Pulling off the gloves early in the session, the “wrongful death” bill introduced by Senator Scott McCoy was shot down in the Senate committee, 4 to 2. The proposed legislation passed out of interim committee with little fanfare, but in a sometimes-heated 2 hour debate on the least controversial pieces of gay rights legislation, the split along party lines does not bode well for the other three bills being promoted by “Equality Utah”. Proponents for the legislation – which would allow any financial dependent to sue for wrongful death benefits after the loss of the primary breadwinner – offered impassioned pleas. Opponents called it the camel’s nose in the tent and declared that it was one more step down the slippery slope to allowing gay marriage in Utah. Senator McCoy promised to reintroduce the bill again next year.

The day ended with the governor’s state of the state address. Speaking in front of a packed crowd in the House chambers, Governor Huntsman talked about the economic distress we are experiencing, stating that it is imperative that “we ensure a level of trust between the people who call Utah home and their elected officials.” He called upon the legislators to first and foremost “prudently and wisely” balance the budget.

He also called for unity and not partisanship as our state’s leaders look to balance the budget and still keep the individual in mind. He announced an immediate resumption of transportation projects put on hold last November (hoping for “bailout” money?) The very best part of the speech, in my opinion, was this:

“I reiterate my call to all who can hear me: find someone in need and help them – whether it be a neighbor, a friend or a perfect stranger. We all have something to give, even if it is just a hand to hold, and there are so many in need right now.”

Amen. Utahns are known for their volunteerism, for their spirit of service and of giving. May it continue and in fact, increase, in these trying times.