November 2020 — MELISSA BALLARD

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Checking In At The Legislature:
2020 November Update

COVID-19 has disrupted our lives and caused many of us to be separated from our loved ones for a season. I know some who have “long haul Covid” and now have heart problems, subsequent lung infections, stomach issues, and/or recurring body aches. It’s a brutal virus. During difficult times I am grateful for family, friends, neighbors, and our community. As we find new ways to celebrate Thanksgiving during this pandemic, gratitude can still fill our homes.

THANK YOU FOR RE-ELECTING ME TO THE UTAH HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES! I TRULY APPRECIATE YOUR CONFIDENCE IN ME AS YOUR LEGISLATOR. I’m working hard to protect the principles we all value while we plan for our future. Here’s a link to all the final election results in Davis Country.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HOSTED A SIGN OR VOLUNTEERED IN ANY CAPACITY. Every sign made a difference. I appreciate my own children who were diligent campaigners- it’s been a family effort to campaign around our neighborhood and learn from so many of you. It poses interesting dinner table conversations about what is going on across the state and the country. Being in elected office is definitely a family matter. Thanks to everyone!

-Melissa

Resources:

George Washington established a national holiday of Thanks in his Thanksgiving Proclamation. Read his proclamation here.
My website has past newsletters to refer to. They can be found here.
October interim session summary can be found here.
Follow the Utah House Republicans on social media.
- Twitter: @utahhousereps
- Facebook: Utah House Republicans
- Instagram: @utahreps

In this issue:

Clean Air Caucus presentation, including hydrogen legislation
Resources for Mental Health
Utah Winter Outdoor Recreation options
Donations needed for Thanksgiving meals
Photos of some of our local first responders and teachers- Thank you!

Utah Clean Air Caucus on Facebook

In a bi-partisan legislative group, we meet once a month to discuss potential bills and issues to improve our air quality. I presented two bills last week- one putting hydrogen on parity with other fuels for tax credits and a pilot program to help the airport and UTA with a hydrogen bus and hydrogen-powered backup generator. You can view the Facebook live caucus meeting here.

I also presented these bills at the Green Hydrogen Coalition, “Green Hydrogen Visions for the West”: a national conference with companies and policymakers from around the country, and at Women in Government, made up of women legislators from around the country. Those from other states are amazed that Utah has 3 major producers of hydrogen in Utah and that we have innovative companies in Utah producing multiple hydrogen applications with international companies like GM, Daimler, Microsoft, among others.

Mental Health

2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. The stress of elections, COVID-19, job losses, and other hardships can take a toll on your mental health. The state has many helpful resources including online screening of your mental health, found here, and tips for recognizing and managing stress and anxiety found here.

Outdoor Recreation

Utah is internationally known for its iconic snow and winter sports. Outdoor recreation is one of the best ways to experience Utah while staying safe and socially distant from others. For ideas on how to experience Utah during the winter, click here.

Thanksgiving Meals

We know many families are struggling this year. Here are some organizations that are providing meals on Thanksgiving to those in need. Additionally, if you find yourself with excess and would like to donate, check out the following organizations:

Photos Taken Pre-COVID

Thanks to our many veterans and first responders who have and continue to protect the freedoms and liberty we enjoy in this country.

Thanks to our teachers, doctors, and nurses who have put their lives on the line to help the rest of us heal and fight this pandemic.