By Elizabeth Hill
SALT LAKE CITY — A committee approved a seven-day break for all Utah Legislators during their 45-day session on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Rep. Steve Mascaro, R-West Jordan, is sponsor of the bill.
Mascaro claims that 45 days to manage a $7 billion corporation is not enough time to manage it well.
“The last two to three weeks of the session get real intense,” Mascaro said. ” A non-paid break gives employees a chance to catch their breath and get caught up on paper work. It also gives Legislators a chance to go home and reconnect with their families, employers and their constituents.”
The talk of time off prompted Sen. Ron Allen, D-Salt Lake City, to question whether or not Legislators spend enough time on the hill.
“Sen. Allen did research and found that 42 of the 50 states have longer sessions than Utah,” Mascaro said.
But, Mascaro said extending the session would cause more hardship for the Legislators.
“How do you get off of work for 60 days?” Mascaro asked.
The bill that passed through the committee on Wednesday is now waiting for approval by the governor. If approved, the proposed break will appear on the November 2004 ballot for Utah citizens to vote on.
