Tuesday, January 16th marked the beginning of Utah’s Legislative Session and my eighth year serving as a Representative. I am looking forward to representing the citizens of District 70. During our inaugural meeting, Speaker of the House Mike Schultz asked all representatives to write down their “why” for legislative service on a piece of paper and raise it on the floor. I wrote, “Fight Federal Overreach”. This session, I am serving again as the Chair of the House Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Committee, and as a member of the House Business and Labor Committee. I also sit on the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Standing and Appropriations Subcommittee, and Co-Chair of the Rural Caucus. I will continue to Serve on the Federalism Commission and the State Water Development Commission.
SNOW COLLEGE VISIT AND PERFORMANCE
It’s been a busy week here at the Capitol. On Tuesday, my wife Gail and I were honored to host Snow College President Stacee McIff, Dr. Michael Huff and the Snow College Cadence Chamber Choir. The Choir performed the National Anthem and Utah We Love Thee on the floor of the House of Representatives which received a standing ovation, I am thankful that they made the drive from Ephraim to share their incredible talent with us.
I’ve had the opportunity to meet with many constituents within this first week. I joined the Cedar City Youth Council for dinner on Tuesday night and with Richfield Youth City Council on Wednesday. I enjoyed getting to speak with young men and women who are interested in politics and government. I met with a Navajo Nation representative and members of the Utah Rural Schools Association to discuss their hopes and concerns on legislation this Session.
LEGISLATION AND MORE
In terms of legislation, I am running several bills this year, some of which were worked on during the Interim meetings in the summer and fall. You can track all my bills at Le.Utah.Gov. On Wednesday the House passed HB54 COAL MINER CERTIFICATION PANEL AMENDMENTS, which is a bill that extends a sunset clause for a panel to certify coal miners, it is essential that our miners are properly trained to do their jobs well. My bill, HB61 WATER MEASURING AND ACCOUNTING AMENDMENTS passed unanimously out of the House Natural Resources Committee Thursday afternoon. HB61 addresses issues with telemetry, granting the State Engineer the rulemaking authority over measuring of water in the state. You can’t control what you don’t measure. Finally, I will be presenting HB34 AGRICULTURAL TOURISM AMENDMENTS Friday at noon in the House Judiciary Committee. This legislation allows for greater opportunities for farmers who want to invite the public to share the agricultural experience on their farms and ranches. I chaired the Rural Caucus on Friday morning. This is the largest Caucus on the hill. If you’re up, plan accordingly, we have the best breakfast and lots of bacon.
Governor Spencer Cox delivered his State of the State address Thursday evening, titled “Be Weird Utah”, highlighting the peculiar characteristics that set us apart from the rest of the nation. Utah has done well with several national recognitions, and I look forward to working with him and the House Majority Caucus on contributing to more.
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 be keeping you updated throughout the Session on these important issues that influence your local communities. I 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.
PHOTO DESCRIPTIONS
IMG_ 0906: Representative Albrecht with his “Why” for the legislative session “Fight Federal Overreach”
IMG_0899: Rep. Albrecht, Gail Albrecht, Dr. Michael Huff, and President Stacee McIff
IMG_900: Rep. Albrecht with the Snow College Cadence Chamber Choir
IMG_3894: Rep. Albrecht enjoying dinner with the Cedar City Youth Council
IMG_0035: Rep. Albrecht Presents HB61 in the House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee
