2021 Legislative Session Week 1

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Checking In At The Legislature:
2021 Legislative Session Week 1

Dear Friends,
The 125^th year of the Utah Legislature has begun! This first week has been different from years past. The Capitol has been closed to the public and surrounded by officers and highway patrol during the inauguration week. It’s been eerily quiet without the visiting public. We usually have crowds of school children, visitors from around the world, media, lobbyists, and committee presenters. Between national protests and coronavirus protocols, we are finding new ways to communicate with our constituents. Our committee meetings and floor sessions are available online at le.utah.gov for the public to join on zoom or to stream live. To learn how to access them, click here.

This past week the legislature mourned the passing of Rep. Lou Shurtliff. She passed away on December 30th from pneumonia. Many legislators have battled or are currently battling COVID-19. Some are currently battling in the hospital. This is a brutal and lonely virus. My heart goes out to those who have fought it, have close family or friends who have lost their lives to this virus, and those who still have long-haul symptoms. We will get through this together.

You are always welcome to reach out to me if you have any thoughts or concerns at mballard@le.utah.gov.

-Melissa

Helpful Links:

Covid Hotline for those without online registration capacity Coronavirus Hotline (1-800-456-7707)
Lookup any bill, committee calendars, live zoom meetings, agendas, or resources here.
Utah House of Representative's newsletter/resources here.
Here’s a summary from the Deseret News on what to expect this legislative session.

In this issue

Podcast with me and University of Utah President Ruth Watkins
“Sarah’s Bill”
YouTube video of my latest concert with world-class violinist David Park
Town Hall Saturdays with Senator Weiler, Representative Ray Ward, and me
First day of the Legislative Session in photos and links

Podcast with U of U President Ruth Watkins

Click here to listen to my podcast with President Ruth Watkins.

Sarah's Bill

I am a co-sponsor of HB47, a bill in honor of Sarah Frei, a senior in high school who was paralyzed and lost her legs from someone driving under the influence. DUI. Here’s a video of my comments on the House Floor during the bill discussion. She’s a courageous and cheerful young woman. To read an article about her and her work on this legislation, click here.

Mary Katharine Ballard with “Sarah” Frei

YouTube Video of My Latest Concert With World Class Violinist David Park

View our latest performance on YouTube featuring music by Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms.

Town Hall link with Senator Todd Weiler, Rep Ray Ward, and me

Join us Saturday mornings 8:30 am-10 am during the session for more Town Hall conversations on Facebook “South Davis Community” page. Put your questions in the comments ONLY THIS SATURDAY IT WILL BE 10-11:30 AM. Our pre-session town hall can be found here.

First Day of The Legislative Session

If you would like to see a video from my legislative desk of the Speaker of the House giving his opening remarks, click here. To read an article about the first day of the session, click here.