For many, politics exists only in the abstract: we read the news stories, but rarely see how the lawmaking process occurs and how it affects us. I wanted to peel back the curtain and share some of the most important issues to me.
Days in the legislature begin early and end late. We work hard researching issues, drafting laws and passing legislation. Your input and participation are a vital part of this process.
The day begins in appropriations subcommittees to set the budget priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. On Friday, I supported Senator Owen’s funding request for a new courthouse in Sanpete County and have sent other funding requests to upgrade the restroom and concession facilities at the Sanpete and Juab County Fair Parks.
The Sanpete Courthouse is a critical issue for the Sanpete County because the current courthouse is overwhelmed with cases. To date, the courthouse has seen as many prison cases in the month of January as in the entire year of 2018.
Currently, Sanpete County rents space to the State of Utah in the county building. Unfortunately, the iconic building inhibits the use of technology and presents several security risks. The request for $14 million to build the new courthouse was presented to the Infrastructure and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee on Friday. I am hopeful that it will be fully funded.
After committee meetings, we meet on the House Floor to discuss and vote on bills. I am sponsoring a bill that puts local municipalities and counties in control of setting their own speed limits without an engineering traffic safety study.
Local control works best because no one knows the roads as well as the local government. Too often, traffic studies take months to schedule and do not best serve the needs of the area. The bill recently received a favorable recommendation from the House Transportation Committee and was transmitted to the House for further action.
We also voted this week to support first responders by unanimously passing House Bill 23, which puts aside $5 million in funding for mental health services for first responders. This is just a small portion of the debt of gratitude we owe these heroes.
One of the best parts of serving as a state representative is meeting with you! On Friday, I welcomed Rafe Lyon and his family to the Capitol. I loved seeing them and invite anyone who wants to visit the Capitol to come and meet with me. You are what makes Utah exceptional. I strive to serve you and your families every day. Please feel free to reach out to me at slund@le.utah.gov and peel back the curtain for yourselves.
Steven Lund
House Representative for Utah District 58. Serving Juab and Sanpete County.
