Well it has been quite some time since I've made a blog entry. It's much like my attempts to write in a journal, I have high hopes yet I'm easily distracted or delayed. Enough of that....

The legislative session has started and we are well on our way into many weighty discussions. It strikes me each session the privilege it is to be allowed the honor to represent neighbors and friends on issues that will affect their daily life. I'm reminded of the honor and responsibility each day as I look to the front of the chamber and read the term "Vox Populi" or Voice of the People just below the Speaker's dais. Thank you for this opportunity.

The word of the session is Budget.... Many of the discussions we are having in the halls and in the meetings I attend are centered around the budget. We have some serious challenges related to the budget shortfall. I'm working to try and help the members of the legislature more fully recognize the relationship between our economic viability and the investment we need to continue to make with regard to education funding. It's my feeling that unlike any other expenditure we make in the budget, the money we spend for education provides the greatest return on investment. There have been independent studies done that show for every dollar we spend on Higher Education there is a $7.oo dollar return. That return comes in the form of higher wages and greater opportunities for those that are trained. Utah has always been recognized as a state that values education; however, over the past few years our passion among our young people has not been as strong. There are fewer people graduating from our institutions of higher education. In my opinion the need for meaningful additional training for our citizens cannot be over stated. The strength of our country is in a educated and motivated work force. We need to keep our young people focused on those benefits and provide those opportunities.

Hopefully it won't be as long before my next post. Let me know what you think.....