The Utah Senate came to a brief halt on Tuesday morning after Sen. Jerry Stevenson, R-Layton, suffered what he described as a “health issue.” However, indications are he’s fine after the incident.
Stevenson was explaining some changes to SB243 he wanted to make when he suddenly stopped talking.
“Did you make a motion to amend?” asked Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton.
After several seconds of silence, Stevenson announced he was suffering some distress.
“President, I’m going to have to sit down for just a second. I’m having a health issue,” Stevenson said haltingly.
Stevenson was walked off the floor by his colleagues and did not return until Tuesday evening.
“He just got lightheaded,” explained Adams during the Senate’s daily media availability. “He’s doing well. He walked into my office then he walked out. He did give us a little scare.”
“I think the budget scared him a bit,” quipped Sen. Don Ipson, R-St. George. Stevenson is the Senate chair of the Legislature’s top budgeting committee.
“Anybody that runs a $20 billion budget and follows it up with the inland port bill probably needs a little rest,” added Adams.
Stevenson was first appointed to the Utah Senate in 2010. Prior to that he was the mayor of Layton from 1994 to 2006.
This story will be updated if new information becomes available.
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