The gavel has fallen and the Utah Legislature is officially in session! This week we dissect opening speeches by Gov. Gary Herbert and House Speaker Greg Hughes, then Speaker Hughes will also join us later in the episode for our “Better Know a Lawmaker” segment. To wrap it up, we'll sprint through some of the bills that have started to gain momentum on the hill.
Listen wherever you find podcasts, including iTunes, Stitcher and TuneIn. You can also listen above, and via KUER's mobile app.
Bills & Issues Mentioned in this Episode:
- Gov. Gary Herbert declared the state of the State of Utah “truly, truly exceptional.”
- Speaker Hughes assures Utahns that Attorney General Sean Reyes will sue big pharma companies for damages in Utah’s opioid crisis. But will Reyes follow through?
- Bills are Moving! Lawmakers are hearing and debating bills that could overhaul state transportation policy, significantly restrict summer fireworks, provide support for working Utah families, lead to more toll roads and restrict some abortions.
- Thanks to everyone who came to our launch party at Silicon Slopes! Special thanks to Reps. John Knotwell and Cory Maloy.
Better Know A Lawmaker: House Speaker Greg Hughes (R-Draper)
Since 2003, Greg Hughes, R-Draper, has represented District 51 in the Utah House. In 2015, he became Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives.
Since then, Hughes has ushered through – and blocked – big pieces of legislation. He sponsored resolutions urging changes to two Utah National Monuments and in 2015 blocked Gov. Herbert’s plan for limited Medicaid expansion.
We talk with Hughes about his declaration of war against opioid makers and his top priorities for his final legislative session.
Have a question for your lawmaker that you want Julia & Nicole to investigate? Submit it here!
