2024 Legislative Session Week 1

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Checking In At The Legislature:
2024 Legislative Session Week One

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 128th year of the Utah Legislature has finally begun. This session will be my 6th as your representative and I’m thrilled to be back at the Capitol. This year, I’ll be serving on the House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee, House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee, and the Social Services Appropriations Subcommittee. As a strong advocate and legislative sponsor for education, water usage, telehealth, and families, I’m dedicated to representing our community!

Warmest regards,

Representative Melissa Garff Ballard

HELPFUL LINKS

Click here to find out how to access a committee meeting online
Click here to learn more about the state’s budget
Listen here for the 2024 House Majority Priorities

UPCOMING EVENTS

You can watch us live on Saturday mornings for legislative updates on my Facebook page or the South Davis Community page.

IN THIS ISSUE

MLK Day Celebration
House Majority Priorities
Impacts of State Employees in Our Neighborhood
Snapshots of the Week
Bills Passed by the House

MLK DAY CELEBRATION

On Monday, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Capitol celebrating the life, teachings, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In my speech, I quote one of my favorites from Dr. King: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Watch the video above to see the rest of my speech.

HOUSE MAJORITY PRIORITIES—FOR UTAH: A BOLD VISION, BRIGHT FUTURE

Each year, the House Majority Caucus prepares for the upcoming Legislative session by identifying its key policy priorities — what we most want to accomplish to benefit our state. Over the last year, our legislators have worked tirelessly to identify problems and draft policy solutions for Utah. In this session, the Majority Caucus has identified four key areas of focus: People, Resources, Accountable Government, and Future. This legislative session, we will pass policies that address today’s problems and create generational benefits for our constituents, for our future, and for Utah. Learn more here.

IMPACT OF STATE EMPLOYEES IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Thank you to our state employees who do great work for our community!

SNAPSHOTS OF THE WEEK

I’m always impressed by the innovation displayed by students in Utah. Thank you to the research students from both the University of Utah and Utah State University for their “Research Day on the Hill.” During Thursday night's State of the State address in the House Chamber, Governor Cox delivered an overview of our state's current status. On the floor with me was my daughter, Mary Katharine, and I took the opportunity to recognize and appreciate the three women serving on the Supreme Court – Justices Diana Hagen, Jill M. Pohlman, and Paige Peterson. I’m grateful for their dedication. Additionally, the first day of the session is always exciting, and I was grateful to have my husband's support as he joined me on the floor while I represented our district.

Representative Candice Pierucci is a mother of two young children. Upon learning of the need for a changing table, our neighbor, Abby Osborne, Chief of Staff for the House of Representatives, quickly had one installed. Thank you, Abby! I want to express my appreciation for the security personnel of the House of Representatives, admiringly called “green coats." Two of them, Wayne Lawrence and James Haws, happen to be our neighbors. Thank you, Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Haws!