Legislative Work in Progress
This month, my committees and I spent time digging into issues that matter deeply to our communities — from protecting data privacy to strengthening our justice system and improving local infrastructure. These discussions are where ideas turn into real solutions for Utah families, and your input helps guide that work. If you weren’t able to tune in, you can catch up by reading the meeting highlights here or streaming full recordings at le.utah.gov. The final interim meetings of the year will be held on November 18th and 19th, and I encourage you to join us in person or online as we wrap up this important phase of the legislative process.
Supporting Utah’s Firefighters
This year, the Legislature took major steps to protect the health and safety of Utah’s firefighters. With the passage of H.B. 65, we expanded free cancer screenings and medical coverage for firefighters and funded the new Rocky Mountain Firefighter Cancer Clinic—a first-of-its-kind program that will save lives. Firefighters face significantly higher cancer risks because of their service, and this bill ensures they have access to early detection and specialized care. It also expands the list of cancers presumed to be job-related, helping firefighters and their families receive the benefits they deserve. Utah is proud to stand behind those who stand ready to protect us every day.
Lowering Gas Prices for Utah Families
Utahns shouldn’t be paying more at the pump than our neighbors — especially when we’re home to five refineries that produce about one and a half times the fuel we use. The Legislature is taking a close look at why prices remain high and exploring solutions to make fuel more affordable for Utah families. Our goal is simple: keep energy reliable and affordable, protect Utah jobs, and ensure the benefits of our strong energy industry stay with the people who live and work here.
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Supporting Utah Families During Uncertain Times
With the federal shutdown halting SNAP benefits for 86,000 Utah households, Utahns need immediate help. To ensure our most vulnerable Utahns have food, the state of Utah will provide resources to support the Utah Food Bank and its partners. This effort will not be possible without support from nonprofits, faith-based groups, community partners, businesses, and families stepping up to fill in the gap.
Utahns have shown time and time again that when we come together, we can accomplish anything. As the most charitable state in the nation, and during a time when Democrats in Congress are putting politics over people, we all should step up and help our neighbors.
Donate money to the Utah Food Bank here.
Donate food by visiting one of the Utah Food Bank distribution centers or drop off locations:
Utah Food Bank Main
3150 S 900 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84119
Utah Food Bank Southern Distribution Center
4416 River Rd
St. George, UT 84790
Utah Food Bank Timpanogos Distribution Center
1900 W 900 S
Springville, UT 84663
Utah Food Bank Southeastern Distribution Center
295 E 200 N
Blanding, UT 84511
Riverton Chevrolet
11100 South Jordan Gateway
South Jordan, UT 84095
Or drop off at any Harmons location statewide or your local food pantry. Click here to find one nearest you.
Volunteer time by scheduling with the Utah Food Bank.
Your help will ensure Utah families receive the help they need. If you are in need of food during this time, click here to find a food pantry near you.
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Standing Up for Fairness in Girls’ Sports
Utah has reaffirmed a simple but important principle: girls’ sports are for girls. The lawsuit challenging our law (H.B. 11) that keeps boys from competing in girls’ sports has officially been dropped. With this challenge behind us, Utah’s commonsense protections for fairness and safety in school athletics remain in place. I’m proud that we stood firm to ensure our girls can compete on a level playing field—one that honors their hard work, talent, and opportunity.
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Investing in Utah’s Students and Workforce
This year, the Legislature took bold steps to strengthen Utah’s higher education system throughHB265 Higher Education Strategic Reinvestment Plan — a reform that’s already making a real difference. Under this plan, colleges and universities are redirecting resources toward high-demand fields like health care, engineering, artificial intelligence, and technology. These investments ensure that Utah students graduate with the skills our economy needs while keeping higher education affordable and accessible. By aligning academic programs with real-world opportunities, we’re preparing the next generation to thrive — and making sure every taxpayer dollar works harder for Utah’s future.
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Happy Thanksgiving
As we enter this season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to thank you — the people I have the honor of representing. I’m deeply grateful for the trust you place in me to carry our community’s voice to the Capitol and to work every day on the issues that matter most to Utah families. This time of year reminds me how blessed we are to live in a state where neighbors look out for one another, where faith and family come first, and where our freedoms — protected by the Constitution — continue to guide us forward. From my family to yours, I wish you a joyful and restful Thanksgiving surrounded by the people and traditions you love most.
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