Every year when Utah's Legislature is in session I think a lot about the influence used to pass or defeat bills and to affect the budget. I note that there are many lobbyists representing various entities. These include utilities, extraction industries, housing, health care and financial services. Many hire several lobbyists. Most governmental agencies I am aware of also have legislative liaisons who are available to answer legislators' questions. All of these people are paid.
It appears to me that, in comparison, there are few paid lobbyists who represent those with lower incomes, those with health care needs and others who have disadvantages. I wonder why it is that people in these groups don't appear to deserve a similar number of paid people to represent their interests.
The area of homelessness is an example. Funding for affordable housing and legislation affecting access to housing are yearly legislative topics. Measures taken to provide this housing will be inadequate until Utah's current housing laws are changed. Two such laws allow landlords to raise rents frequently and prohibit local governments from having fit premises rules that are different from state law. More lobbyists paid to address these issues could be part of the solution to homelessness.
Karen Silver
West Valley City