New Lawmakers Sworn In As Utah’s Legislative Session Begins
Jan 28, 2019, 2:06 PM | Updated: 2:09 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The first day of the 2019 legislative session was shaping up to be a busy one on Utah’s Capitol Hill.
The big issues emerged even as new lawmakers were taking the oath of office.
Former Speaker of the House Greg Hughes passed the baton Monday to the new speaker, Republican Brad Wilson.
In his opening remarks, Wilson spoke of Utah’s booming economy, remarkable job growth and low unemployment. He said lawmakers need to keep that momentum going.
"I appreciate your support" @BradWilsonGOP gives opening remarks as the new Speaker of the House for the 2019-2020 term. @KSL5TV @KSLcom @kslnewsradio #utpol #utleg @UtahReps pic.twitter.com/nLxzEXq7LS
— Ladd Egan (@laddegan) January 28, 2019
“Significant growth brings significant challenges, which loom large in number and in scope,” he said to the gathered representatives. “But I am not worried. The reason I’m not is because of each of you.”
There’s also a new leader in the Senate with Republican Stewart Adams, from Layton, taking over as Senate president.
He spoke about the state being the best-managed in the nation and that common ground is needed as Utahns work to manage a growing population.
"The best managed state," new #Utah Senate President @JStuartAdams talks about building common ground to keep Utah at its best as we deal with a growing population. @KSL5TV @KSLcom @kslnewsradio #utleg #utpol @utahsenate pic.twitter.com/43IADSuxvk
— Ladd Egan (@laddegan) January 28, 2019
Taxes and funding for education are expected to be big topics during the session, but there’s also Medicaid expansion. Lawmakers want to pass some changes to the voter-approved expansion, and it has upset some supporters.
A rally in favor of the Medicaid expansion is expected in the Capitol rotunda sometime Monday afternoon.
Newly elected members of the Utah House of Representatives take oath of office as part of the 63rd Legislature. 2019 General Session starts today #utleg @KSL5TV @KSLcom @kslnewsradio #utpol @UtahReps pic.twitter.com/lMBpGQX8P9
— Ladd Egan (@laddegan) January 28, 2019