From Our Community to the Capitol
This interim, I met with my committees and reviewed ways to strengthen data privacy in schools, improve access to health care, modernize transportation and DMV services, and ensure our communities remain safe and supported. The work we’re doing now lays the foundation for policies that directly impact everyday life — from safer roads to more reliable public services. I’m deeply grateful for the chance to carry the voice of our community to the Capitol and make sure your priorities are at the heart of these conversations. In case you missed it, click here to read the highlights or watch full recordings of last month’s meetings at le.utah.gov.
October’s interim meetings will take place on October 14th and 15th. I hope to see you there!
Redistricting Update
Under a 3rd District Court order, the Legislature recently adopted new congressional boundaries for Utah. While we continue to pursue every legal option to defend the Legislature’s constitutional responsibility to draw maps, we also took seriously our duty to comply with Proposition 4. After careful consideration, I voted for Map C, which best balances these legal and policy requirements. Map C minimizes population deviation, reduces city and county splits, maintains compactness and contiguity, and avoids favoritism toward any party or candidate. It also reflects Utah’s unique needs—balancing rural and urban voices, protecting military and higher education communities, and accounting for federal land. Though no map can satisfy every interest perfectly, I believe this one represents Utahns fairly, constitutionally, and with respect for our state’s diverse communities.
Condemning Political violence
Political violence in any form is unacceptable and has no place in our state or our country. I am proud of the way Utahns responded to the political assassination last month— with unity, compassion, and a renewed commitment to stand together against hate. Let’s recommit to carrying forward the principles of liberty, respect, and courage. Read more about Utah’s response here.
Utah Among the Nation’s Best for Teachers
Education is a top priority for myself and all my colleagues in the Legislature, and I’m proud that Utah was ranked the #2 best state in the nation for teachers. This recognition reflects historic investments by the Legislature, including the largest single pay raise for teachers in state history. Utah also ranks second in the nation for 10-year salary growth, with teacher pay rising 50% over the past decade. With the largest share of our state budget dedicated to public education, these investments are making a real difference. Competitive salaries, steady growth, and policies that expand opportunity for educators are helping Utah teachers thrive — and that means a brighter future for our students and communities.
Action for the Great Salt Lake
As a Legislature, we’ve been working hard to preserve the Great Salt Lake. A new $200 million investment from business and philanthropic sources is being deployed to reverse the lake’s decline, protect the environment, secure wildlife habitat, and stabilize water levels. Over the past few years, the Legislature has directed more than $1 billion toward state-wide water conservation—helping agriculture use less water, improving measurement of water usage, and dedicating over 288,000 acre-feet of water to the lake that wasn’t committed before. These actions show our commitment to protecting this precious resource, ensuring environmental health, and safeguarding Utah’s heritage.
Investing in Utah’s Future, Responsibly
Thanks to key legislation from this past session, Utah’s public colleges and universities are planning to reinvest $60 million into high-demand programs like engineering, AI, biotech, and mental health — all without raising tuition or taxes. This is exactly the kind of smart, responsible use of taxpayer dollars we need: supporting education, preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow, and strengthening our economy. Fiscal responsibility means funding what matters most, and these investments show a clear commitment to Utah’s future.
