Week Two

Most of you have probably heard about my recent adventure in the ER. You'll be happy to know that I am well, and that my fellow legislators are keeping me on the straight and narrow.

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​It’s been an eventful week, and I’m getting in to the swing of things up on the Hill. Here’s a quick recap of the second week of the session.

• The Senate passed SCJ1. This is a joint resolution to replace the Philo T. Farnsworth statue in the US Capitol Building with a statue of Martha Hughes Cannon. Martha was the first woman in the nation elected to the State Senate. She was elected on November 3, 1896, in a race with eight other candidates, one of which was her husband. She was also one of the first female physicians in Utah, and she fought for women’s right to vote here in Utah. I am looking forward to the opportunity to send Martha to Washington, DC.
• One bill to keep your eye on in the upcoming weeks is HB19 from Representative Norm Thurston. HB19, the Health Insurance Right to Shop Amendment will allow individuals to ask for the cost of surgery up front from providers. This will make it possible for patients to look for cheaper avenues when surgery is necessary. I am in favor of this bill, and will keep you updated on its progress.
• Another Bill from Rep Thurston, HB163 Drug Importation, will allow companies to import drugs from Canada, saving consumers money. This bill passed the House, I voted in favor. Norm is all about saving our health care dollars this session.
• One more bill that constituents have asked about, HB 175, was heard in Government Ops Committee this week. HB175 would have created more government oversight of administrative rules within the state. This bill was defeated in committee.
• On the Transportation Committee, Representative Ray Ward presented bill HB184, Driver’s License Form Amendment. This bill simplifies the medical form that drivers and medical personnel use to apply for a Driver’s License. It would also allow doctors to suggest a person with a medical condition could renew their license every five years instead of every year.

 

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Visiting with the awesome fourth graders from Morgan Elementary.

​I had the opportunity to meet with students from Morgan Elementary, Park City Junior High, and Ecker Middle School. The fourth graders from Morgan really had some hard-hitting questions for their legislator: Do you know my mom/dad/grandma/grandpa? Do you like to play basketball? Do you get motion sickness? Who is taking care of the sheep while you are here? Nothing quite like being grilled by your youngest constituents.



​We also had the chance to honor fellow Morgan County resident Fred Thurston this week. Fred is the recipient of the Leopold Conservation Award for 2017. Fred is a personal friend, I was blessed to serve on the Morgan County Conservation District with him. He is also the father of Representative Norm Thurston. 

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Sitting on the House Floor, with Leopold Conservation Award Winner, Fred Thurston.

​​We finished out the week with a Legislative Update in Morgan County on Saturday morning. Thanks to those who attended and shared their concerns and questions with me. I’ll be holding a few more in the upcoming weeks, so look for me in your neck of the woods. As always, I am glad to hear from you. Please contact me at loganwilde@le.utah.gov with any questions, needs or concerns.

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Updating Morgan County Constituents Saturday morning.