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Checking In At The Legislature:
2022 Legislative Session Week 4

Friends and Neighbors,
 
Passing the House unanimously, my resolution, HCR7, encourages freight switchers, short-haul, and industrial rail to transition to low and zero-emission locomotives by 2050. Rail is responsible for 9% of NOX emissions across the Wasatch Front. This resolution should really make a difference in improving our air quality. Here is a link to watch my summary of the bill in the House.
 
I enjoy representing House District 20. Thank you for having confidence in me to work hard and support good policy. You are welcome to reach out to me anytime at mballard@le.utah.gov.

Upcoming Events:

Helpful Links:

In this issue

  • Tax cut bill passes 4SB59
  • My Op-ed on Higher Education reforms
  • Honoring Fallen Soldiers from Utah
  • Access to Affordable Childcare HB15
  • How our Legislature Supports Teachers

Tax Cut Bill

4SB59 Tax Amendments -The House passed SB 59, Tax Amendments, which will provide tax relief for all Utah taxpayers! This $190 Million tax cut includes three parts: 

  1. A reduction of the income tax rate from 4.95% to 4.85% (a total of $158 Million). 
  2. A $16 Million earned income tax credit that grants relief to the people who need it most.
  3. A $15 Million Social Security tax cut, which raises the cap to qualify for the credit we passed last year.
To learn why we passed a tax cut package, click here. 

Higher Education Reform

Sitting as House Vice-Chair on the Higher Education Appropriations Committee has given me further insight into the importance of continued education. Trends in online education have expanded the opportunities for students on every level.

However, the lack of transparent national data provides unreliable information to prospective students and their families. The College Transparency Act is now part of a congressional bill which would create a data network with information on enrollment rates, student outcomes, completion, and post-college success across colleges and programs. Read more about the bill here. Because of this Op-ed, the CTA is being discussed in an upcoming conference negotiation for another bill that is on track to pass in the next few weeks.

Fallen Soldiers

This week we were privileged to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving our country. Our nation is a safer place because of these courageous heroes. Click this link to watch the House chambers honor the families.

Access to Affordable Childcare

HB15 seeks to increase childcare options and availability in Utah. It deregulates residential and unlicensed childcare providers, making it easier for them to open and provide services while still ensuring children are safe. Utah's childcare shortage is a big problem and will require more work, but HB15 will begin to address this vital issue with a conservative approach.

Hear an interview with the sponsor of HB15 on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

How our Legislature Supports Teachers

I know the past two years have been especially straining for teachers. Not only have they adapted to virtual teaching and at-home learning, but they also faced teacher and staff shortages which contributed to their already full plates. I admire our Utah teachers' ability to step up during challenging times and go above and beyond to help our students succeed. Watch this thank you video to learn how the Legislature is working hard to support teachers. 

Photos From This Week
Jessica Sharm (left) and Suzi Creveling (right) are students at the University of Utah from North Salt Lake. They shared their impressive research projects in the Capitol rotunda.
My mother was able to come sit on the floor this week as we celebrated the 20-year anniversary of the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. My father, former Speaker of the House, was chairman of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 games.
Speaking to The Davis Chamber of Commerce and Chamber President Angie Osguthorpe, we discussed bills aiming to improve Utah air quality and how each of us can engage in the political process.
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