Press Release | Utah House Democrats

House of Representatives Minority Leader David Litvack, D–Salt Lake City, issues statement on Lieutenant Governor Pick

Posted by Utah House Democrats on Aug 5, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Emily Bingham Hollingshead
House Democrats Communications Coordinator Utah House of Representatives
Ph: 435.817.7203
Fax: 801.326.1539
houseminmedia@utah.gov

http://www.utahhousedemocrats.org

House of Representatives Minority Leader David Litvack, D–Salt Lake City, issues statement on Lieutenant Governor Pick

SALT LAKE CITY, August 5, 2009 — House Minority Leader David Litvack, D–Salt Lake City, issued the following statement today, upon learning of Senator Greg Bell’s nomination to Lieutenant Governor by Governor-to-be Gary Herbert.

“We are happy to see Senator Bell receive this nomination. He has represented Davis County well, and will be a good addition to Governor Herbert’s administration. We look forward to continued collaboration with Lieutenant Governor Bell at the capitol and wish him well in his endeavors.”

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Representative Jackie Biskupsi to receive national Visionary Voice Award

Posted by Utah House Democrats on Apr 28, 2009

Representative Jackie Biskupsi to receive national “Visionary Voice” award

SALT LAKE CITY, April 28, 2009 — The Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault (UCASA) has announced House of Representatives member Jackie Biskupski—D, Salt Lake City, as a 2009 recipient of The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) Visionary Voice Award.

During Utah’s 2009 Legislative Session, Representative Biskupski sponsored House Bill 132: Sexual Assault Victim Protocols, which ensures that rape victims are provided with timely information and access to emergency contraception when they seek medical care.

“Representative Biskupski was nominated by UCASA for advocating successfully for victims’ rights, and for obtaining unanimous bi-partisan support to ensure rape victims are provided with timely information and access to emergency contraception,” said UCASA Executive Director Alana Kindness in a statement.

The Visionary Voice Award recognizes the creativity, hard work, and dedication of individuals around the country working to address and prevent sexual violence. Winners are selected by their respective state, tribal, or territory anti-sexual violence coalitions and represent a wide range of individuals doing this critical work at the local level.

“We are very happy for Representative Biskupski,” said House Minority Leader Representative David Litvack—D, Salt Lake City. “Her hard work and commitment to bipartisanship at the legislature is evident to all of us who enjoy the privilege of working with her. It is wonderful to see her receive such a prestigious award for her dedication.”

An awards ceremony for Representative Biskupsi and the other award recipients will be held on Wednesday, April 29, at 4:30 p.m. at the Utah State Capitol Rotunda. This event is free and open to the public.

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Seegmiller works to ban smoking in vehicles when children are present

Posted by Utah House Democrats on Feb 18, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Emily Bingham Hollingshead

House Democrats Communications Coordinator
Utah House of Representatives
Ph: 435.817.7203 801.696.9183
Fax: 801.326.1539
houseminmedia@utah.gov
http://www.utahhousedemocrats.org

Legislator Works to Ban Smoking in Cars When Children are Present

SALT LAKE CITY, February 18, 2009 — Representative Jay Seegmiller, D—Sandy, will be joined by fellow legislators, parents, children, pediatricians and child advocates to discuss the effects of smoking in cars when children are present, and to outline his bill HB 284, Smoking Ban in Motor Vehicles. The bill will be heard in committee at 2pm on Friday afternoon.

What: Press Conference and Photo Op

When: Friday, February 20, 2009, 12:00pm, immediately after floor time

Where: House of Representatives Grand Staircase

For information, contact Emily Hollingshead -435.817.7203 or 801.696.9183

Or Jay Seegmiller – 801.550.5649

State Board of Education Member Election Process

Posted by Utah House Democrats on Feb 18, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:

Emily Bingham Hollingshead

House Democrats Communications Coordinator
Utah House of Representatives
Ph: 435.817.7203
Fax: 801.326.1539
houseminmedia@utah.gov
http://www.utahhousedemocrats.org

State Board of Education Member Election Process bill advances

SALT LAKE CITY, February 17, 2009 — A bill that would modify the election process for membership on the State Board of Education passed the House Education committee on Friday and now moves to the full House. Sponsored by Representative Carol Spackman Moss, D—Holladay, HB 150 repeals the involvement of the governor and the nominating and recruiting committee for the state Board of Education selection process and requires direct, nonpartisan election of members.

“Some have suggested that make direct election of school board members partisan races. But education is not partisan, and selection for Utah Board of Education should not be a partisan process,” said Representative Moss. “One reason this election process needs to be nonpartisan is so that federal employees would not be barred from running. In some counties, such as Davis and Weber, Hill Field employees regularly run for school board and municipal offices. If we turn this election over to political parties, many qualified people would not be allowed to run because of Hatch Act restrictions.”

The Hatch Act of 1939 is a United States federal law whose main provision is to prohibit federal employees (civil servants) from engaging in partisan political activity.

“The committee process is counter to the democratic process. Some have said that the committee process is necessary because it is difficult to get people interested to run for state school board. Over the past few years, however, there has been a heightened awareness that has increased involvement in public education,” said Moss.

HB 150 passed through the education committee with 11 yes votes and 4 no votes. It is on the 3^rd reading calendar in the House of Representatives.

Farewell Legislators

Posted by Utah House Democrats on Jun 18, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2008

For more information, contact:

Emily Bingham Hollingshead

House Democrats Communications Coordinator

Utah House of Representatives

Ph: 435.817.5288

Fax: 801.326.1539

ehollingshead@utah.gov

http://www.utahhousedemocrats.org

Utah House Democrats Honor Legislators

SALT LAKE CITY, June 18, 2008 — Utah House Democrats met today for their annual fundraising breakfast and to honor legislators who are either retiring from public service or who are retiring from the House of Representatives as they seek election to the Utah Senate.

House Minority Leader Brad King was the Keynote Speaker. King announced earlier this year that he will run for Utah Senate District 27, which is being vacated by Senator Mike Dmitrch — D, Price..

In his remarks, entitled “Life, Love, 12 Years In the Utah Legislature,” King reminisced about his service in the House of Representatives and spoke of the service and sacrifice offered by so many public servants during his time in office.

“It has been a honor and a privilege to work with the dedicated members of the Utah Legislature who put service above self,” said King.

King and other members of House Democratic leadership also paid tribute to retiring legislators Representative Karen Morgan, who also is seeking election to the Utah Senate, District 8, and Representatives Carl Duckworth, Roz McGee, and LuWanna Shurtliff who are not seeking re-election.

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Representative Brad King (Price) and Representative Roz McGee (Salt Lake City)

Representative Carol Spackman Moss (Salt Lake City) and Representative Karen Morgan (Salt Lake City)

Representative Carol Spackman Moss (Salt Lake City) and Representative Lu Shurtliff (Ogden)

Representative Jim Gowans (Tooele) and Representative Carl Duckworth (Magna)

Representative Karen Morgan named National Chair, Women in Government

Posted by Utah House Democrats on Jan 13, 2008

SALT LAKE CITY – January 11, 2008 – Representative Karen Morgan (D) Salt Lake City, has been named the National Chair of Women in Government, it was announced today by House Minnority Leader, Brad King. She was sworn in on Thursday, January 3, 2008.

Women In Government is a national 501(c)(3), non-profit, bi-partisan organization of women state legislators providing leadership opportunities, networking, expert forums, and educational resources to address and resolve complex public policy issues. Women In Government leads the nation with a bold, courageous, and passionate vision that empowers and mobilizes all women legislators to effect sound policy.

Morgan received the Presidential Leadership Award” for her work on Cervical Cancer Prevention. Representative Morgan has served as a member of the Women in Government board from the western Region and was the National Vice Chair in 2007. She has served the constituents of District 46 in Salt Lake City since 1999.

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