2021 Legislative Update: Week 1 & 2
The 2021 Legislative Session is underway! As with each session, I want to ensure you are kept up to date and informed about what is happening. I will be sending you updates throughout the session on the important work I am doing on your behalf. Things have begun to move quickly at the Capitol. We are working together to do the people's work. This week we passed the base budget, which includes more money for public education than ever before!
As of Monday, January 25th, members of the public have been allowed back into the Capitol Building to participate in the Legislative Session. Extra safety and security precautions are in place - ranging from enforced masking and social distancing to more Highway Patrol security officers - to make sure the public can safely participate in the People’s House. Plexiglass dividers surround each representative at their desk. The hectic and vibrant crowds that typically fill the Capitol this time of year have been replaced by a more subdued and quiet atmosphere. Amid many challenges, I remain committed to serving the people of Utah and keeping the People’s House open.
In this update, you will find information about the first and second week of the legislative session as well as a few helpful links to stay up to date. As always, if you have questions or concerns, please reach out!
Sincerely,
Representative Robert Spendlove
Utah House of Representatives, District 49
 
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Virtual Access To Meetings
You can click here to see which committees I am in, as well as watch the meetings. I have been assigned to:
- House Health and Human Services Committee
- House Revenue and Taxation Committee
- House Rules Committee
- Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee
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Base Budget
This week we passed a base budget that included a $400 million increase in public education funding and gave our state employees a 3% raise! We also passed H.B. 85, which would provide our senior population a social security tax cut. Both houses also passed S.B. 1 Public Education Base Budget Amendments this week. This is the single biggest investment for public education in state history, with nearly $6.5 billion in funding for FY 2022 and FY 2023.
I am honored to be a part of this work and am proud to provide our children, teachers, seniors, and state employees much deserved funding, raises, and tax cuts.
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Bill Highlight
Throughout the legislative session, I want to make sure you stay informed about the work I am doing on your behalf. Each week I will highlight a different bill and link you to where you can read more. This week I am highlighting H.B. 204. This bill:
- Creates a sales and use tax exemption for feminine hygiene products
If you would like to read more about this bill, click here. If you would like to see what bills I am working on this session, click here.
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Congressional Delegation Visits
As a body, we welcome members of Utah's congressional delegation each session. This week, we were joined by our newest representatives, Congressman Blake Moore and Congressman Burgess Owens. We discussed their roles in D.C. and how we can work together to better the lives of Utahns.
I am eager to work with our new representatives to advance Utah's interests and ensure our voice is heard on the national level.
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House of Representatives Podcast
Every week for the session's duration, we will hear from a few lawmakers about their priority legislation. In this week's episode, Representative Brad Last talks about the importance of the base budget and why Utah created the base budget in the first place.
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Policy Priorities
We have a lot of work to do over the forty-five-day session. A few of our policy priorities are:
- Broaden Economic Success
2020 brought a host of economic challenges, but Utah was well prepared to meet them. Allocating taxpayer funds in a way that maximizes each dollar, prepares us for the next crisis, and broadens economic success to each corner of the state will be critical to Utah’s continuing economic rebound and future prosperity.
- Build a Connected Future
Continued investment in transportation, recreation, and technology infrastructure projects will provide the foundation for Utah’s long-term prosperity and quality of life.
- Extend Opportunity to All
Efforts to improve access to healthcare, housing, and education will open the door of opportunity to everyone in the state. Utah can only reach its full potential when all Utahns can make the most of their individual talents.
- Balance Emergency Power
Finally, after facing a global pandemic for almost a year, it is apparent that we must reassess how we respond to emergencies to allow for swift action, but never at the expense of the will of the people.
To read more about our policy priorities, click here.
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Bills Passed During The 2021 Session
For a list of bills passed by the Utah House thus far, click here.
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Representative Spendlove's Legislative Page
To see my official page and information about me, click here.
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CONTACTING REP. SPENDLOVE
- To reach out directly to me, email: rspendlove@le.utah.gov Include “Constituent” in the subject line
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