Many people ask how I became politically involved and this is the story: In December 2019, the Utah Legislature had just passed a sweeping tax bill that would have more than doubled the sales tax on groceries. Recognizing the burden this would place on Utahns, I joined hundreds of other volunteers to gather signatures for a referendum that would oppose this drastic measure. We talked with people as they entered grocery stores from the early morning to late at night and gathered over 170,000 signatures. In response to this massive outcry, the Legislature repealed the bill within a month.

The will of the people prevailed. This experience transformed me; it revealed the power individuals possess to make their voices heard and to actively participate in government obligated to serve the people. I will never forget the lessons that I learned as a member of the 2019 tax referendum team.

In August 2024, the power of the people was challenged again by the Utah Legislature when a special session was called to place Constitutional Amendment D on the ballot. This would have limited the effect of past and future citizen ballot initiatives. Hundreds of people contacted me and urged me to oppose this, and I voted no to Amendment D, unlike all the other Weber County legislators. After the Utah Supreme Court ruled that the description of the amendment was misleading, Amendment D was declared void.

In addition to fighting to uphold your rights, my efforts in the Legislature focus on policies that directly benefit the people living in House District 10. This requires independence of thought and freedom from the pressure of partisan politics. This is what you deserve, and it’s what I strive to provide. To solve problems, I solicit input from people with diverse viewpoints. I have worked collaboratively and creatively to pass legislation that benefits my constituents. Here are a few examples:

Medicaid coverage after delivery: Before this year, pregnant women on Medicaid lost their medical coverage 60 days after delivery. For those with unresolved conditions like postpartum depression or high blood pressure, the loss of access to medical care could be catastrophic. I introduced a bill to extend coverage for a year after delivery. By working with the governor’s policy team, I was able to have the extension of postpartum care included in his 2023 budget, and that extended medical coverage is now law.

Emergency medications in schools: A mother contacted me because her daughter has a medical condition that makes it unsafe for her to be at school without access to her life-saving medication. I introduced a bill that allows school staff to administer medications to help her daughter and many other children. That bill passed unanimously and is now law, comforting parents who need to know that their child is safe.

Transfer of prescriptions between pharmacies: A father shared his experience of driving hours to get pain medicines for his teenage son, who was in agony because of bone cancer. The pharmacy didn’t have the prescription in stock, and a needless delay occurred. Due to the bill that I passed, the pharmacy can now quickly transfer the prescription to a pharmacy that has the necessary medication.

Training for county election workers: Confidence in our electoral outcomes is essential to a functioning democracy. I provided funding for Weber State’s Walker Institute Vote Certification Program, which informs elections officials throughout the state on election laws to ensure free, fair and secure elections.

Support for local nonprofits: Countless members of our community have benefited from the services provided by local nonprofits. My colleagues and I have supported transformative investments for United Way of Northern Utah, YCC, Family Promise, Seager Memorial Clinic, Boys & Girls Clubs and Family Promise.

These accomplishments demonstrate my dedication to serving you and my ability to bring about positive change. I am committed to continuing this work for the betterment of our community.

During the legislative session, I invite anyone to meet with me each week, either in person or virtually. My website offers an easy way to contact me throughout the year. I am committed to personally answering every phone call, text and email. Over 1,000 people have subscribed to my Legislative Update email list, where I report on each week’s developments.

The balance of power is vital to a functioning democracy. A representative government requires an unwavering commitment to listening to the people’s voice. It is my honor to represent the people of House District 10 and advocate for good policies that impact people throughout the state.

I hope to earn your vote by Nov. 5.

Rosemary Lesser represents District 10 in the Utah House of Representatives.