2013 Legislative Session - Week 1 Newsletter

Greetings,

We have reached the end of the opening week of the 2013 Utah Legislative session, but we still have much to accomplish over the next 40 days. This week featured much of the pomp and circumstance that you might expect would accompany the opening week. Speaker Lockhart opened the session with a speech about the challenges we face because of budget inaction by Congress. We also heard the annual State of the State address from Governor Herbert, who highlighted many of the things Utah is doing right, while laying out several policy directives including an emphasis on public education.

 I was able to present a bill to the education committee who unanimously approved it. Many in Southern Utah have worked on this bill for the past few years. It is the bill that will formally move Dixie State College to full university status (see below for a short description of the bill). This move has been in the works for many years. Several past legislators from Southern Utah, including former Speaker David Clark and former Senator Bill Hickman, were able to attend the committee hearing and be recognized for the leadership they showed on getting Dixie State College to this point. The bill is now awaiting consideration by the full house.

 Below are some of the bills that were considered this week that you might find interesting. Please feel free to contact me with any comments or questions on bills during the session. I always enjoy feedback from constituents and find it very helpful when gauging how to vote on the important issues that come before us. The easiest ay to reach me during the session is by email at dipson@le.utah.gov or at 801-538-1029


Representative Don L. Ipson 
DIpson@le.utah.gov





 House Bill 61 – Dixie State College - University Status This bill modifies the State System of Higher Education code by changing the name of Dixie State College of Utah to Dixie State University. It establishes the status of the university as a continuation of the college and makes technical changes. This bill will provide substantial growth opportunities for the school.

 House Bill 15 - State Park Access Amendments The bill designates an additional access road to Quail Creek State Park, and designates access roads to Sand Hollow State Park. The extra road designated in Quail Creek State Park is the North Access in Hurricane City, and is 1 mile long. 2 additional roads are designated part of Sand Hollow State Park, both in Hurricane.

 HJR 6 – Joint Resolution on Compensation and Expense Reimbursement Compensation and Expense Reimbursements: This bill acts on the recommendation of the Independent Compensation Commission and requires the Legislature receive compensation through an actual salary, rather food and housing stipends. Legislators will continue to make about $16,000 a year, only now legislators that have housing and travel expenses will submit receipts for reimbursement.