Robert Celt
New Member
The 2016 Legislative Session is underway on Utah's Capitol Hill.
On the first day lawmakers didn't take votes on any of the big issues, but they did talk about what they expect when they do.
Leaders in the House and Senate support efforts to get more state control over public lands.
That includes the Public Lands Initiative Act rolled out last week and a potential state lawsuit against the federal government.
Two bills on medical marijuana will also be presented.
One, would legalize it for people suffering from certain chronic conditions.
The other takes a more limited approach.
It would expand the legal use of cannabidiol in our state.
Senate President, Wayne Niederhauser echoed Governor Herbert's comments last week, saying he believes there is a way forward, but is concerned about having the proper control measures in place.
Medicaid expansion will be back from last year as well.
Full Medicaid expansion will be introduced in the senate by Senator, Gene Davis, but Senate leaders admit any solution will have to be scaled down.
Those issues and hundreds more will be considered during the 45 day run.
"Where a third of your government structure is in session and considering bills and looking at budgets it is a critical time in this state and it is a time we all come together and work," said Speaker of the House, Greg Hughes.
"Things like an increase in the minimum wage, a living wage for people, like paid family leave, like equal pay for equal work. These are all issues that working Utahns need," said House Minority Leader, Brian King.
If the state does end up pursuing that lawsuit over public lands it could be a costly one.
If it goes all the way to the Supreme Court it's estimated to run about $14 million.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Utah: Medical Marijuana, Medicaid Expansion And Public Lands All Up For Debate
Author: Glen Mills
Contact: Good4Utah
Photo Credit: None found
Website: Good4Utah
On the first day lawmakers didn't take votes on any of the big issues, but they did talk about what they expect when they do.
Leaders in the House and Senate support efforts to get more state control over public lands.
That includes the Public Lands Initiative Act rolled out last week and a potential state lawsuit against the federal government.
Two bills on medical marijuana will also be presented.
One, would legalize it for people suffering from certain chronic conditions.
The other takes a more limited approach.
It would expand the legal use of cannabidiol in our state.
Senate President, Wayne Niederhauser echoed Governor Herbert's comments last week, saying he believes there is a way forward, but is concerned about having the proper control measures in place.
Medicaid expansion will be back from last year as well.
Full Medicaid expansion will be introduced in the senate by Senator, Gene Davis, but Senate leaders admit any solution will have to be scaled down.
Those issues and hundreds more will be considered during the 45 day run.
"Where a third of your government structure is in session and considering bills and looking at budgets it is a critical time in this state and it is a time we all come together and work," said Speaker of the House, Greg Hughes.
"Things like an increase in the minimum wage, a living wage for people, like paid family leave, like equal pay for equal work. These are all issues that working Utahns need," said House Minority Leader, Brian King.
If the state does end up pursuing that lawsuit over public lands it could be a costly one.
If it goes all the way to the Supreme Court it's estimated to run about $14 million.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Utah: Medical Marijuana, Medicaid Expansion And Public Lands All Up For Debate
Author: Glen Mills
Contact: Good4Utah
Photo Credit: None found
Website: Good4Utah