News Releases
Statement from Senator Romneyâs office
The office of U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) today released the following statement:
âSenator Romney tested positive today for COVID-19. He is currently asymptomatic and will be isolating and working remotely for the recommended period of time. Mrs. Romney has tested negative. Both Senator and Mrs. Romney have been fully vaccinated and boosted against the virus.â
New advocacy group forms in Utah
Raise Your Hand Utah is a new advocacy group in the state, formed as a grassroots, not-for-profit organization to promote widespread community engagement in education. It intends to address pressing educational issues, endorse candidates for upcoming local school board races and provide a rational voice for parents, teachers and students.
Raise Your Hand Utahâs 10-member operating board is first and foremost made up of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles of school-age children. Board members also have experience at all levels of the public school system in Utah. They plan to weigh in on legislation and partner with other advocacy groups, as they encourage others to join the conversation in courageous, compassionate, empathetic, smart and civil ways.
For more information, please visit Raise Your Hand Utah's website and Twitter account. (Read More)
Gov. Cox names new state Medicaid Director
Gov. Spencer J. Cox announced the appointment of Jennifer Strohecker as the stateâs new Medicaid Director. The appointment is subject to approval by the Utah Senate.
Since 2018, Strohecker has been the director of the Bureau of Healthcare Policy and Authorization and the Medicaid pharmacy director, where she has developed and implemented medical and pharmacy policy. During COVID-19, she successfully pivoted service delivery for Medicaid recipients to a telehealth model, allowing high-risk individuals with autism, dialysis and other chronic conditions continued access to treatments. (Read More)
Utah Senate passes more than $160 million income tax cut for Utahns
After cutting taxes for families, veterans and elderly Utahns during the 2021 General Session, the Senate set its sights on more than a $160 million income tax cut for all Utahns. On Friday, the Senate passed S.B. 59 State Income Tax Rate Reduction, which reduces income tax from 4.95% to 4.85%. The bill provides relief for all taxpayers while enabling the Legislature to invest in education, transportation, public health, water and more key areas that matter to Utahns.
âOver the last few years, the Legislature implemented significant tax reductions,â said Sen. Dan McCay, sponsor of S.B. 59. âBecause of conservative, fiscally sound policy, our state is in a position to reduce taxes across the board. Income tax is burdensome on Utah families and a targeted approach to giving income tax relief will benefit all Utahns.â (Read More)
Campaign tips for persons with disabilities
by Ed Carter
When you are a person with a disability, you know that the world was not built with you in mind. But, you have a unique point of view, and your ideas and aspirations can make a huge and positive impact in your community. If you decide to turn these into actionable changes by running for local office, youâre one step closer to making the world a more equitable place. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Know the issues, improve your qualifications, be authentic, refine your speeches, practice answering questions, choose the right team and maintain professionalism. (Read More for additional details)
There may be days when you are at your witâs end and frustrated with the political climate of your area. But, you canât let this get to you. Maintain your professionalism and remember that you are trying to be a public servant. Make sure that your communication skills remain on point and that you maintain respect and a collaborative attitude before, during, and after election season.
Running even a small office takes work. The above tips are in no way a full list of things you need to be successful. However, each will put you closer to feeling more comfortable putting yourself out there to take on your first official role in your local government.
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