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Utah Senate opens 2012 session with invocation, honors and adoption of leadership and rules
Summary
On the opening morning of the 2012 general session the Utah State Senate heard an invocation and musical honors, adopted existing leadership and rules, employed session staff, introduced interns, and ordered presidential remarks and ceremonial items spread in the Senate Journal.
The Utah State Senate convened on the morning of the opening day of the 2012 general session with ceremonial remarks, staff introductions and procedural business. Senate President Watts opened the session and invited Elder Stephen E. Snow to offer the invocation. Elder Snow prayed for "civility in this chamber" and closed, "In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
The Utah National Guard presented the colors and Lieutenant Colonel Lattie Hauck of the U.S. Army Reserve led the Pledge of Allegiance. David Osmond sang the national anthem and the Osman (Osmond) Brothers provided musical selections; Senator Aaron Osmond introduced the family in the chamber. Senator Jenkins moved that the Senate express appreciation to those participants and have the recognitions spread upon the Senate Journal; that motion carried by voice vote.
Senate President Watts delivered a longer opening address framing a session theme built on variations of the verb "be" — urging senators to be "grateful," "smart," "trustworthy," and "productive" — and concluded, "be the best that you can be." Senator Niederhauser moved that President Watts' remarks be printed in the Senate Journal; the motion carried.
By voice vote the Senate also voted to retain the same leadership organization as the prior session and to continue using previously adopted Senate, joint and interim rules until any new rules are adopted. President Watts appointed small committees to notify the governor and the House that the Senate is organized and ready to do business.
Senator Jerry Stevenson introduced and named the session staff and support personnel (docket clerks, journal clerk, IT staff, committee secretaries, security, pages and public information officers). Senators then voted to employ those named individuals for the 2012 session. The chamber also recognized a list of interns assigned to individual senators.
Before recessing, Senator Jenkins moved that the Senate adjourn until 2:30 p.m. so members could return for the scheduled address from the judiciary; the motion carried and the Senate recessed.
