The House: Legislators greeted with optimism, surplus
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No Comments [ Add Comment ]By Loretta Park
Standard-Examiner Davis Bureau
lpark@standard.net
S
ALT LAKE CITY -- Legislators need to serve those they represent, House Speaker Greg J. Curtis, R-Sandy, said in his opening remarks Monday as the 57th session of the Legislature got under way.
The House began Monday morning with U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, swearing in representatives in a standing-room-only chamber.
The newly elected representatives filed in front. Friends and family members of the newly elected representatives attended the ceremony and stood along the side.
"I'll never ask you to do this again, but can you all move to the left," Bishop said to the group so others could fit in the small space.
"You're in, congratulations," Bishop said after the representatives took the oath of office.
Curtis spoke following the swearing-in ceremony.
Legislators are going to have differences in opinions during this session, he said.
"But the point is you need to serve those who you represent," Curtis said.
Legislators should "expect opposition, and if you don't get any, then you're probably not working hard enough," he said.
Even though legislators will disagree, "I also hope that we can avoid argument and insult for the sake of sport or therapy," Curtis said.
An opening prayer was offered by Elder David Bednar, of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Utah National Guard did the flag ceremony.
A quartet from Box Elder High School sang the national anthem and "Hallelujah Utah," a parody of Handel's Messiah, Hallelujah chorus, which brought laughter and a standing ovation.
The quartet members are Deborah Ferry, Karlie Donovan, Eric Noyes and Brandon Price.
After Curtis finished his speech, 264 bills were introduced Monday.
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