by Senator Luz Robles
Senate Minority Caucus Manager
representing Senate District One
I want to say that the state of Utah is losing one of the most intelligent, articulate and knowledgeable parliamentarian legislators with Senator Scott McCoy’s resignation. I feel honored to [...]
by Senator Patricia Jones
Senate Minority Leader
Our caucus member Senator Scott McCoy has resigned his senate seat effective this coming Friday, December 4, 2009.
Speaking on behalf of the Utah Senate Democrat Caucus, [...]
Senator Scott McCoy, who has represented Senate District Two for the last 4 years, plans to resign his position in the Utah State Senate, effective Friday, December 4, 2009. McCoy issued the following statement to explain his decision to the residents [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip
During the past few months, the successes and tragedies of the American Fork High School Marching Band have been highly publicized.
The band was overcome with the loss of Heather Christensen, an Assistant Band Director, who [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip
This past August, the Senate Democrats were invited to join the House Democrats on their Carbon/Emery County weekend excursion hosted by Representative Christine Watkins. With the aid of Rhoda, the House Minority Assistant, Representative Watkins [...]
This morning, Senator Karen Mayne, Granite School District Superintendent Dr. Stephen Ronnenkamp, and Ms. Jamie Ferdinand of the Utah School Nurse Association announced the launch of the “Shadow [...]
Senator Luz Robles is featured in the Spotlight in the September 2009 issue of Utah Business magazine. If you have a copy, you can find the article on Page 36, “Luz Robles–Focusing on the Community” or click here to read [...]
by Senator Luz Robles
Minority Caucus Manager
Senate District One
On August 13th, 14th, and 15th, I had the opportunity to host an educational and soccer camp for children in my district. This was the first year of Senator Robles Soccer Camp, and with the [...]
Last Thursday, August 20, the Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy (UCCD) presented Senator Gene Davis and Martha Ball
with the 2009 Citizen Diplomat Award.
Excerpts from the UCCD press release:
The Citizen Diplomat Award is presented annually to individuals who have made a significant contribution to [...]
State Senator Karen Mayne has been chosen by the Utah State Democratic Party as this year’s recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Award. Senator Mayne will be recognized at a luncheon October 22, 2009.
In the Utah Legislature, Senator Mayne works effectively [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip
Senate District 7
Last week, I visited the Homeless Youth Resource Center, a facility sponsored by Volunteers of America, Utah. The Center provides services for homeless street youth through its Street Outreach Program, Drop-in Center, [...]
by Senator Luz Robles
Senate Minority Caucus Manager
I was very pleased with the positive response yesterday from the Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee members with regards to my presentation on my proposed resolution for the State Legislature to act [...]
by Senator Karen Mayne
Assistant Senate Minority Whip
District 5
I am honored that Salt Lake Community College recently presented me with an award as a 2009 Legislative Champion. However, I am even more grateful to have Salt Lake Community College as [...]
Slated to “kick off” the third week of every September and run through the school year, America’s Legislators Back to School Program gives elected officials in all 50 states the opportunity to teach young people–the nation’s future voters and leaders–what it’s like to be a state legislator: the processes, the [...]
We just received the Hinckley Institute of Politics’ 2008 Newsletter. A few of our former interns are mentioned in the newsletter, so we want to mention them here, as well.
Click on the link above and check them out:
Page 9 - Zach Fountain - 2008 Intern for Senators [...]
by Senator Karen Mayne
Assistant Minority Whip
I am proud to support “The Resolution to Buy American,” which encourages local governments to buy local and United States products whenever and wherever possible. If we are going to revive America’s economy, then we [...]
by Senator Patricia Jones
Senate Minority Leader
Americans have always known that actions speak louder than words, and that lesson couldn’t be more true than right here in Utah. Just look at our history. When the pioneers began settling Utah in the [...]
by Senator Gene Davis
Senate District 3
As Congress and the State of Utah continue to look at health care reform, I believe we cannot overlook mental health and addictive disorders in any of our health care reform recommendations. Mental illness is [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip
On June 24, 2009, I was asked to speak to a meeting of the Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce, along with Senator Luz Robles. At the meeting, I spoke about the importance of the census [...]
Last month, Senator Karen Mayne was honored as 2009 Legislative Champion by Salt Lake Community College. She was among three other legislators who support and embrace the spirit of Salt Lake Community College. The college is nestled in Senator Mayne’s #5 Senate [...]
Senator Gene Davis met with a group of visitors from Africa last Monday at the Capitol. Among the African countries represented were Chad, Mali, Kenya, Senegal, Niger, Madagascar, Sudan, Namibia, Ghana, and Burkina Faso. The group, sponsored by the United States Department of [...]
by Senator Luz Robles
Minority Caucus Manager
Senate District One
The Utah State Legislature met today to change some technical pieces on laws we passed this last session. More importantly, we were able to fix the Medicaid hospital provider reimbursement rates, making [...]
by Senator Patricia Jones
Senate Minority Leader
On behalf of the Utah Senate Democrats, we congratulate Governor Huntsman on his pending responsibility as our country’s ambassador to China. We concur unequivocally with President Obama’s brilliant choice–Governor Huntsman is the perfect individual for [...]
Governor Huntsman signed SB 73, Unincorporated Areas Amendments (The Township Bill), and SB 15, Workers’ Compensation Premium Assessment and Related Funding, in ceremonial fashion surrounded by many contributors who helped make the ideas become law. (April 8, 2009)
Governor Huntsman and Senator Mayne
[...]
by Senator Patricia Jones
Senate Minority Leader
What makes an effective legislator? According to the Deseret News (“GOP Powered Utah’s 2009 Session” 3/23/09), success is measured by the number of bills passed during the legislative session. But is that the best [...]
THEY DEFENDED AMERICA; NOW LET THEM HELP YOU BUILD IT
This afternoon, Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr., signed a declaration recognizing Helmets to Hardhats and declared March 30, 2009, as Helmets to Hardhats Program Day. Helmets to Hardhats is a nonprofit organization [...]
by Senator Gene Davis
Senate District 3
Half way through Utah’s 2009 general legislative session, the United States Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), providing a much-needed influx of cash into Utah’s 2009 and 2010 state budgets. [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip
Whitney Bitner, Rachel Dansie, Hannah Durham, Hannah Hoopes, Lizzie Egan, and Victoria Hoggan are seventh graders at Olympus Junior High School. The girls call themselves the Green Queens.
This year, the girls participated in the Lexus [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip
The office of Senator Luz Robles
Invites you to
A Legislative Wrap-up
A hands-on community forum for understanding
the issues facing the 2009 state legislature!
Sorenson Unity Center
1383 South 900 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Monday, March 23, 2009
6:30 pm-9:00 pm
In a [...]
THANKS FROM THE SENATE DEMOCRATS
Front Row: Emily Bennett, Drew Martinez, Michelle Taylor, Matt Beckstead
Back Row: Jessie France, Reid Luzzader, Scott Sizemore
On the final day of the 2009 Legislative Session, we want to sincerely thank our seven magnificent interns from the University of [...]
Today Utah’s senators enjoyed an outstanding performance from Kindred Spirits, introduced to the body by Senator Patricia Jones. Kindred Spirits is a nonprofit organization partially funded by the Utah Arts Council, Salt Lake City Arts, and Zoo Arts & Parks. Several of the kids have also benefited from services of [...]
by Jessie France
Senator Karen Mayne’s Intern
Electricity was in the air at 10:00 AM today as representatives from Utah’s numerous cities, counties and townships as well as the Utah League of Cities and Towns, The Association of Community Councils Together, Salt [...]
At noon today, the Senate and House Democrats in the Utah State Senate held a press conference to outline their 2010 budget proposal. Priorities are:
1. Protect vital services in priority areas–Public Education, Higher Education, Health and Human Services, and Public Safety.
2. Make equitable cuts where necessary and possible.
3. Find new [...]
by Senator Luz Robles
Minority Caucus Manager
One of the major issues facing not only my district but also the entire state is an increase in gang activity. Gangs are not localized only in Salt Lake City or Ogden, but have spread [...]
by Senator Luz Robles
Senate Minority Caucus Manager
District One
On Wednesday, February 19, Governor Huntsman signed a proclamation declaring it Utah Hispanic/Latino Day. I was fortunate to be a part of this wonderful and commemorative day.
There were many distinguished guests at [...]
by Macey Matthews
Session Staff
Westminster Graduate in Communications
Today, Senator Karen Mayne held a press conference to discuss anticipated increases in road construction throughout Utah. She announced the launch of the Work Zone Safety campaign to improve safety among motorists and [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip
This year President Waddoups has given rulers to each Senator displaying the words “Utah State Senate” to hand out to those who have gone beyond the ordinary and have “measured up.”
On February 13, 2009, I asked three individuals to come [...]
by Senator Luz Robles
Minority Caucus Manager
District One
Last Tuesday night I held my first of many Town Hall meetings to come. These meetings are set up as a hands-on community forum for understanding the issues facing the 2009 State Legislature. [...]
Yesterday Senator Brent Goodfellow introduced “Mike Dmitrich’s bodyguards” during floor time. Visiting the Senate yesterday, and seated next to their friend former Senator Mike Dmitrich, were Reno Mahe, retired Philadelphia Eagles running back, and Gabe Reid, retired Chicago Bears tight end. Both men played football for the BYU Cougars. Reno [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip
Alert from the Utah Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Currently there are individuals employed by private companies who have no affiliation with either the state or federal VA network who are claiming to help veterans and their dependents apply for VA benefits. At times, these individuals [...]
After a lengthy discussion on the Senate floor yesterday, S.B. 48, Teacher Licensing by Competency Amendments sponsored by Senator Chris Buttars, passed it’s second reading with a vote of 17-11. This bill will allow individuals with a bachelor’s degree to obtain a license [...]
If passed, Senator Karen Mayne’s Senate Bill 132 will create a tax check-off box that would help Habitat for Humanity to rebuild homes contaminated with meth.
Habitat for Humanity is an organization designed to provide affordable housing for economically disadvantaged families. S.B. 132 would provide Habitat for Humanity with another means [...]
Today the Senate passed SB66, Highway Designation Amendments, modifying the Transportation Code by designating a portion of Highway 6 from Interstate 15 to Interstate 70 the Mike Dmitrich Highway. The designation will appear on future state highway maps. The bill is sponsored by Senator Hinkins in the Senate and [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip
Today the Utah State Senate recognized the University of Utah Football team for its 13-0 season and Sugar Bowl victory. In celebrating the University’s success, the Senate passed two Resolutions. The first [...]
by Patricia Jones
Senate Minority Leader
This question was posed this week on the Senate floor by Senator Lyle Hillyard to Senator Chris Buttars, who tried to amend SJR1 (Senator Patricia Jones) to include nuclear as a renewable [...]
by Macey Matthews
Communications Graduate
Westminster College
Session Employee
Young people had a big impact on the November election, and now they are preparing to do the same with this year’s legislative session. On Wednesday, members of the Young Democrats of Utah came to the Capitol to meet with Democratic [...]
Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon and members of the Salt Lake County Council have a new name for the Kearns Senior Center. Its new name is the Eddie P. Mayne Senior Center, in honor of the late Senator Ed Mayne. Mayor Corroon [...]
by Senator Luz Robles
Senate Minority Caucus Manager
District One
As you all may know, last Friday the 30th, we passed the FY2009 budget. It was a long and strenuous process, but I believe it was a good compromise between the Democrats [...]
The 2009 General Legislative Session began today at the State Capitol on a snowy day in our capital city. It was an enjoyable, ceremonial day.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offered the [...]
by Senator Luz Robles
Senate Minority Caucus Manager
Senate District One
Sitting in the Transportation, Environmental Quality, and National Guard Appropriations Subcommittee, I was disheartened by the action of the members to renew their efforts to cut the budget by an unrealistic [...]
Justin Jones, Manager of Government Relations at UTA and Representative Jay Seegmiller, Amtrak conductor, talking trains.
The Utah Senate and House Democrats traveled by UTA (Utah Transit Authority) bus visiting various businesses and organizations in the Salt Lake County area in an effort to [...]
The Utah Senate and House Democrats will spend the day Thursday, January 15, 2009, traveling by UTA (Utah Transit Authority) bus visiting several organizations and businesses in Salt Lake County. As advocates of Utah’s communities and its citizens, the senators and representatives are interested in understanding [...]
The Utah Senate and House Democrats will spend the day Thursday, January 15, 2009, traveling by bus (UTA bus, that is) to several businesses and organizations in the Salt Lake County area. The senators and representatives are interested in understanding more fully the issues facing businesses [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
District 7
Recently I had the opportunity to tour the National Ability Center (”NAC”) in Park City. It was great to see all the work the NAC does in and for our Utah community. I hope you might consider the [...]
by Senator Scott McCoy
District Two
In the wake of the passage of Prop 8 in California, emotions and tempers have flared in the LGBT community. I understand the anger, disappointment, and sadness that many in the gay and transgendered community are [...]
The Senate Democrats elected new leaders today. Results of the leadership elections are as follows:
Senate Minority Leader - Senator Patricia Jones
Senate Minority Whip - Senator Ross Romero
Assistant Senate Minority Whip - Senator Karen Mayne
Senate Minority Caucus Manager - Senator Luz Robles
[...]
Senator Patricia Jones has been named the 2008 Athena and will receive her award November 18, 2008, at the Salt Lake Chamber’s American Express Women & Business Conference.
The Athena Award, sponsored by Wells Fargo Women’s Financial Services, is [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
District 7
Earlier this summer I was contacted by the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Valley asking me if I had time to visit the Clubs and find out what they were doing to help our community’s [...]
The Utah Housing Coalition held its 12th annual Utah Housing Matters Conference October 7 and 8. The Award Luncheon was dedicated to the late Senator Ed Mayne, who passed away about eleven months ago. The Utah Housing Coalition’s mission is to strengthen Utah communities [...]
Last Friday, Susan Kuziak, received the Eleanor Roosevelt Award presented to her by the Utah State Democratic Party. Susan was recognized for exemplifying the high standards and compassionate philosophy of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
Susan is an active public employee advocate, public school champion, and community service volunteer. Since moving to [...]
The football stadium at Hunter High School, home of the Wolverines, has been renamed the Ed Mayne Stadium in honor of the late Senator Ed Mayne. Our current Senator Mayne, Karen, and her family attended the ceremony renaming the stadium.
Senator Karen Mayne said, “As I looked into the bleachers [...]
Earlier this month, the College of Eastern Utah (CEU) celebrated it’s 70th anniversary with two outstanding events, one in Price and one in Salt Lake City. Senator Mike Dmitrich received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his long and distinguished career in public service. Senator Dmitrich expressed his deep appreciation to [...]
by Senator Mike Dmitrich, Minority Leader
and Senator Gene Davis, Minority Whip
Yesterday marked the end of a two-day special session called by Governor Huntsman to make budget adjustments to remedy a $354 million revenue shortfall. The Utah Constitution requires a balanced budget, so it seemed prudent to make adjustments early [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
District 7
September is National College Savings Month, and I wanted to make sure all the parents and families of future college students know about the Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP). The importance of a college education cannot [...]
A special monument in honor of the late Senator Ed Mayne was presented to his wife, Senator Karen Mayne, last month by the Polynesian Youth Group as part of the Samoan Heritage Festival. The monument will have a permanent home at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. Senator Karen Mayne spoke [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
District 7
Senator Romero and son with Mike Johnson, Park Manager of Jordanelle State Park.
Jordanelle Marina and Campground
Jordanelle Reservoir
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go camping with my family and [...]
Slated to “kick off” the third week of every September and run throughout the school year, America’s Legislators Back to School Program gives elected officials in all 50 states the opportunity to meet personally with their young constituents and to answer questions, share ideas, listen to concerns and impart [...]
I snapped this great aerial photo of the Capitol Complex from my son’s airplane last month. -Janeen-
by Senator Patricia Jones
Assistant Senate Minority Whip
As Utah’s students reach the high school graduation line, many are asking themselves questions about what school to choose, which degree to pursue and what career path to follow. Sadly, our current system [...]
It’s now easier to comment on the Utah Senate Democrat blog. Just click on the comment link at the bottom of the post and share your views with us. We want to hear from you.
[...]by Senator Patricia Jones
Assistant Senate Minority Whip, Utah State Senate
Co-Owner/Focus Group Moderator, Dan Jones and Associates
Uncertainty about today’s shaky economy and unsure political future has crept into our living rooms – leaving many Utah residents wary [...]
After finishing his legislative internship with Senator Ross Romero and Senator Scott McCoy this past session, Zachery Fountain secured his first “real world” job. He was hired as the Deputy for Legislation and Communication for the Murray City Mayor’s Office. In particular, he is excited [...]
Stateline.org Reporter Dan Petty wrote an entertaining article entitled “When sessions end, gavels and hankies fall.” The article features end-of-session traditions (some serious, some hilarious) observed in various legislatures around the country, including the UTAH STATE SENATE. It’s clever. Enjoy!
[...]by Senator Scott McCoy
District Two
As I read Rep. Urquhart’s response to my blog post on gay marriage in California, it became clear to me that he really has not read it very closely. Rather, he tries to scare Utahns [...]
by Senator Scott McCoy
District Two
As of 6:01 p.m. MST yesterday, same-sex couples in California began marrying, legally, for the first time. WOO! HOO!
So what does this mean for same-sex couples in Utah? Well, when we strip away all the [...]
by Senator Scott McCoy
District Two
Speaker Curtis, President Valentine, and Senator Stephenson (the “Three Amigos”) recently wrote op-ed articles or appeared on the radio criticizing a citizens’ lawsuit of which I am a participant as a plaintiff and which argues that [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
District 7
During the last Legislative Session, I and Senator Hickman were asked to speak to a gathering of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Utah (BBBSU) who were enjoying a field trip at the Utah State Capitol. [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
District 7
Tonight the American Diabetes Association, through its Utah Chapter, will recognize and honor Senator Ed Mayne as a 2008 Father of the Year. While I did not know [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
District 7
It began at a fund raiser for the Utah Minority Bar Association (UMBA). I purchased a billboard donated by Reagan Outdoor Advertising as a contribution for UMBA scholarships. I intended to use the billboard for [...]
At the Utah Taxpayers Association annual conference May 13, 2008, Senator Mike Dmitrich received the Association’s Lifetime Service Award, recognizing his 40 years of distinguished service in the Utah House of Representatives and the Utah Senate and his constructive [...]
by Senator Mike Dmitrich
Senate Minority Leader
Gay Taylor, General Counsel for the Utah Legislature, is retiring effective the end of May. Last Wednesday afternoon, a reception was held in the Gold Room in honor of Gay’s 25 years of employment with the Utah Legislature. She has always provided superior [...]
The City of Taylorsville held its 12th annual awards banquet last March to honor extraordinary residents and employees of 2007. Senator Karen Mayne received an award from Mayor Russ Wall for meritorious service to the community as a legislator and as [...]
Last week, Senator Ross Romero was honored at the ACLU’s 50th Anniversary Bill of Rights Celebration. He received the Torch of Freedom Award for Progressive Leadership. Senator Romero received this recognition for his relentless efforts in the Utah State Legislature to [...]
by Senator Scott McCoy
District Two
According to The Salt Lake Tribune, the student legislators of the 19th annual 4-H Mock Legislature (and, no, they weren’t mocking the Legislature) rightly passed SB 14 which prohibits smoking in a [...]
Last month, Senator Ross Romero received a Peace and Justice Award from the Utah Coalition of La Raza at its 15th annual Cesar Chavez Banquet. Senator Romero received this prestigious award for his work as a legislator and lawyer in the [...]
City Weekly’s 2008 Best of Utah issue hit the news stands April 3. City Weekly readers voted on 100 “best of” categories. Senator Scott McCoy is the Readers’ Choice for Best State Legislator. CONGRATULATIONS Senator McCoy. If you have a copy [...]
by Senator Mike Dmitrich
Senate Minority Leader
District 27
Last month, my old friend, former Representative Gerald Woodmansee passed away at the age of 77. Since I’ve been on the Hill for 40 years, I believe I am the only current legislator who served with Jerry. He was a fellow House [...]
by
Senator Ross Romero
Senator Gene Davis
Senator Fred Fife
Last Saturday, March 29, Senators Romero, Fife, and Davis enrolled in Fire Ops 101, a genuine firefighter’s training experience for elected officials sponsored by the Salt Lake City Fire Department and the International Association of Firefighters. Fire Ops 101 was an [...]
Senate Minority Leader Mike Dmitrich will not seek re-election in 2008. This year, he will celebrate his 72nd birthday, having served the majority of his lifetime in the Utah Legislature. “It’s time,” he says, “to move on.” Senator Dmitrich was elected to the Utah House [...]
We thank our excellent team of interns for the 2008 session, who have worked many, many hours during the past 45 days. We could never have accomplished our lawmaking responsibilities without you! Autumn Orme (seated); then left to right, Joey Nations, Zach Fountain, Steve McKeone, and Greg Buckway.
[...]
James Peterson, married his sweetheart Chanta Quiterio, on the Senate Floor. They were married on Valentine’s Day by Senate President John Valentine. Hmmm…very amusing! The groom, James Peterson, is a long-time friend of Senator Mike Dmitrich.
Senator Karen Mayne was featured today in The Salt Lake Tribune in an article entitled, “Karen Mayne tries to carry on for beloved late husband as conscience of the Senate.”
Well, she’s not just “trying.” She’s doing it. Senator Mayne knows the [...]
by Senator Gene Davis
Senate Minority Whip
In Utah as well as elsewhere in this country, our health care system is in crisis. We applaud the fact that Governor Huntsman and the Legislature (HB 133) are willing to look at this issue, [...]
by Senator Mike Dmitrich
Senate Minority Leader
In the past general election, east side Salt Lake County voters approved the split of Jordan School District, the largest school district in the state. The district split created capital outlay inequities among school districts, [...]
by Senator Karen Mayne
District 5
Transportation is the life stream of our citizens. Without dependable and accessible transportation, commerce and our quality of life would be in jeopardy. We as citizens require and deserve affordable and effective modes of mobility. Keeping [...]
by Senator Ross Romero
District 7
Senator Ross Romero sponsored Senate Bill 60 to eliminate the obligation of the Utah Labor Commission, through the Anti-discrimination and Labor Division, to gather information regarding the fee charged to employees by employment agencies. The [...]
by Senator Fred Fife
District One
For many Utahns becoming senior is an enjoyable, rewarding time of life. For others it is not. Some seniors struggle to meet their basic needs: food, shelter, health care, and the necessities for combating [...]
[...]
