The annual Murray Legislative Recap Breakfast was started with a song. Jeff Evans, self-professed promoter of events, realtor and concerned Murray citizen emceed the breakfast, and asked everyone in the packed room to sing a little Bob Marley with him, leading the room through the familiar chorus of, “Don’t worry, about a thing, ‘cause every little thing is gonna be alright.”

But based on the questions asked of the state legislators in attendance, Murray residents were not so sure they shouldn’t be at least a little worried.

The Murray Chamber hosted the annual event, and IMC provided the egg and bacon breakfast and the meeting space for the Legislative Recap Breakfast. All state legislators with a district that touches Murray, or any connection to Murray, were invited to attend to answer residents’ questions about the current legislative session.

Interestingly, only legislators affiliated with the Democratic Party showed up. Ken Ivory-R (District 39) was invited, but was out of town. 

When asked about the lack of Republican representation, Evans said with a laugh, “Turns out, that’s how Murray votes.” 

In attendance were: Nate Blouin (District 13), Gay Lynn Bennion (District 41), Carol Spackman Moss (District 34), Rosealba Dominguez (District 35 and former Murray City Councilwoman), and Kathleen Riebe (District 15).

Spackman Moss commented, “This is such an amazing turnout. Look, it’s standing room only at 9 a.m. on a Saturday morning.” 

The packed room was an indication that although Murray residents joined in singing the upbeat Marley song, they were actually worried, and not certain that “every little thing is gonna be alright.” 

Their frustration with how things are going during this legislative session was front and center.

“Does Gov. Cox even listen when the minority party voices concerns?” asked Sheri Van Bibber, prominent Murray resident and representative of the Murray Chamber of Commerce.  

Miss Murray, Allysa Sullivan, echoed the sentiment, “Young voters don’t feel like their needs are being recognized,” she said. “What should we do to get our voices heard?” 

Jaycey Thornton, a Murray resident, trans-woman and Executive Director of Project Rainbow Utah, after announcing her name said, “These days, I may or may not exist.” And she went on to question her health and safety after this legislative session. 

All democratic legislators echoed the frustrations of the residents, discussing the difficulties of being in the minority party and running bills that don’t make it past committee, or voting against bills that they oppose, only to have them passed. 

One bill that was particularly contentious and brought up by several attendees and legislators was HB267, which was passed through the legislature and signed by Gov. Spencer Cox. The bill takes away the right for public employees – including teachers, firefighters and police – to collectively bargain within a union.

“This is an assault on all of our public workers,” Murray resident and former city council representative Dale Cox said. 

Spackman Moss, a former teacher, agreed, saying it was particularly heart wrenching to see firefighters in uniform, police officers, teachers and a variety of other public workers stand vigil at the capitol, day after day of the legislative session to oppose the bill, filling every overflow room. She indicated that Republican legislators wouldn’t answer questions or face these public servants, even as they voted to erode their job security and benefits.

The legislators in attendance at the breakfast further discussed education, in relation to the school voucher program, indicating they were working across the aisle for more transparency and other improvements on the Utah Fits All program.

“Currently the vouchers can be used for things like ski and swim lessons,” Spackman Moss said. “These are extra-curricular activities that residents who send their children to public school have to pay for out of their own pockets. Currently, there is no transparency or accountability for how voucher dollars are spent.”

Other questions raised (and discussion was lively) were regarding affordable housing, environmental issues, water rights, suicide prevention and access to mental health services.

“I’m so proud of how my town showed up that morning,” Evans said. “If there’s ever a time to be involved, here in the Murray-hood, we know it’s now. Because we’re Murray people and we show up.” λ