January 22, 2021 | Vol. 2 Iss. 04
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THINGS LOOK DIFFERENT AS THE 2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS Lawmakers come together on Capitol Hill
By Becky Ginos becky.g@davisjournal.com SALT LAKE CITY—To say 2020 was a tough year would be an understatement, but there was hope and optimism for the coming year as the 2021 Legislative session got underway on Tuesday. Even as lawmakers wore masks and were separated by plexiglass. “2020 was a tragic year for the world, for our country and for our state,” said House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville in his opening remarks. “More than a thousand Utah families – including several in this body – have lost loved ones. Thousands more have faced serious health challenges due to COVID-19. But in the midst of all this tragedy, we have seen Utahns facing adversity with determination, overcoming challenges with innovation and lifting others with compassion.” Wilson shared the story of the 1980 Olympic hockey team that against all odds beat the Soviets to win a Gold Medal. “That group of boys went toe-to-toe with the Soviet juggernaut that night, culminating in an astonishing victory in what we now call the Miracle on Ice,” he
said. “Over the past few days I’ve had those words running through my mind as I think about Utah’s situation. Great moments are born from great opportunity. My friends, despite some significant
challenges – daunting challenges – this is a time of great opportunity for our state.” The legislature is going to work harder and smarter than Please see SESSION: pg. 9
LAWMAKERS IN THE HOUSE are masked and separated by plexiglass on opening day. The halls of the Capitol were quiet as the public was not allowed in due to safety concerns.
Photo by Becky Ginos