Dear Constituents,
We’re three weeks in to the 2023 Legislative Session. A lot of meaningful legislation has already been passed and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues over the next four weeks on legislation that reduces the burden of government, decreases taxes, funds necessary transportation projects and programs, and empowers Utah families. You can follow along with the legislative process at le.utah.gov.
I wanted to give you an update on some of the bills I'm working on:
Legislation I'm Working On:
HB186- State Land Purchase Restrictions: This bill prohibits restricted foreign entities and countries, like China, from purchasing land in Utah. This is a serious issue and a major problem for our national security. Just this week, The New York Times, reported on China purchasing land in North Dakota next to a U.S. Air Force Base, and the threat it posed for national security. China has attempted to purchase land in Utah, and this bill would forbid them from doing so.
HB298- Veteran Property Tax Amendments: This bill will allow veterans who are permanently and totally disabled to be exempted from paying property taxes.
HB161- Foreign Language Education Funding Amendments: This bill prohibits restricted foreign entities, like the Chinese Communist Party from funding language learning programs in our K-12 schools. It also increases funding for the state's Dual Language Immersion program. Utah should be self-reliant in funding our language learning programs, and not reliant on countries like China.
HB163- Protecting Student Religious and Moral Beliefs Regarding Athletic Uniform Requirements: This bill protects students' religious freedom and ensures their ability to wear religious head ware and clothing while participating in sports. It also empowers them with the ability to make adjustments to a uniform for personal standards of modesty.
HB43- Domestic Violence Modifications: This bill creates the Domestic Violence Data Task Force and pulls all the stakeholders together for a formalized effort to coordinate local and state efforts to address domestic violence in Utah.
These are just some of the bills I'm working on right now, for a complete list you can visit here.
Water Week
This week, the legislature celebrated Water Week. My colleagues and I are committed to passing policies that will increase water capacity, expand conservation efforts, prepare for future water needs, and enhance outreach efforts. In addition to significant funding, the following bills are top priorities for the House and Senate:
S.B. 53 Groundwater Use Amendments
S.B. 76 Water Amendments
S.B. 118 Water Efficient Landscaping Incentives
S.B. 119 Per Capita Consumptive Use
S.B. 144 Water Instream Flow Amendments
H.B. 150 Emergency Water Shortages Amendments
H.B. 207 Compact Commission Amendments
H.B. 307 Utah Water Ways
Tax Cut Discussions
Keeping money in the pockets of hard working Utahns is one of my top priorities. Next week, we’ll begin discussing and debating tax cuts. All types of tax cuts are on the table including, income, social security, sales tax on food, and an earned income tax credit. I am supportive of all of this efforts, but I am especially supportive of efforts to lower the state income tax rate and give a one-time tax rebate back to Utahns for the excess money collected by the state.
Family Night Capitol Tour
You and your family are invited to join me for a tour of the Utah Capitol and learn more about the legislative process on Monday, February 20th at 7pm.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our district. Please feel free to email me with any concerns or questions you have at cpierucci@le.utah.gov. Be sure to include your home address so I know you live in my district!
Sincerely,
Candice B. Pierucci
State Representative for House District 49
Follow me on social media @RepCandicePierucci