Representative Carl Albrecht
August 2, 2024
Ready or Not, It’s Back To School Time
Time is ticking for 670,000+ public school students in Utah as school starts again soon.
Before the school bell rings, lets talk about education in Utah. Last year, our graduation rates continued their ascent above the national average while our students tested No. 1 for college readiness among comparable states.
This year, I supported common-sense policy to further empower parents, students, and teachers. There were record investments in public education and educational choice. We empowered parents and teachers. In Utah, we can do both. Here’s how I supported education in Utah:
Invest in Students
- Increased per-student spending by $211.7 million from 2023-24 – a 5% jump
- Expanded educational choice by awarding 10,000 Utah Fits All Scholarships to Utah kids
Empower Parents
- Prohibited schools from charging curricular school fees for required classes
- Improved educational transparency
Support Teachers
- Invested $74 million to increase paid prep time for educators
- Significantly increased teacher compensation to retain our best educators
- Increased classroom supply fund by up to $500 so educators don’t pay out of pocket
- Created paid stipends for student teachers
Increase Safety
- Increased penalties for school hoax threats
- Took unprecedented steps to improve physical security, student, and teacher safety
August Interim Meetings
Lawmakers from across the state will be on Capitol Hill Aug. 20-21 for Interim Committee Meetings. As a reminder, these meetings help set the agenda for the next Session. In my committees – Public Utilities and Energy and Natural Resources, and the Water Development Commission and Federalism Commission– we’re delving into really big issues that may impact you.
As always, these meetings are open to the public. You can participate in person or online at le.utah.gov. I would love to see you there or on-line!
Protecting Utah’s Children
When it comes to protecting our youth online, the rest of the Nation is looking to Utah. Over the last two years, we have passed first-of-it’s kind legislation to hold social media companies accountable for exploiting minors. A recent decision from the federal courts has proven that, in the beehive state, we know how to strike a balance between preventing harm and protecting the free market. Learn more about the fight to protect our children https://socialmedia.utah.gov/ or listen to a quick recap of how these bills create a safer online space for minors at https://utahhousepodcast.buzzsprout.com/2171775/15270843-protecting-our-youth.
Innovation in AI
Utah is once again setting the standard and leading out in technological advancement by implementing an innovative approach to AI. This past Session, we created the Office of AI Policy to help us learn, discover, react, and create effective frameworks and policies for Utah. This lab spurs innovation while working to protect our data privacy. You can learn more at https://ai.utah.gov/learning-lab/
Keeping Energy Affordable For Utahns
Our all-of-the-above energy approach here in Utah has led to some of the lowest energy rates in the country and the Legislature is committed to keeping it that way. I join my fellow lawmakers in pushing back against recent announcements to raise our electric rates far above market value. As we continue to embrace all forms of energy, we can ensure that the lights stay on and our costs stay low. Listen at https://x.com/utahhousereps/status/1811075431480561762
Practicing Fire Safety
We’re fortunate to live in such a beautiful state with world class recreation opportunities. As you get outside and enjoy the summer sunshine, make sure that you’re practicing fire safety habits. This year alone, we’ve seen nearly 500 human caused wildfires across our state. Working together, we can help ensure that our stunning scenery remains for future generations to enjoy. Learn more at https://x.com/CaseyDSnider/status/1808194580967575923.
In the news:
Deseret News: Foreign countries are buying up Utah land. New state legislation aims to tackle the conundrum.
KSL TV: As Utah political threats rise, security measures becoming tighter, says DPS
Fox 13: Utah looks to ink deals with Israel for water-saving technologies
Utah News Dispatch: Great Salt Lake commissioner report details ‘busy and fruitful’ year
KSL: US immigration officials seek info on possible detention center for Utah
Deseret News: Here’s how big of a boost Utah’s economy would get from hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics
Standard-Examiner: Antelope Island State Park breaks ground on new visitor and learning center expansion
Fox 13: Rocky Mountain Power faces the wrath of Utah’s Capitol Hill over rate hike
KSL: Utah commission approves Enbridge plan to cut natural gas rate by nearly 30%
KUER: Utah’s new Office of Artificial Intelligence will first focus on mental health care and AI
KSL TV: New remote avalanche control systems to be installed in Little Cottonwood Canyon
KUER: Utah’s social media laws pick up a partial court win
KSL NewsRadio: “Planting parties” at Utah Lake working to rid the lake of invasive phragmites
Fox 13: Fentanyl seized in Utah in 2024 already surpasses mark set last year
Brad Mortensen op-ed: Weber State is embracing change in our approach to serving students. As its leader, I welcome scrutiny.
KSL: Utah is aging, but new Census Bureau data shows benefits in its youth
USA Today: Winter Olympics are officially heading back to Salt Lake City in 2034. Everything to know.
KUTV: Utah faces more critical fire conditions, smokey air as dry, hot weather continues
Higher Ed Dive: Federal judge blocks final Title IX rule in four more states
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Thanks Again!!
As always, thank-you again for allowing me to represent you. I’ll do my very best to insure I represent your Rural Utah values with a conservative approach. Contact me with questions or concerns.
Thank you.
Representative Carl Albrecht
carlalbrecht@le.utah.gov
435-979-6578
