By Representative Carl Albrecht, District 70
Water Projects and ARPA Funds
With an ever-increasing demand on a diminishing water supply, action to conserve, optimize and preserve our water is more critical than ever. For the past year, a working group of water experts and policymakers has been meeting to determine how best to use the state’s federal ARPA funds to address our water needs.
Last week, the group presented how they recommend the funds be used, including:
- Secondary water metering
- Drinking water infrastructure
- Ag water optimization
- Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake preservation
Fallen First Responders
Each year, we are grateful for the opportunity to honor the families of Utah’s fallen officers and firemen who died while serving their state and community. We express the utmost gratitude to the five fallen officers and their families for their service and sacrifices.
Arts and Culture
Last week, the Utah Cultural Alliance held a press conference with the Legislature to recognize the economic impact of the arts in our state. In 2020, Utah’s cultural industry generated $17.8 billion in total sales and supported an estimated 108,560 jobs. The Legislature is committed to investing in the arts and culture where Utahns can gather statewide to make memories and experience the magic of the industry.
Polling Data for 2022 Legislative Session
Earlier this year, Speaker Brad Wilson contracted with Dan Jones and Associates to gather data on current issues and potential legislation. A statistically significant group of Utahns from across the state with varying ages, genders, political leanings and backgrounds were polled. This information provides us a clearer insight into the public sentiment on some big issues and will allow us to better represent our constituents and the people of Utah. Visit house.utah.gov/speaker-wilson-releases-polling-data-for-2022-legislative-session to view the information.
Podcast
Check out last week’s podcast about HB 23, First Responder Mental Health Services Amendments, with Representative Wilcox as we discuss the ever-increasing need to provide first responders with mental health resources. Listen today on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
School Visits
Last week, I had the opportunity of welcoming two schools from my district to the Utah Capitol. I met with San Rafael Middle School on Wednesday and North Sevier High School on Thursday. I answered questions that they had about the Legislature and the General Session.
Rural Educators Meeting
Last week, I met with rural educators to discuss legislation that will benefit rural education. We spent most of the meeting talking about how certain polices affect rural districts differently than on the Wasatch Front.
HB180 – Off-Road Vehicle Safety Education
I am running HB180 for people that use off-road vehicles for recreation. This establishes a safety education course because of the increasing damage to our trails. This would be a quick, online educational course that is valid for life after completion. This course would better equip people to ride responsibly while off-roading and protect land and trails for future use. This bill passed the House Natural Resources Committee and is now on the House Floor Calendar.
Other Notable Bills
- HB46 – Utah Energy Infrastructure Amendments: Passed the Senate with one amendment for the House to concur.
- HB101 – Rural Coworking and Innovation Center Grant Program Amendments: Passed Senate Economic Development Committee and placed on the Senate calendar.
- HB168 – Preferences of Water Rights Amendments: Passed the House of Representatives and was sent to the Senate.
- HB125, HB180, HB215 (3rd sub): Passed the House and was sent to the Senate for committee hearing.
Grand County Educators Meeting
Recently, I had a meeting with a couple of educators from Moab. We discussed problems that students face in school. Overall, we wanted to find the best ways to help a greater number of students succeed.
Six County Association of Governments
In addition, I participated in an online meeting with the Six County Association of Governments. I updated the board on the status of my bills and talked about bills from other Legislators that affect the six-county area.
Rural Electric Leaders
I was joined at the Capitol on Friday by several Rural Electric Leaders in the State of Utah. We discussed the status of the energy industry in rural Utah as well as how to provide efficient, affordable and reliable power to the people of rural Utah.
I will be keeping you updated throughout the session on important issues that impact your local communities. Thank you.
You can contact me directly by email at carlalbrecht@le.utah.gov. You can also text or call me at (435) 979-6578. My intern is Curtis Sheets, a student at Utah State University Eastern. His email address is csheets@le.utah.gov and is telephone number is (385) 420-3096. I look forward to representing all the needs and interests of rural Utah.
