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Checking In At The Legislature:
2022 Legislative Session Week 6
Friends and Neighbors,
With one week left of the session, I have been thinking about the impact that many of these bills and policies will have on our communities. It takes a lot of people and experts to take one piece of legislation through the process. We have debated everything from air quality, water conservation, protecting the Great Salt Lake, education improvements, agricultural and mining, protecting our land, and supporting local control. 
 
We have accomplished a lot this year, and I want to thank the many of you who have reached out with suggestions. The last week will be late hours, but I will continue working hard to represent the values that are important to our community. 

- Melissa

Upcoming Events:

Helpful Links:

  • Listen to a podcast on HB184 and HBB386 that strengthens education efforts in Utah 
  • You can watch committee meetings and floor time live here
  • Link to the bills passed as of February 25th 

In this Issue:

  • State Budget
  • HB311 - Clean Air Heavy Equipment Tax Credit
  • Investing in Utah's future
  • Photos from this week, including honoring the UofU football team

State Budget

The Utah government currently has a surplus. This is due to the influx of federal money. We are taking a hard look at how to spend this money best. One option is to expand the state budget. However, that isn't necessarily the best course of action. Learn more about how one-time money should not be designated to ongoing funding projects by watching this short video.

1HB311 - Clean Air Heavy Equipment Tax Credit

HB311 is one of my last bills still being debated. This bill expands an existing tax credit for Heavy Duty Trucks to Heavy Duty Equipment. It encourages clean emissions from many fuel sources. Encouraging large mining and industrial equipment to cleaner applications will have a significant impact on the state’s air quality. 1HB311 requires all emissions output to be below EPA standards to help improve Utah’s air quality. This is in conjunction with my resolution HCR7- Concurrent Resolution Regarding Improving Air Quality Through Enhanced Zero Emission Rail, which has been sent to the Governor’s office for final approval. 
UofU engineering press conference announced the partnership with Idaho National Laboratories. They are also developing nuclear production of hydrogen. 

Investing in Utah's Future

One of our top priorities this session is to build a legacy through generational investments. As the state looks forward, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make large-scale investments. The following bills will ensure our kids and grandkids continue to enjoy the quality of life we know and love.
  • HB 409 Recreation Infrastructure Amendments: Establishes sustainable funding for outdoor recreation across the state. 
  • HB 443 Utah Inland Port Authority Amendments: Aligns the UIPA board with its statewide mission & creates a process for the Port and local municipalities to work together to bring about economic, environmental, and community benefits. 
Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Majority Leader Mike Shultz spoke to their negotiation for HB443. This bill mitigates noise and air pollution, as well as other negative environmental impacts. Of the shared property tax revenue this bill receives, 40% is used for environmental mitigation, 40% to mitigation projects, and 20% for economic development activities. 

Photos from this Week:
Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the PTA and honoring firefighters in Utah.
District 20 constituents visiting the House; Kathy Parry, Mr. Cole Wilkes, teacher at Foxboro elementary with Representative Sandra Hollins. Tad Callister gave an impactful prayer on 2-22-22 to begin House Floor Time. He recently published a book called America’s Choice: A Nation Under God or Without God. 
Me with Franny Lavato and WXHS students involved with Latinos In Action. Led by WXHS English teacher Ms. Avalos. 
UofU Football Team was honored at the Capitol for being the PAC12 Champions and making us proud at the Rose Bowl!
Learn More About Melissa
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