduce the cost of insulin for all Utahns. It has passed the House and is waiting for a final vote in the Senate.

HB207 Pharmacy Benefits Amendment will increase drug price transparency by requiring the Pharmacy Benefit Managers (the middleman between pharmaceutical manufacturers and your pharmacy/insurance) to be limited on their rebates and bending the cost curve on health care. Utahns spend more out-of-pocket for their health care and prescription drugs than the average American. Branded drug prices have nearly tripled since 2008, and for every dollar spent on health care, only 23.3 cents goes towards prescription drugs. This passed unanimously in the House and is awaiting a final Senate vote.

My Telehealth Bill HB313 passed unanimously out of Senate Committee and is waiting Senate final vote. This legislation will open the door for all of us to increase access to our doctors and specialists through telehealth. This will be crucial as COVID-19, and other illnesses spread.
With former Utah Senator and Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U of U surgeon Dr. Brian Shiozawa MD; Utah Medical Association General Counsel and Director of Government Affairs Mark Britton, Utah Medical Association President Michelle McOmber, and U of U telehealth product manager Nate Creer
Presenting HB313 Telehealth in Senate Health and Human Services committee. This bill will help those suffering from COVID-19 without endangering others and healthcare professionals. 
*SB 111 (1st Sub.), Higher Education Amendments is legislation that significantly revamps the governance structure of higher education in Utah. The bill’s primary components include:
  • Merges the two current systems of higher education into a single system, mandating certain communication and action between the Tech Colleges, Colleges, and University institutions.
  • Establishes a single governing board, its initial composition and process for appointing future members
  • Defines the new board’s duties (selection of institutions presidents, requirements related to an institution’s authority to establish new programs, etc.)
SB 117, Higher Education Financial Aid Amendments allows the Regents' Scholarship to be used at private, nonprofit colleges or universities within the state (BYU, LDS Business College, Western Governors University, Westminster College).

Coronavirus

On Monday, Governor Herbert announced the creation of the coronavirus task force - made up of health care providers and state and community stakeholders - and the state’s plan to mitigate COVID-19 and minimize disruption in Utah. We are confident in the task force’s efforts and encourage everyone throughout the state to take the advised precautions outlined by the CDC and task force. To find current and accurate information on COVID-19 in Utah, follow @CoronavirusUtah on twitter and visit Coronavirus.utah.gov

Utah Department of Corrections:

On the same day that the rotunda was full of staff from Utah probation and parole officers, employee training, and correctional facilities, I presented SB162 Educational Financial Aid for Students with a Criminal Record. I am a floor sponsor with Senator Todd Weiler. It removes the restriction on eligibility for the Regents Scholarship and New Century Scholarship Program for students with a criminal record.
Presenting SB162 with Utah System of Higher Education Chief of Staff Spencer Jenkins to the House Education Committee
With Utah Department of Corrections: Deputy Executive Director James Hudspeth and Director of Prison Operations Jeremy Sharp.

Visitors To The Capitol
Bountiful City Youth Council. I brought Natalia and Emma on the House floor with me.
Working closely on multiple bills with Davis School District Superintendent Reid Newey.
Burgess Owens, candidate for Congress District 4 against Ben McAdams, visited the House and let me wear his Superbowl ring from when he played with the Oakland Raiders. http://burgessowens.com/
Family of Fred Adams, the late founder of the Utah Shakespearean Festival, were recognized on the House Floor for the outstanding contribution Mr. Adams made to our state and community. Many that I know attend the Festival annually. When I lived in England 1987-1990, my high school English teacher knew about the Utah Shakespearean Festival. March 6th, it was announced that the London Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts is beginning a 5-year artistic exchange with the Utah Shakespearean Festival and SUU. With Fred Adams family are Senator Vickers, Representative Arent, and Representative Shipp.
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