Legislative update Rep. Kay McIff

By REP. KAY McIFF

The prelude for this year’s legislative session was the untimely passing of former house speaker Rebecca Lockhart. She was an able and productive leader and had virtually no warning of a rare disease which claimed her life in less than two months after the first diagnosis. The loss had an added dimension in our family because she had been especially thoughtful and kind toward my wife Renee. Some things we do count more than other things. These acts of kindness counted a lot for us.
The first week includes an address by the chief justice of the state of judiciary. He recounted the history of the 1985 adoption of a new judicial code, which has served to make Utah a leader in the efficiency and equality of its court system. On Wednesday evening the governor delivered his state of the state address to the joint body of the house and senate. We were reminded again of how truly remarkable is Utah’s recovery from the 2007-08 recession.
For several years I have chaired the judiciary committee. This year I have been asked to chair the health and human services committee. It will be our task among other things to evaluate the course we should follow in expanding health care to cover all of our citizens. The governor’s plan – “Healthy Utah”- will be considered at length along with other proposals. It is not an easy task.
Our student population continues to increase and the need to adequately fund both public and higher education remains a major challenge. My colleagues generally agree that this is the most consequential role the hierarchy of State responsibilities.
During recent years the highways in rural Utah have been neglected and transportation funds have largely gone to the Wasatch Front. We can’t continue down that path. I will report to you on this subject as we move deeper into the session.
Anyone who may be interested in spending a day on capitol hill should make contact with me or my legislative intern, Crystal Bates at cbates@le.utah.gov or (435) 319-9574. You should also feel free to make direct contact with me at kaymciff@le.utah.gov. My appointment to chair the Health and Human Services Committee is proving most interesting. We deal with the issues that touch the lives of all of our citizens. I share the following example. House Bill 94- “Investigational Drug and Device Access for Terminally Ill Patients”- proposes that drugs and devices that have not completed the entire, and lengthy process to receive approval by the Food and Drug Administration, be available to terminally ill patients who are able to give conscious consent. It has been dubbed “the right to try” bill. Presently those confronted with this dilemma often travel to other locations to receive treatment. Both sides advance compelling arguments, which merit thoughtful consideration. I will let you know what happens.
I continue to serve on the Higher Education Committee. During the past week we have had the opportunity to hear from all the universities, community colleges, and applied technology schools in Utah. The betterment and advancement of higher education in our state during the difficult years since 2007 is really quite remarkable. These excellent institutions continue to produce advanced and prepared young people for a workforce that will need to be ever more educated to meet the needs of the growth that is taking place in Utah.
My other committee assignment is Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. I have spent a fair amount of my life working that area and hope my contribution will be worthwhile.
The weather in Salt Lake City has been unusually warm and pleasant and the air has not been too bad. Anyone who would like to see how things work in the Capitol of our great state, please feel free to contact my intern.