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Show From The State House By Thorpe Watldingham Approximately one-fourth of the 60 day period representing the existence of the 39th Session Ses-sion of the Utah, Legislature has now passed, but far less than one-fourth of the work of the Legislature has been completed. com-pleted. However, the legislative pace will quicken rapidly from this point on and Legislators will begin to hear the familiar lament that too many bills are being passed- - I agree. On January 19th a luncheon meeting was hpld at the Capitol Capi-tol Building. County Commissioners Commis-sioners and elected City and Town officials from. Sanpete. Juab. Millard and Beaver Counties Coun-ties we; e in attendance. Representatives Repre-sentatives Hy Lee, Homer Petersen Pe-tersen and Vanes Aagard were present, as were Senator Carl Swan of Tooele County, and myself. The meeting was held so thaat people from the various vari-ous areas could bring to the l egislators the opinions of the citizens in the areas that they represent, as such opinions bear c.n legislation to be considered during this Session. I felt that the meeting was well worthwhile worth-while and feel certain that sim-iliar sim-iliar meetings to be held in the future will cause us, as your Legislators, to be more knowledgeable knowl-edgeable regarding the wishes of the areas which we represent. repre-sent. One of those present at the meeting remarked that this type of meeting represented "democracy in action", and with such comment I agree. I think it is unfortunate that it is not possible for every citizen to have an opportunity to express his or her feelings concerning legislative matters. Contact your local city and county officials for time, date and place. The work of the Appropriations Appropria-tions Committee is well underway. under-way. As is the case every Session, Ses-sion, the requests for money greatly exceed the anticipated revenue. It is too early to tell whether or not major tax increases in-creases will be proposed. The Legislators I have had an opportunity op-portunity to talk with do not favor a major tax increase at this time. I share their opinion. It is already apparent that reapportionment and an in crease of Vic in the optional sales tax accruing to the benefit bene-fit of the counties, cities, and tow.ns will be high on the list of controversial subjects. |