Students Discuss Disability Issues at the Utah State Capitol

Utah State University students enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Disability Awareness and Service Learning class attended the Utah Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities’ reception in Salt Lake Feb. 3.

Students attending had high hopes to speak out about issues concerning budget cuts for people with disabilities and the newly proposed bill called Clay’s Law.

 

Student Aria Spear wanted more information about a legislative budget cut that impacts families of a child with disabilities. Families with a disabled child previously qualified for two tax exemptions when filing their income taxes. Due to recent budget cuts, the exemption is no longer available on 2008 Utah state income tax returns and these families can only file for one exemption.

 

“It was very informative and I’m glad that I came,” Spears said after talking with Sen. Lyle Hillyard. “This experience has given me the confidence to speak out and it will be a lot easier for me to contact state senators when I have future concerns.”

 

Legislators’ support level for Clay’s Law was a subject that interested several students who went on the trip. Spear asked legislators if they supported Clay’s Law, which would require insurance companies to cover autism services for Utah families.

 

As of Feb. 10, Clay’s Law remained in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, where it has been since Jan. 28.

 

Writer: JoLynne Lyon (435) 797-1977 
Contact: Jeanie Peck (435) 797-2619