Checking In At The Legislature: 2020 Session Week 6

We are now moving into the final week of the 2020 Legislative Session. It has been a busy forty-five days! Serving you in this position is an honor. As we move into the final stage of the Legislative Session, I wanted to update you on a few things that happened during week six. Look below for a few noteworthy events and information!

As the session comes to a close, please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns related to any of my legislative work.

Thank you,
Representative Dan Johnson
House District 4

Video On School Breakfast Programs

Click below to watch a video of me explaining why I support school breakfast programs.

My Upcoming Legislation

HB 376 Dropout Prevention Amendments

The Utah State Board of Education and I presented HB376 Dropout Prevention Amendments. The House Education Committee unanimously passed it out.

Week 4 Overview

Coronavirus

On Monday, Governor Herbert announced the creation of the coronavirus task force – made up of health care providers and state and community stakeholders – and the state’s plan to mitigate COVID-19 and minimize disruption in Utah. We are confident in the task force’s efforts and encourage everyone throughout the state to take the advised precautions outlined by the CDC and task force. To find current and accurate information on COVID-19 in Utah, follow @CoronavirusUtah on twitter and visit Coronavirus.utah.gov

Meeting With Students and Educators From Logan

On Friday, I met with students from Logan, who won an art competition, teachers from Logan High, and students from Hillcrest Elementary. Our students are brighter than ever and are in excellent hands with the teachers that we have!

Gubernatorial Candidates & Congressional Delegation Visits to Caucus

Throughout the session, our caucus will be visited by the Republican gubernatorial candidates. We are also visited by members of our congressional delegation. Last Friday we were visited by Senator Mitt Romney and Spencer Cox. This week, we were visited by Greg Hughes.

Pharmacy Benefits Amendment

Utahns spend more out-of-pocket for their health care and prescription drugs than the average American. Branded drug prices have nearly tripled since 2008, and for every dollar spent on health care, only 23.3 cents goes towards prescription drugs. Representative Ray’s bill, HB 272 Pharmacy Benefits Amendment, will address these concerns and significantly benefit Utahns by increasing drug price transparency and bending the cost curve on health care. HB 272 unanimously passed the House of Representatives and has moved to the Senate.

Education Funding

The legislature heard SJR 9 and HB 357 this week, two bills that are of significant importance. We have been working closely with education leaders and stakeholders to craft a proposal that will help address our state budget’s structural imbalance and reduce volatility in education funding. The proposed solution modifies the constitution to allow income tax revenue to serve children and individuals with disabilities while still protecting, stabilizing, and growing public education funding. Additionally, this proposal includes no tax increases. This proposal will only go into effect if Utah voters approve the amendment during the 2020 general election.

Bills Passed As Of 3/9/2020

To see a list of bills that have been passed during the 2020 Legislative Session, click here.