*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Checking In At The Legislature: May Update Friends and Neighbors, We find ourselves in unprecedented times. We are in and out of quarantine, changing the way we do business and how we spend time with our families.   March 29th, I lost my father, Robert H. Garff, to COVID-19. He served as a legislator for our District for nearly ten years and ended his time as Speaker of the House of Representatives.   Just a few weeks before COVID-19 hit us, I had a strong urge to get photos with him at our Capitol. I wanted to share some of the pictures with you and some personal reflections and conversations we had while walking the grounds together.   Of all the things Dad did in the community, the most rewarding for him was being Chair of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games and being Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives. As a legislator, he was especially gifted at bringing people together and moving things forward. The legislation that stood out to him was sponsoring the first-ever seatbelt law in Utah, and heading the restructuring of education in Utah that was modeled for other states across the country.   For the ten years my Dad served in the legislature, I fondly remember knocking on doors and putting up signs with him. I loved sitting next to him at his legislative desk on the Floor of the House and wandering the stunning halls of our State Capitol. The familiar voting bell that I hear while voting is the same bell that played while my father would vote.  My Dad loved our community and lived in Bountiful for more than 52 years. I have lived in NSL/Bountiful for 42 of my 48 years, and treasure the many friendships and good people around us.   I find great satisfaction in serving as your legislator, just as my Dad did. I pass his portrait in the hall of the Majority Caucus every day during the session. I am reminded of his core values and integrity that drove his decision making and leadership.   Thank you for trusting me to be your legislator, just as our neighbors trusted my Dad. It’s not a perfect system, but I believe in the legislative process and the good people working hard for a better tomorrow.   Your friend,   Melissa  This photo was taken on the first day of the Legislative session on January 27th, 2020.  2020 April Special Session We had our first-ever virtual session this past April. This session was the first of its kind in Utah and the second in the nation. COVID-19 has changed many aspects of our lives for the time being, even how we pass legislation. I am grateful for those that helped get everything ready and allowed this first-ever virtual session to be a success! For a list of bills passed during the special session, click here. HCR301 Concurrent Resolution Honoring Healthcare Workers and Others This resolution passed unanimously. It acknowledges and expresses gratitude for the efforts of individuals and organizations responding to the pandemic caused by COVID-19. Those on the frontlines are giving so much to protect our communities. This was the least we could do to honor their hard work and sacrifice.  Click Below To Watch Me Present HCR301 Learn More About Melissa Facebook Instagram Email