On Monday, Salt Lake Community College students gained a better understanding of some of the key issues among Utah legislators when Senator Luz Escamilla visited their Public Service POLS 2700 class. Senator Escamilla’s knowledge and passion came through as she spoke about topics ranging from education and the environment to water and the state’s growing and changing population. Herself a “budget wonk”, she explained the size and some of the complexities of the legislative budget, saying: “If you can understand the budget, it will help you understand policy.”
Addressing childcare was a top priority for the senator. “This is not just a woman’s issue, or a family’s issue, but an economic issue. It will affect everyone, one way or another, if we don’t start addressing the lack of access to quality childcare in Utah,” said Escamilla, who is a mother, a business owner, and holds the Utah Senate Minority Leader position.
Escamilla also recalled a disheartening and hurtful memory that motivated her to run for the legislature 16 years ago. “I was very naïve and very young, and at only 27, I became the youngest senator elected,” says Escamilla, who represents District 10. She explained that the workload and the juggling that legislators must handle is not for the faint of heart and is far from a “part-time” job.
The senator shared a quote from former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright that has inspired her: “It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” Escamilla encouraged the students to share their own stories and concerns with their legislators, and emphasized that their voices are needed.
Escamilla also shared her career path and how each step helped prepare her to serve as a Utah legislator, as well as the importance of the educational degrees she pursued. “My student loans for my master’s program will be paid off next month—I’m throwing a party! And I would do it all over again. It was worth every penny,” she exclaimed, encouraging students to continue with their education. Escamilla received her undergraduate degree and her MBA from the University of Utah.
Students asked about the housing market and the lack of affordable housing, EDI legislation, and inquired about other bills Sentator Escamilla is working on. “I liked learning about what issues she is focusing on, and it was nice to know that they are some of the same issues I really care about and that she is trying to do something about them,” said Livia Leake.
“I liked hearing about the internship possibilities and other ways of getting experience at that level,” said student McLean Anderson, who studying to become an economist. “Plus, it was good to get more perspective on legislative actions and how the system works.”
SLCC's Public Service course is unique due to its hyper-focus on practicality and immersion in local and state government. Students complete a semester-length community-based project of their own design, learn how to write memos for government work, and hear from speakers at the local, state, and national level, according to SLCC Assistant Professor Savannah Johnson, who is bringing in seven guest lectures this semester to the class.
Added Johnson, “I hope students see themselves in the guest speakers. There are many students who have been motivated by these lecturers to apply for internships, major in political science, and plan a career in public service.”
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