The title of this column is perfect for this week’s topic: the upcoming legislative session. The decisions made during these few weeks each winter are undoubtedly matters that matter.

Utah’s State Legislature’s general session will run from Jan. 20 to March 6. This is a time of year that many people look forward to, while others might dread it. Regardless of your perspective, it is government in action, and the decisions made will affect all of us Utahns.

Bills will be filed, meetings will happen, debates will occur, decisions will be made and laws will be passed. Becoming educated about and getting involved in the legislative happenings is important and rewarding.

Important issues that directly impact citizens of the state are always part of the yearly session. Some of these include education, healthcare, wages, public safety, law enforcement, health, housing and transportation. Many of the issues directly impact the children of the state. We should all take an active interest.

On the Utah State Legislature’s website, le.utah.gov, information and ways to get involved can be found. The calendar shows the legislature’s schedule, including times when committees and subcommittees will be meeting. There are also instructions for watching a legislative meeting online and there are even live streams available to watch.

Wondering about new bills, their status and who is sponsoring them? That information is also available on the website. Not only is it interesting to read about the various bills, it’s important to know what could possibly happen in our state. For example, is funding being cut to essential services regarding domestic abuse, suicide prevention and education?

The “Get Involved” section of the site’s Legislative Guide provides great information about understanding the legislative process, how to find out which legislators represent you, how to contact your legislators, how to encourage family and friends to become more involved and what to do if you are unable to reach your legislator.

“Remember – one legislator’s vote can make the difference in whether a bill becomes law. As a concerned citizen, you CAN make a big difference as you help your legislators understand and focus on issues that matter to you,” it states on the site.

What can we do if we disagree with our legislators’ actions and votes? Remember that when election time rolls around again. If your legislator shies away from doing what’s right for the citizens of the state, it may be time for a change.