Utah Legislature kicks off 2021 session with messages of hope despite COVID-19

New members of the Utah House of Representatives are sworn in as the Utah Legislature opens the 2021 general session at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s legislative leaders kicked off the 2021 general session Tuesday with messages of a bright future despite challenges due to COVID-19.

“Beyond the physical effects of COVID, the global pandemic has caused widespread economic hardship, social disruption and mental health issues. Discouraging news about the pandemic, natural disasters and civil unrest have seemed to arrive at a tempo that left moments of reprieve few and far between,” said House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, in his opening day speech on the House floor.

“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 said.

Lawmakers listened behind panes of plexiglass installed on each of their desks. All appeared to wear masks or other face coverings throughout the morning’s business in the House chamber.

“As vaccines begin to be administered across the state, now is not the time to let our guard down,” Wilson said. “As we spend the next 45 days in close quarters, we must remember that some among our colleagues and staff — and their families — have conditions that put them at increased risk of complications if infected. Under these far-less-than-ideal circumstances, we should all do our part to protect one another so we can continue the work of the people of Utah.”

Wilson said despite “daunting challenges,” this year’s session is “a time of great opportunity for our state.”

“We, as a Legislature, have a tremendous responsibility to create an environment in which Utahns have the freedom and ability to improve their lives and for succeeding generations to partake in prosperity,” he said. “We are going to work harder and smarter than we’ve ever worked; and we are going to come together like never before because the moment demands nothing less.”

Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Senate President Stuart Adams opens the 2021 session of the Utah Legislature at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021.

During his opening day speech on the Senate floor, Senate President Stuart Adams also reflected on last year’s events including the pandemic, hurricane-force winds, earthquakes and local and national civil unrest.

“We need to learn from the lessons of the past — to avoid the pitfalls of those who have gone before us,” Adams, R-Layton, said. “We will lose what makes our country the beacon of hope, the American dream, everything that is so precious to us if we continue down this path. Our very freedoms are at stake.”

He called for people “to practice their constitutional rights in a peaceful and orderly manner” and said legislators “will not tolerate violence and civil disorder.”

“Our work this year is just beginning. We have a long road ahead of us and many things have changed, including the annual general session. Instead of gathering with all our family and friends, we have limited family members and senators. Some senators are here in the Capitol and some senators are joining virtually. But we are all convening, and we are ready to do the people’s business and represent our constituents. What a difference a pandemic makes.”

Adams emphasized the importance of vaccinating older adults to reinvigorate the economy and save lives.

“If we vaccinate those 65 and older, we eliminate 77% of fatalities by focusing on just 10% of our population. Vaccinating those 65 and older is the most significant step we can take to protect lives and livelihoods. If we do that, we can open up the parts of our economy that are still struggling, including our entertainment facilities, convention centers and hospitality services,” Adams said.

Both Wilson and Adams said governmental balance of power amid a prolonged emergency will be a priority.

“As a legislative body, we made some important and timely adjustments to allow us to function during the pandemic.” Wilson said. “However, as time wore on, it became clear we need an exhaustive effort to review and update our plans and procedures for navigating an ongoing crisis like a pandemic.”

Wilson called on his fellow House representatives to “provide clear direction on what constitutes an emergency, what authority that triggers, and how long it should last. No emergency should usurp the power of the people, nor should it dismiss the need for transparency and accountability for actions taken in times of crisis.”

Adams said policy “should not be created by the executive branch or judges but should be a deliberative process reserved for a larger, more diverse group of elected officials. Our Founding Fathers got it right — only a legislative-like group could create the most significant policy document in our country’s history.”

This story will be updated.

Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Members of the House of Representatives pray as the Utah Legislature opens the 2021 general session at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021.

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