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Utah State Legislature Week 2 |
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Written by Micah Olson
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Monday, 08 February 2010 14:50 |
Dear Neighbor,
Once again, another week has passed and I am happy to inform you of the work of the legislature. Several key issues have been discussed this week, attracting more attention from the media and public. Additionally, I have experienced success with pushing my legislation through the bill process.
One of the major bills discussed this week is HB 67 sponsored by Representative Wimmer. HB 67 addresses a possible federal healthcare plan and calls on Utah agencies to consult with the Legislature before automatically implementing the federal plan. On Wednesday this issue was brought to the Health and Human Services Committee where it was passed with a favorable recommendation. However, this outcome was not without debate from both legislators and public commentators (Deseret News- Utah bills hit back at federal mandates). As a strong proponent for states’ rights, I made the motion to pass this bill, justifying that we cannot rely on the federal government to fund our programs when the federal government has no money to give. Concluding the statement, I drew from the quote by Admiral David Glasgow Farragut where he shouts to disregard the torpedoes, and go “full speed ahead.”
My three prescription drug bills have now made their way through the senate committees and are on the agenda to be discussed in the senate floor session. I was fortunate to have Lindon police officer, Darrell Bingham, at my side to present HB 36 to the senate Law Enforcement committee. A brief explanation of this bill and its presentation in the senate committee can be found here – Utah Legislature – Committee OKs doctor notification bill.
I also presented HB 110 in the house Law Enforcement committee on Thursday. This bill, County Jail Inmate Medical Costs, allows the county to look towards inmate’s private health insurance to pay for medical fees. In the absence of private healthcare, the county will pay for the medical costs but can look towards reimbursement from the imamate’s cash account or possible private property in the jail’s possession. This bill will save the county money by utilizing the inmate’s resources. Another bill I sponsor, HB 254, was heard by the house Government Operations Committee on Friday. This bill amends the voter identification bill I passed last session. It makes a few technical changes on last year’s bill and specifies that current military IDs, Bureau of Indian Affairs cards, and tribal treaty cards will count as a primary form of identification at voting polls.
Lastly, a group of eventful legislation passed through the Health and Human Services Committee Friday afternoon. The three bills map out Utah’s health care reform, providing for a 10 year map to solve Utah’s health care problems. HB 25 and HB 52 simplify a system in which health care can be bought and paid for. HB 294 is the main focus of the reform and provides for a way to “move to a customized, competitive model that allows consumers to pick more suitable plans, carry coverage with them between jobs and sets options for employers who offer plans”(Utah Legislature: 3 bills blueprint new Utah health plan).
I have received many e-mails and thank you for taking that time to respond to these updates and voice your comments and concerns. I welcome all input as I continually strive to do my best to represent our district. Have a great week.
Sincerely,
Brad Daw
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