The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) ranked the Utah Legislature Number One in participation in their Back to School Week program during the 2008-2009 school year.  (See report HERE)

Every year I look forward to spending several days in a variety of classroom settings throughout District 57.  Probably the longest running classroom experience I’ve enjoyed throughout my legislative tenure is spending one to two days during the Fall Semester “teaching” government in Mr. John Kurtz’s government class at Pleasant Grove High School.  You don’t think high school kids care about government…that’s not my experience.  Engaged, enthusiastic, concerned…that’s what I’ve seen from the future leaders of our community, state, and nation.

Do we do it for the kudos?  No.  We do it for the children.

Congratulations to our out-going Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr., confirmed moments ago by the full Senate as President Obama’s choice for Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the People’s Republic of China.  Now, there’s a mouthful.

Story by Tommy Burr and Matt Canham, Salt Lake Tribune.

65% of Utah’s land is owned by the federal government.  Now, more than ever, Utah is at greater risk of losing access to precious public lands.  From the “Take Back Utah” website:

Access is essential to many things that affect our quality of life. It even has an impact on funding available for Utah’s public education system. From issues of energy independence to the quality of our children’s education, access to public land impacts us all.

Join us this Saturday morning for a Parade and Rally.  See details of this event at the “Take Back Utah” website.

I know Greg Bell…he is an honorable man.  Senator Greg Bell will serve as Utah’s next Lt. Governor, was the announcement about an hour ago.  During a press conference/announcement from the Gold Room at the Utah State Capitol, “Soon-to-Be” Governor Gary Herbert announced his choice for “#2.”   We wish our new executive team the best as they work with the state legislature as they face one of the most difficult economic circumstances in Utah’s history.

With Greg Bell vacating his state senate seat, a mid-term vacancy election will occur in his senate district within the next few weeks…my guess.  Those whose names are floating out there:  Current House Majority Leader Kevin Garn, Former Representative (and “final 4″ Lt. Gov. candidate) Stuart Adams, and Current Representative Julie Fisher.

If Rep. Kevin Garn runs for Sen. Bell’s vacated seat and is elected/appointed through the mid-term vacancy process, this could create a “domino” effect in current House leadership seats.

Deseret News article.  Click HERE.

Privatization presentation at the 2009 Utah Taxpayers Association annual conference.  Rep. Frank discusses the current state of the Privatization Policy Board and the “Inventory” system created by the passge of HB75 (2008 General Session).

Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. (R-UT), has cleared the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.  In a unnanamous vote (even better than his 88% approval rating as Governor) taken just after 12:30 p.m. (MDT), Huntsman will now be presented to the full Senate for confirmation.  It is anticipated Huntsman will resign as Governor of the State of Utah just following the Senate’s vote.

See Thomas Burr, Salt Lake Trib, article.  Link HERE.