The work doesn’t stop here. Throughout the year, we will meet together as legislators in our monthly interim meetings to begin preparing and drafting legislation for the upcoming year. The interim process begins in May, providing a valuable opportunity for Utahns to get involved, share their perspectives, and help shape future policies. Your voice matters — join us in building an even stronger Utah.
Utah: The Best Place to Start a Business
tah has once again proven to be a leader in economic opportunity, ranking as the number one state in the nation to start a business. This recognition reflects our commitment to fostering a pro-business environment through low startup costs, competitive tax policies, and strong access to capital. Entrepreneurs and small business owners are the backbone of our economy, and we are dedicated to ensuring they have the resources and support they need to succeed. Whether it’s reducing regulatory hurdles or strengthening workforce development, Utah will continue to champion policies that empower innovation, fuel job creation, and keep our state a hub for economic prosperity.
Leading the Nation in Self-Reliance
Utah’s commitment to fiscal responsibility has once again set us apart. Ranked as one of the least federally dependent states in the nation, we take pride in managing our resources wisely. Our state constitution requires a balanced budget, and we believe in living within our means. Utah’s strong economy and sound financial management ensure we remain self-reliant and resilient — a reflection of our dedication to responsible governance.
Investing in Rural Education
Every child in Utah, no matter where they live, deserves access to a high-quality education. This session, we worked closely with rural communities to ensure that small schools have the funding and resources they need to provide excellent teachers, principals, bus drivers, and support staff. By strengthening the funding formula, we are helping rural schools continue opening doors of opportunity for students now and in the future. Investing in rural education means investing in the success of every Utah student, in every corner of our state.
Supporting Utah Families on the Journey to Parenthood
Family is at the heart of Utah’s values, and we are committed to supporting those who dream of starting one. This session, we took an important step to help public employees facing infertility by expanding health coverage to include in vitro fertilization (IVF). For many, the cost of fertility treatments is a major barrier to building a family, and this change ensures that more Utahns have the opportunity to welcome children into their lives. Strengthening families strengthens our communities, and we are proud to stand with those on their journey to parenthood.
Empowering Future Leaders
Too many students graduate without a clear understanding of the principles that form the foundation of our republic. That’s why this past session, we established the Center for Civic Excellence at Utah State University to ensure future generations are equipped with the knowledge needed to uphold liberty, justice, and self-governance. By studying the foundational texts and ideas that shaped America and the Western world, students will gain a deeper appreciation for our nation’s values and institutions. This initiative is a commitment to preserving the freedoms we cherish and preparing the leaders of tomorrow.
As your legislator, I am deeply proud of all that we have been able to accomplish during the 2025 General Legislative Session. Over seven weeks, we passed legislation to strengthen our economy, invest in education, enhance public safety, and secure Utah’s future.
These achievements reflect our commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Utah. While the session has ended, our work continues. I look forward to hearing from you and working together to keep our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
Tax Relief for Utah Families
Over the last five years, the Legislature has cut taxes by more than $1.4 billion. This year, we’re continuing to build on the previous years’ savings by:
Reducing the income tax rate to 4.5%
Eliminating the income tax on social security for individuals earning up to $90,000
Expanding the child tax credit for children up to 6 years old
Providing a tax credit for businesses that build and operate a childcare facility for their employees
These incremental, consistent tax cuts build upon each other and, over time, add up to significant savings for Utahns, especially for those living on a budget. A young family with two kids making $75,000 a year has saved over $1,200 thanks to these cuts, and an individual living on social security has saved $4,545. That’s real money that will make a real difference for hard-working Utahns, and we’re putting it back where it belongs – in your pockets.
Honoring Our Firefighters
Our firefighters risk their lives daily to protect our communities, facing not only immediate dangers but also long-term health risks. In fact, cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters, with 60% of line-of-duty deaths linked to occupational cancers. HB 65 expands access to cancer screenings, early detection, and necessary medical benefits. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all firefighters and are committed to protecting those who protect Utah’s communities.
Fiscal Responsibility
If you want to understand what matters most to our state, look at where we invest our dollars. This year, we’re prioritizing investments that will make a lasting impact. The largest share—over 45%—goes directly to public education, demonstrating our commitment to students, teachers, and the future workforce of our state. We’re increasing teacher pay to support the educators who shape the next generation, modernizing infrastructure to strengthen Utah’s energy, water, and transportation systems, and enhancing public safety to keep our communities secure. These strategic allocations ensure that our state remains strong, resilient, and prepared for the future.
Transparency and accountability are at the core of our budgeting process. To see exactly how your tax dollars are being spent, visit our Taxpayer Receipt Tool here. Together, we’re building a better Utah.
Safe Communities, Safe Utah
Utah is one of the safest states in the nation, thanks to our strong families, communities, and proactive approach to public safety. However, new challenges, including the impacts of the Southern Border crisis, gang violence, and fentanyl trafficking, require us to take further action to protect our neighborhoods and hold criminals accountable.
This session, we took real steps to ensure that our communities remain safe by increasing penalties for drug traffickers, particularly those distributing dangerous substances like fentanyl, to curb the devastating effects of illicit drug activity. At the same time, we are cracking down on gang-related crimes by imposing stricter consequences for those who bring violence and crime into our communities. These measures build on our continued investments in crime prevention, accountability, and rehabilitation, ensuring that Utah remains a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.
Utah is once again directly increasing teacher salaries. This investment reflects the Legislature’s and Gov. Cox’s dedication to attracting and retaining top talent in classrooms, ensuring that teachers are valued, supported and empowered to provide the best education for Utah’s students.
During the 2025 session, state leaders are continuing to invest in teachers by providing a direct salary increase of $1,000 and a $1,000 bonus for education support staff, in addition to a 4% WPU increase. Over the past four years, we’ve increased public education funding by $1.3 billion, raised teacher salaries, expanded paid maternity leave, and provided stipends for classroom supplies and student teachers. This year, we’re continuing that commitment by increasing resources for rural and at-risk student educators, funding a new cohort of Grow Your Own Educators, and enhancing career and technical education programs. Recently, U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah as the second best state in the nation for education — a testament to the hard work of educators all across the state.
Strengthening Our Elections
There are 3 things Utah voters have told us about Utah elections:
Utah voters generally support vote-by-mail (VBM)
Utah voters support showing photo ID when voting
Utah voters want to have election results on Election Night
Here’s the problem: We can’t have all 3 under current law. H.B. 300 helps move us toward a solution, ensuring our elections remain both accessible and secure, without taking away your ability to vote by mail. Beginning in 2026, voters will include the last four digits of their state ID when voting by mail or drop box, while those without an ID will have time to obtain a free one. This ensures elections remain both accessible and secure without eliminating vote-by-mail. The bill also improves efficiency and reduces speculation by ensuring more timely election results. Additionally, voters will now opt in to receive a mail-in ballot, preventing outdated rolls and strengthening election integrity. These changes will boost Utah’s election security ranking from 33rd in the nation to 9th—preserving what we love about voting while making it more secure.
Keeping Our Rates Low and Our Lights On
Reliable, affordable energy is the backbone of our daily lives—powering our homes, businesses, and future growth. We’re taking key steps to secure our energy future by:
Focusing on the development of new energy projects, promoting investment in diversifying our energy portfolio.
Advancing nuclear power initiatives, providing a stable and low-cost energy source to meet growing demands.
Addressing the responsible decommissioning of outdated energy assets, ensuring environmental safety and efficient resource management.
Embracing this above-all approach to energy is critical to maintaining our state’s economic strength, protecting hardworking families from rising costs, and ensuring that every Utahn has access to a reliable and resilient power grid—no matter the challenges ahead.
Supporting Utah Families
The American dream of homeownership is a cornerstone of Utah’s values, and three legislative measures, H.B. 360, H.B.37, and H.B. 368, are poised to make this dream more attainable for our residents. H.B. 360 focuses on increasing housing affordability by implementing policies that encourage the development of diverse housing options, while H.B. 368 streamlines local land use regulations, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and expediting the construction of new housing projects. Together, these bills aim to expand housing availability and affordability, empowering more Utah families to achieve the stability and pride that comes with owning a home.
Supporting the American Dream
The American dream of homeownership is a cornerstone of Utah’s values, and three legislative measures, H.B. 360, H.B.37, and H.B. 368, are poised to make this dream more attainable for our residents. H.B. 360 focuses on increasing housing affordability by implementing policies that encourage the development of diverse housing options, while H.B. 368 streamlines local land use regulations, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and expediting the construction of new housing projects. Together, these bills aim to expand housing availability and affordability, empowering more Utah families to achieve the stability and pride that comes with owning a home.
Over the last week, we have made significant strides for our state. From setting the foundation for greater agency accountability to supporting our students and educators, we’re working hard to ensure Utah continues to be the best state in the nation. You can continue to follow along with the process, either in person or online at le.utah.gov. If you have questions or would like to share your thoughts, reach out. I would love to hear from you.
Spotlight on my bill –
I am pleased to report that HB81 – Fluoride Amendments, has passed the Senate and is headed to the Governor for his signature. This bill is designed to strengthen medical freedom by removing the addition of fluoride into Utah’s water systems. The bill also deregulates prescription fluoride by allowing anyone to acquire it from a pharmacy.
Fluoride is the only substance added to drinking water with the intention of medicating the end user. The substance added to water systems is extremely corrosive, poisonous in concentrated amounts, and an industrial waste product. This is very different from the sodium fluoride found in toothpastes and fluoride tablets. The proper role of government is to provide residents with safe, clean drinking water and I’m excited for that to be the case once more.
Utah’s Budget: Balanced, Responsible, and Accountable
As your representative, I take seriously the responsibility of ensuring your tax dollars are used wisely. Utah’s Constitution requires us to pass a balanced budget, meaning we cannot spend more than we bring in—no deficit spending, no kicking the can down the road. This commitment to fiscal responsibility has made Utah one of the best-managed states in the nation.
Utah’s economic strength continues to shine, earning the top spot as the best state overall for two years in a row and maintaining the best economic outlook for 17 consecutive years. This success is a testament to Utah’s fiscally responsible policies and strategic planning. The state’s economy remains robust, with wages rising and retail sales on the up. Over the past four years, the Legislature has reduced taxes by over $1.3 billion while investing in crucial areas like education, water, and energy. As we navigate a more normalized fiscal environment, we stay focused on preserving Utah’s long-term prosperity, ensuring that future generations can thrive in an affordable, stable economy. Click here to learn more about the latest budget estimates.
Agency Accountability
I’m committed to ensuring transparency and accountability within our government. The Office of the Legislative Auditor General is Utah’s government watchdog and plays an important role in maintaining efficiency in our state agencies. This week, the House unanimously passed HB 215, a bill that strengthens the Office of the Legislative Auditor General. This legislation aims to enhance our ability to conduct thorough audits and evaluations of state agencies, ensuring they operate efficiently and effectively and use taxpayer dollars wisely. It’s a top priority to promote good governance and trust in our public institutions. You can check out past audits here.
Bringing the Olympics Home to Utah
Utah is officially on the road to hosting the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games! With the organizing committee officially formed, our state is ready to build on the legacy of the 2002 Games. These Games will not only showcase Utah’s world-class venues but will also focus on engaging communities across all 29 counties. As we prepare to welcome the world once again, we are committed to ensuring that the Games leave a lasting impact for generations to come. Let the countdown begin!
Educating the Future
This week, the House passed HB381 Civics Education Amendments. This bill bolsters civics education by adding a social studies graduation requirement, requiring specific civics-related instruction, and removing outdated testing mandates. By focusing on comprehensive civics education, we strive to prepare students for active and informed participation in our democratic processes.
We’re officially halfway through the 2025 General Session, and there’s already been so much accomplished for our community! From strengthening public safety to expanding education opportunities for students and securing Utah’s energy future, we’re working hard to tackle the issues that matter most and will have lasting benefits for our kids and grandkids.
Stay engaged with the process by visiting le.utah.gov, where you can watch live streams, check daily schedules, and dive into the details of the legislation shaping our state. Your voice matters—let’s keep the momentum going!
Strengthening Public Safety
Keeping Utah communities safe remains a top priority, and we are taking bold steps to combat crime and protect families. H.B. 226 Criminal Justice Modifications strengthens penalties for repeat offenders and closes loopholes that allow career criminals to evade justice. H.B. 312 Gang Prevention and Enforcement targets organized crime by giving law enforcement better tools to dismantle dangerous gangs. With fentanyl fueling a growing public safety crisis, H.B. 38 Controlled Substance Amendments increases penalties for traffickers, while H.B. 87 Drug Testing and Prevention enhances drug testing and intervention efforts to curb substance abuse. These measures work together to ensure those who threaten our communities face real consequences while making Utah a safer place for everyone.
Powering Utah’s Future
We are advancing our above-all-energy approach by embracing nuclear power as a key component of Utah’s future energy mix. H.B. 249 Nuclear Power Amendments, which passed the House unanimously, establishes the Utah Energy Council and creates a nuclear energy consortium, aiming to explore and develop advanced nuclear technologies. This will provide a secure energy source for Utah, allowing us to keep rates low and the lights on. Check out this article to learn more.
Supporting Students and Future Educators
We’re committed to setting Utah students and teachers up for success by expanding opportunities in education and the workforce. H.B. 447 will enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs statewide, allowing students to explore high-demand fields like healthcare, engineering, and construction while gaining credentials for high-paying jobs—even before graduation. H.B. 260 strengthens pathways from K-12 to higher education by ensuring students graduate with industry-recognized credentials, setting them up for long-term success. Supporting future educators is also a priority, and H.B. 204 Stipends for Future Educators Grant Program Amendments aims to provide financial assistance to student teachers, increasing retention and encouraging graduates to stay and teach in Utah. Additionally, H.B. 344 School Fees Amendments aims to reduce financial barriers for families by addressing school fees, making education more accessible for all students. These efforts work together to create a stronger, more prepared workforce while investing in the next generation of Utah’s educators and leaders. Read more here.
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