By Representative Carl Albrecht, District 70
Many of you have had questions regarding Constitutional Amendment G. The UEA published an op-ed in the Deseret News on Thursday emphasizing their support for Amendment G. The article can be found at: https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2020/10/7/21506206/guest-opinion-utah-constitutional-amendment-g-education-funding-uea-schools-per-pupil-spending
Vice Presidential Debate
On Wednesday, Utah hosted the only 2020 Vice Presidential debate at the University of Utah. A special thanks to the University of Utah and the Utah Debate Commission for making the event a success. It was truly a historic night for Utah and we were honored to host the candidates in our beautiful state.
Policy Priority – Air Quality
Air quality is an ongoing issue that the Utah Legislature looks to address. In an effort to better understand the problem and identify areas of opportunity, the Legislature commissioned a study through the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute called The Utah Roadmap. This study stated that our air is in fact getting cleaner, but with progress still to be made. As a legislature, we have devoted a significant amount of resources to air quality and cleaner air. Many of our refineries are moving to cleaner Tier 3 fuels, and we passed legislation around wood burning stoves and the installation of modern water heaters.
To find gas stations that sell Tier 3 fuel near you, go to www.tier3gas.org/locations.
Election Information
Ballots will be mailed out soon. You should expect your ballot to arrive in the mailbox around Oct. 13. To see all the candidates that are running and see Utah’s Official Voter Information Pamphlet, can be found at https://voteinfo.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2020/10/Utah-VIP-2020-General-FIN.pdf. Your voice matters, so become informed before you vote!
COVID-19 Update
Utah’s seven-day rolling average for positive tests is 1,148 per day. The rolling seven-day average for percent of positive laboratory tests is 13.8%. To see updated data and accurate information, visit the Unified Response Scoreboard at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/scoreboard/
Testing
If you are feeling any symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested. Keep in mind, there are many different testing locations, including in mall parking lots, some Walgreens locations, and private companies. Find the location nearest you and check to see if an appointment is needed. To find all testing locations near you, go to https://coronavirus.utah.gov/utah-covid-19-testing-locations/
Unemployment Update
The Department of Workforce Services on Utah’s unemployment insurance claims saw a slight uptick in new claims but a decrease in continued claims. They will be watching seasonal activities that usually occur in the fall and winter months with increased new claims. Our main focus is on continued claims and whether people are ending because of exhausting their benefit or obtaining employment. Visit the “hot job” web portal at jobs.utah.gov.
Podcast – Constitutional Amendments
Listen to this week’s episode of the Utah House of Representatives Podcast. Search for the episode entitled The 7 Constitutional Amendments to find out more information on the seven constitutional amendments on the ballot this year in Utah, so you can cast your vote in confidence. The podcast is found on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/65fxkDJwfa6ehhbx51GFhX?si=WzWTHdYaREmRVB7VFA8dXw
Visit Utah – Outdoor Recreation
Many events and festivals were canceled this year due to the pandemic, but one thing wasn’t canceled – the great outdoors. Visit Utah has created a list full of activities to do outside including geocaching, hiking, horseback riding, and more. Information can be found at https://www.visitutah.com/outdoor-recreation/. Check it out to find the activity right for you and your family.
As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve. Contact me at (435) 979-6578 or cralbrecht52@gmail.com with concerns or questions.