Castle Country Radio is conducting weekly Legislative updates with Representative Christine F. Watkins while the general session is taking place this year. She will give a brief report on the dealings taking place on the hill twice a week, so she took time on Wednesday, Feb. 8 to speak over the telephone.

The appropriation process has been going on at the capital as they are trying to determine where funds need to go to different groups who have presented to the committee. “We have listened to all of these groups, in my committee we had over 60. We decide, you know, will this be something that will benefit the state or a huge part of the region or is this strictly local. We were given direction, we have a lot of money come in from the federal government so we were able to allocate more money, well that’s going to stop with this session, that will not be anymore,” stated Representative Watkins. Yesterday was the last day to meet with the committee and vote, then it goes on to the Executive Appropriation Committee for further discussion as to whether or not funding will be approved.

There were caucus meetings taking place regarding taxes, they are currently looking at numbers as to what they should do. “We still have everything on the table, from an income tax reduction to all the other taxes that we pay, social security. Now I know there will be a change in the social security income level. We as a house want more, the senate wants a little less, maybe will compromise,” said Representative Watkins. When more information becomes available, she will address the social security issue further.

There is currently a bill up for review regarding voting in person or by mail, it is leaving it up to each county to decide how they want to conduct their elections. “We are also passing a bill that says all of the counties will be audited regularly after a big election, probably the presidential. So we’re really paying attention to that but I thought that was good bill. Obviously, it has to go through the Senate side before it comes to us,” stated Representative Watkins. She also mentioned that if this bill makes it to the house side, she would be in favor of it.

Finally, she wanted to discuss the issue with the new state flag which has become very controversial as many constituents are wanting to keep the old flag. “Well it has passed through the Senate, so it is now on the house side, it hasn’t gone through committee. So obviously it hasn’t hit the floor but the vast majority of all our new reps, the republican side we got 17 new representatives this year. They feel that this is a game changer that they need to support because all of their constituents are saying, we want to stay with the original flag. So its kind of interesting seeing that,” said Representative Watkins. She will address this subject more as it comes to light on the floor.

To stay informed on what is taking place at the Utah State legislature visit their website at https://le.utah.gov/