Utah House Of Representatives พอดคาสต์

Given the fast-paced nature of the Legislative Session, our lawmakers rely heavily on the help and support from Legislative Staff Offices to answer policy and legal questions in the bill drafting process. Today, we are taking another look into the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel. This office is responsible for drafting and proces…

Here in Utah, we have a part time citizen Legislature, with our general sessions lasting just 45 days. Although those 7 weeks are extremely productive, sometimes unique circumstances arise that require the Legislature to convene in special session to address pressing needs of the state. Last week, our legislators met for one such special session an…

This past winter has defied all expectations and broken every known record of precipitation here in Utah. While we are grateful for this much needed moisture, it brings with it an increased chance of flooding. Many Utahns have already experienced firsthand the potential dangers this additional spring runoff brings. Joining us today to talk more abo…

Though our annual general legislative session is only 45 days long, there is a team of staff working year-round in preparation for that 7 week sprint. There are many behind-the-scenes payers who are instrumental in the process needed to craft good legislation. The Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel is responsible for drafting and pr…

Utah’s rapid growth comes as no surprise to those who have long called Utah home. Our top-ranked economy, natural wonders, and creative problem-solving not only attracts new people to our state but motivates Utahns to continue calling this great place home. This year, the legislature is working together to meet the demands of our growing State by p…

This afternoon, the Legislative audit subcommittee met and heard presentations from legislative auditors about several independent audit reports into various aspects of the State government, including our prison healthcare systems and 911 call response times of Salt Lake county. In this episode, the Legislative Auditor General and his team join us …

Over the last several weeks, news cycles have been devoted to coverage of the recent banking crisis and collapse of prominent financial institutions. Understandably, this has left many Utahns feeling nervous about what economic uncertainties are in store. Joining us in this episode to discuss the current state of our financial markets and what it m…

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 s…

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, t…

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 a…

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 o…

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 stu…

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…

Utah is rich with resources and natural wonders that inspire, provide recreation, fuel industries, and create economic vitality. Responsibly using and safeguarding our natural resources is critical to ensure that current and future generations of Utahns can continue to enjoy the natural abundance we know and love. As such, the House majority caucus…

As we close out 2022 and look forward to the new year, economic uncertainties loom large on the minds of Utah citizens and State policy makers alike. After several years of chaotic financial markets, record breaking inflation, and rumors of an impending recession, many people are wondering what 2023 might bring. In this episode, we have Representat…

Each year, the house majority caucus comes together to identify the most important policy challenges facing our State. The blueprint for the 2023 general legislative session, entitled "The Utah Way Together", was recently released to the public. This plan outlines the majority caucus' top policy priorities and how the Utah House plans to address so…

Rising inflation and economic turbulence at the National level has impacted nearly every aspect of life here in Utah. One of the most affected areas has been the housing market. Many Utahns are struggling to find available housing that fits within their budgets. Some Utahns are finding the ‘American Dream’ of home ownership unattainable. As such, t…

With the holiday season winding down, legislators and staff are beginning to ramp their work for the upcoming Legislative Session. With only a few weeks until the start of the 2023 General Session, representatives are in the process of drafting bills they intend to run, and new committee and leadership assignments are being made to members of Utah’…

This afternoon, the legislative audit subcommittee met and heard presentations from legislative auditors about a recently completed independent audit report into the security of Utah's elections. This report was a result of a nearly year long investigation into the controls and safe guards used in Utah's election process. In this episode, our legis…

Earlier today, the legislative audit subcommittee met to discuss the findings of three recently completed independent audit reports surrounding the organization, structure, and effectiveness of Utah's public safety entities. They had a specific emphasis on the adult probation and parole program as well as the board or pardons and parole. This week,…

Last month, Speaker Brad Wilson hosted the second annual Great Salt Lake Summit in an on going effort to raise awareness to the challenges faced by the lake and its declining water levels. Lawmakers, business leaders, farmers, and Utahns from across the State came together to discuss what has been done and what there is still to do to protect the G…

This afternoon, the Legislative Audit Subcommittee met to discuss the findings of two recently completed independent audit reports. Theses reports examine the overall management and governance of Utah's higher education system as well as the curriculum and training of teachers in the State at the K-12 level. Kade Minchey, the Utah Legislative Audit…

This afternoon, the Legislative Audit Subcommittee met to discuss the findings of three recently completed independent audit reports. These reports examine various State policies and government entities, including everything from a review of the Utah insurance department to an analysis of the way cities use tax credits for economic development. Kad…

Across the state, students and families are getting ready to head back to school for the new 2022-2023 school year. This week, Vice Chair of the Education Committee, Representatives Susan Pulsipher joins us to discuss the back to school season and our education system here in Utah.

This afternoon, the Legislative Audit Subcommittee met to discuss the findings of two recently completed independent audit reports. The first of these reports was the final, cumulative report following a series of audits into the Utah education system. The second analyzed the efficiency and effectiveness of Utah's Division of technology. Kade Minch…

As continued signs of economic turmoil are on the horizon, affordability issues are front of mind for many Utah families. In response to these challenges, the Utah House is looking at ways the legislature can help Utahns in the face of rising inflation, housing costs, and a potential economic downturn. Representative Candice Pierucci is with us to …

As we get into the height of the Summer season, thousands of visitors from all over the globe are making their way to Utah to experience the incredible recreation and tourism our state has to offer. Vicki Varela – managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism – joins us to discuss the current state of tourism in Utah.…

On June 22nd, state officials held a ribbon cutting for the new State Prison, marking the official opening of the facility and capping off a relocation effort that began almost a decade ago. Brian Nielson, Executive Director of the Department of Corrections joins us to talk about the new state correctional facilities which will benefit not only the…

Dana Jones, Executive Director of the Utah Capitol Preservation Board, is with us to discuss plans for the construction of a new building on the Capitol Complex. This new building will incorporate the first-ever Utah History Museum and other educational exhibits for all visitors to enjoy.

This afternoon, the Legislative Audit Subcommittee met to discuss the findings of three recently completed independent reports which shed light on the effectiveness of our higher-education and public education systems in Utah. Kade Minchey, the Utah Legislative Auditor General, and his team are here to discuss these reports in detail with us today.…

In honor of Memorial Day, Utah’s Department of Veterans and Military Affairs executive director, Gary Harter, and deputy director, Jeff Hanson, join us to remember the men and women who have served our country faithfully to the end.

May is mental health awareness month and today Representative Steve Eliason is joining us to share his expertise. Representative Ellison represents district 45 in Sandy and has been a champion for mental health policy in our state throughout his time in office.

The Legislative Auditor General, Kade Minchey, and his team are back with us this week to discuss the findings of the Legislature's most recent audits. Listen for an overview of audits covering higher education police departments, a budget review of the Weber School District, and teacher and principal performance within Utah’s public education syst…

With the House and Senate now adjourned, take a few minutes to listen as we run through the finalized state budget and some of the key policies the legislature passed this year to help improve the functions of state government and better the lives of everyday Utahns.

Representative Carl Albrecht joins us to discuss the expansion of investments and economic development opportunities in rural Utah. Listen to this week's episode to learn about the policies passed this session that will support rural Utah.

Representative Jefferson Moss joins us to discuss the Legislature’s efforts to strengthen teachers and modernize education across Utah. Listen to learn more about HB 184, Teacher Professional Development Amendments and HB 386, Education Innovation Program.

Representative Mike Schultz, House Majority Leader, joins us to discuss some of the upcoming transportation projects Utahns can look forward to seeing across the state in the coming years.

There are 98,482 kids in Utah in need of child care who do not have access to it. Representative Pulispher joins us to discuss HB 15, Access to Child Care Amendments, which will help close the gap between need and capacity in our state.

This week, HB 23 “First Responder Mental Health Services Amendments” unanimously passed the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee. Representative Ryan Wilcox, the bill’s sponsor, is with us today to discuss this legislation and its importance to all first responders throughout our state.…

Currently, 7/10 girls lack access to period products. This week, the House Education Committee passed HB 162 (Rep. Lisonbee), which will provide period products in public and charter schools throughout the state. Representative Lisonbee joins us to discuss this legislation, how it came to be, and why it will benefit so many Utah girls.…

This week, the Legislature officially convened for the start of the 2022 General Legislative Session! Speaker Brad Wilson joins us to discuss the policy priorities for the House Majority Caucus and the specific issues we can expect the Legislature to tackle over the next 6 weeks.

This week, Speaker Brad Wilson hosted the first-ever Great Salt Lake Summit to bring researchers, state and local policymakers, and environmental interest groups together to discuss the problems and potential solutions to the declining water levels in the Great Salt Lake. Representative Tim Hawkes joins us to discuss how good water policy can help …

With 2021 coming to a close, many Americans find themselves wondering what the new year has in store for them. Rep. Robert Spendlove, Vice Chair of the Executive Appropriations Committee and the Senior Economist for Zions Bank joins us to break down some of the current economic trends we’re seeing in the market and what kinds of financial and busin…

Have you ever wondered how the state budget is made? Representative Brad Last, the House Chair of the Executive Appropriations Committee joins us to discuss state revenue estimates and components of the 2023 state budget that will be passed in the upcoming general session.

The Legislative Auditor General and his team join us to discuss the Legislature's most recent audits, including healthcare, education, and emergency response. Learn more by visiting olag.utah.gov.

Over the past several years, many Utah lawmakers have advocated redesigning the Utah State Flag to better reflect the history, culture, and uniqueness of our state. Representative Steve Handy has been one leading the effort and is here to discuss the current status of the state flag and what Utahns can expect to see happen to the flag in the coming…

The Legislative Auditor General and his team join us this month to discuss three newly-completed audits on the Utah Homeless Service System, the Utah Career Service System, and warrants and uncollected fines and fees in the state. These audits provide meaningful recommendations to the Legislature to improve policy throughout our state! Visit olag.u…

This Veterans Day, we say thank you to all those who have served and who are currently serving today. Thank you for your courage and sacrifices to preserve and protect our nation. Listen to this episode to hear from Representatives Lesser, Lund, Gwynn, Peterson, Musselman, and Burton. Each of these men and women has not only honorably served our co…

Kade Minchey, the Utah Legislative Auditor General, Darin Underwood, the Deputy Auditor General, and Ben Buys, the Auditor Manager join us to discuss the findings of several newly-completed audits. These findings will help policymakers make better informed decisions and determine which policies the Legislature should pursue in order to more effecti…

Utah’s outdoor recreation opportunities are among the best in the world! Representative Jeff Stenquist, recently appointed chair of the newly created Outdoor Adventure Commission, joins us to discuss the effort to ensure quality recreation opportunities exist for all Utahns as we continue to grow as a state.…