Week 2 Legislative Newsletter

Greetings,

One of the primary responsibilities of the Legislature each year is to develop and balance the state budget. This is a serious responsibility and one that requires significant work each year. The budgeting this year has been made immeasurably more complicated this year due to fiscal irresponsibility in Washington DC. By the end of Week 2 of the session, the legislative appropriations committees are usually deep into the budget review process. This year the process has been slowed as we await revised revenue projections and the latest “best guess” on the budget cuts Washington will attempt to pass onto the states. Stay tuned for revised budget updates on February 19^th that will provide us with the final numbers we will budget toward.

The Southern Utah delegation recently published a survey in The Spectrum and Daily News as a means for Southern Utahns to voice their opinions and thoughts on a variety of hot topics. The survey especially focused on your ideas about spending.  This week we received many of these completed surveys back and we appreciate your insight and comments on the important issues that we will discuss this legislative session.  I very much value your feedback and use to assess the bills we vote on.  

Below is an important update on House Bill 61.  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

House Bill 61 Update – Dixie State College University Status

This bill will be heard as the first item of business in the Utah House of Representatives beginning at 10AM on February 13^th, and will then be moved directly to the Senate where Senator Urquhart will present it for final passage.  The Governor will sign the bill on Saturday, February 16^th at 9AM on Dixie State University campus, which will implement an immediate effective date and We will be Dixie State University that day.