By Representative Carl Albrecht. Working For Utah: We are now more than halfway into the 2024 Legislative Session. The Appropriations Subcommittees have finished their work and submitted their suggestions to the Executive Appropriations Committee for the final budget approval. The regular business for the House is ramping up and we will begin meeting more regularly on the Floor to hear and debate bills. Make sure you follow along with the process over the next 3 weeks! I would love to see you at the Capitol, but you can also participate online at le.utah.gov.
Legislative Updates
Here is a brief look at my legislative progress this year. H.B. 54 Coal Miner Certification Panel Amendments and H.B. 61 Water Measuring and Accounting Amendments have passed both chambers and have been sent to the Governor for signature. H.B. 31 Agritourism Amendments was held in committee. H.B. 124 Energy Infrastructure Amendments should be heard in the House sometime early next week. H.B. 239 State Employee Cybersecurity Training Requirements, H.B. 384 Utah Geological Survey Data Submission Amendments, H.B. 241 Clean Energy Amendments, H.B. 363 Livestock Grazing Amendments, and H.C.R. 8 Concurrent Resolution Creating the Butch Cassidy State Monument all passed through Senate committee and have moved on for their final consideration in the Senate body. I chair the House Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee as well as sit on the House Business and Labor Committee, and I am working diligently with my colleagues to ensure every bill that comes before us is properly vetted and prepared to become law.
With Appropriations work being finished, I’m happy to say that we have made progress regarding many of my Request for Appropriations, or RFAs. These RFAs allow us to request funding for specific projects and departments throughout the state, and I look forward to working with the Executive Appropriations Committee to ensure that funding makes its way to Rural Utah to support our communities and economies.
REDMOND MINERALS AND BURNS SADDLERY
On Wednesday this week I hosted Redmond Minerals and honored them with a Citation from the Legislature. Rusty Bastion and Harvey Scott sat with me on the House Floor while I shared the history and impact that Redmond Minerals has on our rural area, Utah, and surrounding states. Redmond now provides products that enrich people, livestock, crops, wildlife, and the soil itself. Moreover, this company helps keep our roads safe in the winter by providing de-icing solutions for Utah’s winters. They were also honored in the Senate by Senator Derrin Owens.
I also had the pleasure to welcome Brayden and Misty Shaw of Burns Saddlery on Friday to honor them with a Citation. Burns Saddlery was founded in 1876 and is the oldest operating family-owned western retail business in the world. They have expanded their business from their shop in Salina to two locations in Park City, and Jackson Hole, as well as traveling retail trailers throughout the country. Their saddles, jewelry, hats, chaps, boots, tack, etc., are high-quality, handmade products that are tailor made to honor the indelible spirit of the west. Brayden and Misty were also recognized in the Senate by Senator Owens. I’m grateful for the opportunity to honor these local companies that embody the grit and spirit of Rural Utah.
SNOW COLLEGE AND OTHER VISITORS
On Wednesday Snow College provided breakfast to celebrate their Day on the Hill. I was once again joined by Snow College President Stacee McGiff and Student Body President Miguel Mayorga, (who is the board member that we were speaking to?) This year they are celebrating their 135th anniversary and I am always grateful to assist in their mission to provide higher education opportunities for Rural Utahns.
I had the chance to visit with Mr. Rodney Hurd and his government class from North Sevier High School on Thursday as they toured the Capitol and gained important insight into the legislative process. I enjoyed sharing my experience as a legislator with the students and what I am doing here on the hill for those in my district. Myers Miller from Salina sat with me during Floor Time on Monday while Legislators discussed the bills of the day. I joined the Utah Sheriff’s Association for breakfast on Thursday morning and I’m thankful for all they do to keep us safe. The Iron County Leaders Academy also had a chance to tour the Floor with me on Thursday and learn the history of the Chamber. For Rural Caucus breakfast Friday morning we had a chance to hear from the CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Jim Matheson on advancing energy policy throughout the country. Travis Kyhl and the Six County Association provided an update on Agri-Park. Don Peay, President of Peay’s Consulting Companies, presented to the Caucus on the status of wolf management in Utah and the rest of the Mountain West.
On Thursday Utah State University hosted Extension Day in the Rotunda. It was great to see the work that they are doing to assist rural communities, especially their remote work program which I am proud to say I had a hand in creating. The program provides great resources for those in our communities who want to develop and expand their skills to benefit their personal or business goals.
I hope that all my constituents reach out regarding any concerns, I again invite you to do so. My intern is Gage Duffin, a graduate of Utah State University. His email address is gduffin@le.utah.gov. His telephone number is (385) 420-3079. I will continue updating you throughout the Session on these important issues that influence your local communities. I always look forward to representing all the needs and interests of Rural Utah. Please contact me directly by email at carlalbrecht@le.utah.gov. You can also text or call me at (435) 979-6578.
