Thank you to everyone who completed my COVID-19 check-in survey, with almost 300 constituent responses, I appreciate so many of you taking the time to share your thoughts with me. As promised, I am sharing the results to the questions asked.
Question 1
This is an incredibly sensitive topic for a lot of people. If your child needs a medical exemption from wearing a mask and attends a school in Jordan School district, you can talk to your doctor and have them complete this form.
Question 2
I support Jordan School District’s plan to get students back to learning in-person in the classroom in the fall, with online learning available as well. Classes will be delayed a week and be in-person four days a week. I appreciate the school district working so hard to tailor their plan to meet the health, learning and development needs of our students. Additionally, I applaud the work of charter schools in our area, who have adapted and found innovative ways to meet the needs of their students. I have appreciated the many emails and calls I have received from parents, teachers, and concerned individuals on this issue.
Question 3
This question was incredibly helpful in understanding the challenges that individuals and families in our community are facing. As you can see, the top three challenges people listed were:
1. Increased mental health challenges
2. Quarantining for two weeks or longer
3. Reduced hours at work, reduced wages and income
As we have had to endure the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions implemented by government, so many of us have realized that social media and the digital world we find ourselves living in, isn’t enough. That we yearn for the social interaction, bonding, and engagement of participating in society, and spending time with our friends, family and neighbors. We have become aware of deep challenges in our state, with significant increases in domestic violence and calls to the state suicide hotline.
Additionally, many families have faced financial hardship—from reduced wages, income, being furloughed or losing a job this has been a taxing and stressful time. If you or a family member has lost a job, you can apply for unemployment assistance here, and find new job opportunities here.
Question 4
The top three biggest concerns for individuals for their family and the state are:
1. Economic Recovery
2. Increased mental health challenges
3. Not opening the economy quickly enough
Some of the “other” concerns listed were sending children back to school, disregard for civil and/or religious liberties, having to wear masks, and political divisions.
I am committed to getting Utah’s economy back on track, and getting people back to work. I firmly believe in the value of work, and the dignity, confidence and purpose it can bring to a person’s life. As a member of the Higher Education Appropriations committee, we’re focusing on retraining opportunities, scholarships, certifications, etc. that can help get people the tools they need to be successful.
Thank you again to those of you who participated in the survey! I appreciated the thoughtful comments, experiences, and information you shared and will keep this in mind as I vote and represent our district.
RESOURCES:
If you or a family member need assistance or have questions with any of these resources, please feel free to reach out by emailing me at cpierucci@le.utah.gov.
Mental Health Resources: https://namiut.org/our-programs
Suicide Prevention or Crisis Counseling: 833-372-3388
Domestic Violence: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact Utah’s confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
Domestic Violence Coalition Resources: https://www.udvc.org/resources/get-help-now.html
Unemployment Assistance: https://jobs.utah.gov/assistance/index.html
Job Assistance: https://jobs.utah.gov/jobseeker/index.html
Scholarships for short-term training courses and certificate programs: