Dear Constituents,
We’re more than halfway through our 45-day Legislative session! Week 4 has been productive, fast-paced, and meaningful for Utah. This week we wrapped up our budgeting process, and submitted our final appropriations recommendations to the Executive Appropriations Committee. To review budget priorities, you can read the reports here.
This week I was able to pass HB 173 out of committee, and will be presenting HB 430 in committee tomorrow in the Transportation Committee. You can watch this short video for an update on these bills:
Education
This week in our House Education Committee, I voted to support two major education bills that will increase teacher retention and recruitment in our state.
HB 221: Stipends for Future Educators
Our teachers are vital to our education system, and we want to make sure they’re being set up for success from the start of their careers, which is why I voted for HB 221 Stipends for Future Educators. This bill creates a grant program for student teachers, many of whom are not currently paid for their work. This will allow them to focus on becoming the best educator they can be by easing their financial burdens. You can learn more here.
This bill focuses on competency in training and licensing programs for teachers, and gives individuals the opportunity to choose teaching as a career, without having to go back and pay for additional degrees. Right now, there are conflicting licensing and training program requirements for different school districts, which leads to to challenges if and when a teacher decides to switch districts. If a teacher can demonstrate competency in their teaching skills in one school district, they shouldn’t have additional barriers in place to teach in other districts and educational setting.
Helping Utahns & Reducing Our Homelessness Rates
As a Legislature, we’re taking steps to prevent and reduce homelessness for Utah. This week, I voted for H.B. 298 Homeless Services Amendments. This bill will help in the collection of effective data to track both trends and solutions surrounding homelessness. It also requires the state strategic plan on homelessness to be frequently updated to reflect proven strategies to reduce homelessness. This will have real, meaningful impacts on the lives of Utahns and our communities. Learn more about the bill here.
Mark Your Calendars
Be sure to join me in-person or on Facebook Live this week for my mid-session town halls:
Tuesday, February 13th at 7:00pm at Riverton City Hall
Saturday, February 17th at 11:00am at Herriman City Hall
As a reminder, if you would like to follow along as we discuss important issues or give public comment at a committee hearing, please visit le.utah.gov to join online or view committee schedules. 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
Bills Passed by the House this Week:
H.C.R. 9 Concurrent Resolution Celebrating Utah's History of Welcoming Refugees
S.B. 36 Heber Valley Historic Railroad Authority Sunset Amendments
H.J.R. 7 Joint Resolution Condemning Abusive Coaching Practices
H.C.R. 8 Concurrent Resolution Creating the Butch Cassidy State Monument
H.J.R. 19 Joint Resolution Encouraging Support for the Houses Act
S.B. 122 Youth Apprenticeship Governance Structure Amendments
H.J.R. 18 Joint Resolution for Education That Encourages Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
H.C.R. 3 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Child Sexual Abuse Material
H.J.R. 14 Proposal to Amend Utah Constitution - Statewide Initiatives
S.J.R. 12 Joint Resolution Supporting a National Hockey League Franchise in Utah
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