Latest news with #HB32
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘We're so proud of them': The deep meaning behind this Utah highway's new name
SALT LAKE CITY — Deborah Kay Borgstrom Long and other members of the Borgstrom family gathered quietly on a calm, sunny spring morning at Memory Grove as they watched Gov. Spencer Cox sign copies of a bill renaming a highway in honor of their relatives killed during World War II. Moments later, state leaders unveiled new signage coming to state Route 102, which — through HB32 — has now been renamed Borgstrom Brothers Memorial Highway in Tremonton and Thatcher. "Having this sign is such an amazing honor for us," Long told after the ceremony. The highway honors Boyd, Clyde, LeRoy, Rolon Day and Rulon Jay Borgstrom, all of whom fought in World War II after either enlisting or being drafted into the military. The five brothers were half of the children Alben and Gunda Borgstrom raised in Box Elder County, where they settled as first- and second-generation Americans originally from the Nordic region. "They were so proud to be citizens of this country, and by being so proud, they sent their boys when the cause was great," said Rolon Dan Burton, a nephew of the five brothers. However, an unimaginable situation unfolded in 1944 as the war continued. Clyde died in action while at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on March 17 that year — a few months before LeRoy was killed while fighting in Italy. Rolon and Rulon, who were twins, were then killed weeks apart from each other while fighting in Europe in August; although Rulon's death was initially reported as missing in action. Boyd was serving in the South Pacific, but military leaders stepped in and transferred him to a military base in North Carolina after Rulon was reported missing. Boyd was discharged and returned home by October of that year, where the family was honored that month. The family's story has been chronicled many times since, including through the 2023 book "So Costly a Sacrifice" by Mark Hutson. "We're so proud of them," Burton said. However, Borgstrom descendants say they never imagined the brothers would have a highway named after them. A series of memorials all started from a "humble" personal tribute over a decade ago, said Long, a niece of the five brothers. She explained that people seeking to pay their respects or share the brothers' story often asked where the brothers' graves were at Riverview Cemetery in Tremonton, because they were difficult to find. That sparked a series of conversations that culminated in a memorial over their graves, which was dedicated at the cemetery on Memorial Day last year — the 80th anniversary of the family's tragic year. Utah lawmakers then got involved in what would become HB32. "The Borgstrom family didn't ask for recognition, but they deserve it — and better late than never," Cox said. "Their story is part of Utah's story. It speaks to who we are and what we value: duty, sacrifice, faith and service." While SR 102 will now honor the Borgstrom brothers, Long believes it also recognizes all veterans. She hopes that new highway signage will inspire people to learn more about her uncles and the sacrifices they made. She also hopes it invokes gratitude for everyone who has served in the military. 'When they see this sign, I hope their hearts will be filled with thankfulness for the freedom of our country,' she said. 'All veterans who have (died in action) or have returned from war have given their sacrifice to us so we can be free. That's what I want people to see.'
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Marion Del. Phil Mallow sponsors bills to increase homestead exemption
FAIRMONT — Out of the 36 bills Del. Phil Mallow, R-75, on which he serves as lead sponsor, three focus on the taxes the county collects from the elderly and disabled. Mallow did not respond to a request for comment for this article. Three bills directly impact the homestead exemption. HJR 28 and 32 both increase the Homestead exemption, while HB 3064 gives an additional $20,000 exemption on the property tax of any West Virginia citizen farmer that produces more than 50% of his or her income from their farm. Both House Joint Resolutions are constitutional amendments, which would require voter approval in a general election. HB 28 and 32 are highly similar to each other. Both bills increase the homestead tax exemption to be increased in $20,000 increments every five years for people with an annual income that does not exceed $20,000. HB 28 sets a maximum exemption of $100,000 at age 85. HB 32 does the same, but caps it at $80,000 at age 80. HB 3058 amends existing code, limiting property tax increases for individuals who are over the age of 65, or are permanently disabled, widowed and earn less than $20,000 a year. A representative from the Marion County Assessor's office said the purpose of the homestead exemption is to help seniors or people with disabilities get a break on their taxes. People who fit into one of two categories, age or disability, can qualify for an exemption. 'It's $20,000 off the assessed value [of their property,]' the representative said. 'What that equals out to be is approximately $250 off of their taxes.' There are currently somewhere around 7,000 residents in Marion County with a homestead exemption, according to the Assessor's office. Currently, homestead exemptions cost the County roughly $1.7 million to maintain. The total cost of adopting the additional homestead exemptions would depend highly on the distribution of age for residents within each age bracket the bill establishes. 'It's is kind of hard to nail that down,' County Administrator Kris Cinalli said, referring to the final cost to the county. 'Usually, they try to offset the costs or pay for it with revenue from somewhere else. That's the problem with cuts, they have to paid for somehow.' Mallow's colleague, Mike DeVault, R-74, has been lead sponsor for one bill. Rick Garcia, D-76, has no bills currently sponsored. Mallow is the senior Marion County Delegate and chair of the Courts Subcommittee. Garcia is the newest member, elected after his nephew and previous district 76 seat holder, Joey Garcia, won election to the State Senate. Mallow by and far leads in number of bills sponsored among the three of Marion County's delegates. Of the 36 bills Mallow proposed, 17 have been assigned to either the House Finance or House Judiciary committee. Mallow's proposals that have made it to committee focus on expanding homestead benefits for qualifying residents, as well as laws related to law enforcement and taxation.
