Serving Utah Since 1920
Women's State Legislative Council
About Us
Proudly Serving Utah Since 1920
The Women’s State Legislative Council of Utah was organized in 1920 after the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which gave every woman the right to vote. Its purpose then, as now, is to investigate and study state and national issues with a goal of bringing about legislation beneficial to the entire State of Utah.
Our Story
The Women’s Legislative Council has earned the reputation of being a bi-partisan organization, representing no special interest group. The Women’s State Legislative Council’s policy of hearing both sides of issues, weighing the factors involved in solving problems, and taking a stand on legislation has made it a respected organization in Utah.
Membership is open to organizations and individuals. Bi-partisanship is achieved by alternating the leadership of the Council of the two major political parties each biennium. There is also equal political affiliation representation on the Executive Board and the study committees.
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Weekly meetings on Wednesday are held during the legislative session beginning in January. The meetings are divided into five legislative study committees. These committees schedule experts to present to the body and to inform both the pro and the con of potential issues and legislation.
Following are the five study committees:
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Business/Labor/Economic Development/Workforce Services/Public Utilities and Technology
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Education
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Energy/Natural Resources/Agriculture and Environment
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Health and Human Services/Retirement & Independent Entities
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Judiciary/Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice/Political Subdivisions/ Revenue and Taxation/Transportation/Government Operations
Action on legislation originates from the Legislative Study Committees or the Council floor in the form of resolutions supporting or opposing bills. The resolutions are presented to the delegates at the general session for approval. If they are adopted, they are emailed to each Legislator, as well as the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Once passed delegates and members may then lobby for the bill’s passage or defeat.
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Meet The Executive Team
Elected Executive Committee Members
Legislative Study Committees
Board Members
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Directors: Elected
Co-Chairs: Appointed & Approved
Business & Labor
Director: Wendy Garvin
Co-Chair:
Education
Director: Kendra Seely
Co-Chair:
Health & Human Services
Director: Ellen Brady
Co-Chair:
Judiciary, Law & Criminal Justice
Director: Shauna Scott-Bellaccomo
Co-Chair:
Natural Resources
Director: Kari Malkovich
Co-Chair:
Board Members
Appointed & Approved
Auditing Chair
Karen Ellingson
Bulletin Editor
Chloe Cleveland
Chaplain
Jennifer Miller-Smith
National Issues Co-Chair
Kendra Seeley
National Issues Co-Chair
VACANT
Policy Chair
Mikaela Christensen
Public Relations Chair
Lisa Bagley
State Issues Co-Chair
VACANT
State Issues Co-Chair
VACANT
Attendance Chair
Gwen Springmeyer
Celebration Chair
Brandy Farmer
Parliamentarian
Kathryn Gustafson
Physical Arrangements Chair
Bette Voorhees
Physical Arrangements Co-Chair
VACANT
Sergeant of Arms
Louise Kearl
Timekeeper Chair
Lisa Gallegos
Affiliated
Organizations
