2023 Priorities
“One of my priorities is to help people of all political persuasions understand the tremendous economic potential Utah’s public lands have as recreation resources. This should help people find common ground on public land issues.”
Utah’s Outdoor Recreation Economy:
I passed a bill last session which received funding for Utah’s indigenous tribes to plan and construct a cultural and visitor’s center at Bears Ears. Regardless of differing positions on the issue of monument boundaries, I think most people can agree that a visitors center would help protect the tremendous cultural resources of the Monument and boost the local economy. I will continue to work to ensure that this happens.
A bill to examine the reliance of various business sectors - like Silicon Slopes - on outdoor recreation and plan for future needs for development of recreation infrastructure like parks and trails.
A bill to remove restrictions on the use of eminent domain to acquire recreational resources.
The Great Salt Lake:
The shrinking of the Great Salt Lake poses serious environmental risks to the entire Wasatch Front. The Legislature is taking meaningful action to protect and rehabilitate the Lake, but these efforts must be ongoing.
Affordable Housing:
A bill to increase funding for affordable housing by earmarking funds from the sales of alcohol.
Protecting Downwinders:
A resolution supporting extension and expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1989 - a bi-partisan bill, originally sponsored by Representative Wayne Owens (D) and Senator Orrin Hatch (R).
Air quality:
I passed a bill to keep motorized vehicles off of the exposed bed of the shrinking Great Salt Lake. This is going to keep toxic dust out of our air. However, there is still more work to be done in elevating the quality of our air.