Failing Legislators

Read this letter to the editor from the Salt Lake Tribune. Post your own comment there as well.

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SL Tribune Editorial Support

This editorial from Monday's Salt Lake Tribune addresses concerns about the funding shell game going on at the Capitol in the committee budget discussions. Take a few minutes to read it.

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Public Ed Appropriations Committee Slashes Budget

Check out these links for some important information about items being discussed by the legislature.

What is the real value of the WPU?

Public Education base budget is slashed by 11.2%, more than any other base budget under discussion.

Another Legislative Experience

On Friday, January 28, I had the opportunity to attend Educator Day on the Hill at the State Capital. When we first arrived early that morning we met with the UEA Legislative Team and discussed the 27 bills, so far, that impact education. We then went over to the capitol and just stopped and met with members of the legislature in the hallways. I talked to Rep. Roger Barrus who is sponsoring the bill that modifies provisions to increase Trust Lands money for schools. I talked briefly to a few other representatives and senators.

At lunch several senators and representatives came into the room where we were eating and gave their perspective and acknowledged our concerns and questions. I was impressed with the relationship the association has with them. Our UEA Team is well educated on all of these bills. They know what these bills mean to education, they know those that are involved with these bills and keep in close contact with them. Our DEA team is also up on the hill working right alongside them. I came back wondering what would happen if these people were not up there fighting for us as well as education in general.

Debbie Fenwick - Sand Springs Elementary

Educator Day on the Hill

It is a great opportunity to go to the hill and make a personal contact with my legislators. Now that I have a contact I have a face and memory attached to the communications that I send to my representatives. It was great to sit at the table with UEA leadership and know what they are doing and to become an agent with them to help represent all of us. How wonderful would it be if each legislator had five to ten teachers among their constituents as resources to them as they make decisions about the future of education. We have many legislators that support the students of Utah and their schools. At lunch several representatives came and spoke to us about their vision and how we could help. These legislators want the best for education and respect teachers.

Please take the opportunity to go to the hill. You will be glad that you did. Take this opportunity to make a difference in a venue that you may have not tried before. This experience will increase your confidence and build contacts that will allow your voice to be heard.

Thank you for this experience on the hill.

Dan Pitcher

Clearfield High School

Legislative Town Meeting Updates

Thursday, February 3, at 7:30 - Representatives Brad Wilson and Julie Fisher at the Kaysville City Hall.

Thursday, February 3, at 7:00 - Representative Roger Barrus and Senator Dan Liljenquist at West Bountiful City Hall.

Wednesday, February 16, at 7:00 - Representative Roger Barrus and Senator Stuart Adams at the Farmington City Hall.

Please let us know of other town halls scheduled.

Legislative Town Hall Meetings

Wednesday, January 26, at 6:30 - Senator Dan Liljenquist and Representatives Becky Edwards and Jim Nielson at the Bountiful City Library.

Thursday, January 27, at 7:30 - Senator Stuart Adams and Representatives Stephen Handy and Brad Wilson at the Destination Homes building, 67 S. Main Street in Layton, third floor.

Thursday, February 3, at 7:30 - Representatives Brad Wilson and Julie Fisher at the Kaysville City Hall.

Wednesday, February 16, at 7:00 - Senator Stuart Adams at the Farmington City Hall.