Utah House of Representatives Podcast Utah House of Representatives

Utah has the shortest legislative session in the country - just 45 calendar days. Over the course of those 7 weeks, our lawmakers work tirelessly to pass meaningful legislation that will impact the lives of all Utahns. This session in particular could perhaps be called the most consequential in our State’s history. With so much packed into such a short amount of time, it can be difficult for those outside the process to keep up with all that goes on. Joining us in this episode to provide an overview of what exactly was accomplished during this past session, is Chief of Staff for the House of Representatives, Abby Osborne.

Education inspires upward mobility, fosters innovation, and opens doors to countless future opportunities. Here in Utah, public education remains a key priority for the Legislature. This legislative session, we have made record breaking investments in our public education system to ensure that our classrooms remain a place of safety and learning, that our teachers have the support they need to educate our students, and that each child has the opportunity to learn in a way that best fits their individual needs. Here today to discuss this year's education policy priorities, is Representative Karen Peterson.  

The Utah legislature knows that the best way to ensure Utahns can continue to call Utah home is to lower the cost of living and allow citizens to keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets. Over the past several years, the Utah legislature has reduced taxes by nearly $300 million. To continue Utah’s commitment to low taxes and a family and business-friendly environment, the House Majority caucus has proposed the largest tax cut in state history – an additional $400 million in tax relief for the citizens of our state. Joining us in this episode to talk more about this plan is the Chair of the House Revenue and Tax Committee, Representative Steve Eliason.

Utah is known around the world for its beautiful landscapes and amazing outdoor recreation opportunities. With the greatest snow on Earth in the Wasatch Mountains to the red rock canyons of Southern Utah, we are truly blessed to call this incredible State home. This is why preserving our natural resources so future generations can continue to get out and experience all Utah has to offer is one of policy priorities for the majority caucus this session. Here today to talk to our efforts to develop and improve outdoor recreation, is Representative Jeff Stenquist.

In recent years, policy makers throughout the country have seen a tragic rise of incidents involving student safety in our K-12 institutions. As such, school safety has become a growing concern for many parents and students throughout Utah. To address these concerns, lawmakers from all sides have come together to work on solutions which address student safety in our schools. Joining us today to talk more about these issues, is Representative Ryan Wilcox. 

Utah is one of the fastest growing yet driest States in our country. With the ongoing drought currently exerting pressure on the Great Basin States, this fact has become top of mind for many Utahns, and proper water management has become a top issue for lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers have made serious changes to the State's water conservation laws over the last several years, and this year the legislature has several significant bills to address Utah's water needs. Joining us in this episode to talk about one of this year's most prominent bills is Representative Cal Musselman.