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 Additionally, voters will now opt in to receive a mail-in ballot, preventing outdated rolls and strengthening election integrity.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.
As we approach the halfway mark of the 2025 legislative session, my colleagues and I have hit the ground running, tackling key issues that will have a lasting impact on our community. We’re pushing forward legislation to bolster our energy infrastructure, expand opportunities in higher education, and secure our state’s vital water resources. By positioning Utah as a leader in energy innovation, investing in our teachers and students, and implementing sustainable water management strategies, we’re ensuring a bright future for our state.
Make sure you continue to follow along with the process by reading my newsletters, connecting with me on social media, or watching live streams of our meetings at le.utah.gov.
Strengthening Our Election Process
As your Legislator, I am committed to ensuring the integrity and security of our elections. In recent years, we have enacted comprehensive reforms to strengthen our electoral process, including enhanced auditing procedures, stricter ballot custody protocols, and rigorous voter registration maintenance. This year, we are building on these past reforms by clarifying key election laws to ensure greater transparency and consistency in the voting process. We’re enhancing ballot tracking, creating stricter verification procedures for mail-in voting, and improving voter registration accuracy. These efforts reflect our continued commitment to safeguarding the integrity of our elections, ensuring that every eligible vote is counted fairly and securely. Check out the latest episode of our House podcast to learn more.
Stopping Sanctioned Crime
We’re taking bold steps to tackle homelessness and its impact on our communities. Last year, we provided cities with the tools to end unsanctioned camping, boosted funding to address homelessness, and created a Homeless Services Board to improve accountability. This session, we’re holding local governments accountable for reducing homelessness, enforcing the law, and minimizing community disruption—particularly in areas with the most severe challenges. Since 2022, the state has invested over $229 million to combat homelessness and support affordable housing, but this effort requires municipalities to do their part. That’s why we’re aiming to address the root causes of homelessness by enhancing substance use treatment and enforcement measures to set our communities up for success.
The first two weeks of the 66th Legislature were filled with big wins for Utah! We continued our work to strengthen education by expanding career and technical training, cutting red tape to boost workforce opportunities, and keeping costs low for students and families. We also advanced policies to support Utah’s thriving economy, streamline occupational licensing, and invest in critical infrastructure.
As always, our focus remains on keeping Utah a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Stay tuned for more updates as we keep moving forward and follow along with the process at le.utah.gov.
My Bills
This week has been a busy one, as I was able to presentfour of my bills in committee! I’m working hard to keep up with the high demands of my constituents, advocating for policies that promote respect, safety, and the well-being of all Utahns. My bills include:
I remain committed to ensuring every voice is heard and pushing for meaningful changes that strengthen our communities. It’s an honor to serve, and I will continue working tirelessly on behalf of the people I represent!
Supporting Opportunities for K-12 Students
As a Legislature, we’re expanding opportunities for K-12 students by reducing financial burdens and increasing access to career and technical education. Last session, we eliminated school fees for coursework, and this year, we’re enhancing individualized learning options to set students up for success. With Utah leading in education outcomes per dollar spent, my colleagues and I are committed to empowering students, parents, and educators with more choices for a brighter future.
Keeping Utah Business Friendly
This session, we’re fostering economic prosperity by supporting business-friendly policies and cutting red tape. By streamlining occupational licensing through the new Office of Professional Licensure Review, we’re removing barriers that keep qualified workers on the sidelines. We’re tackling workforce shortages, increasing job opportunities, and ensuring Utah remains a top state for business and innovation.
Leading the Nation in Fiscal Responsibility
Balancing the state budget is one of our most important constitutional duties, and Utah stands out as the only state where all 104 lawmakers take part in the budgeting process. The House and Senate passed the base budget, ensuring funding for key areas across our state. Over the next several weeks, my colleagues and I will continue refining the budget to keep Utah on a strong financial path.
With the start of the upcoming Legislative session just around the corner, I want to know what matters most to you and our community.
I will be holding a regional town hall on January 15th with my fellow Representatives from Northern Utah County I would love for you to join us as we discuss the issues facing our state as well as some of our Legislative priorities for the upcoming session.
As your Representative, your opinion is invaluable to me. I use your feedback throughout the session as I craft legislation and vote on bills. This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the legislative process and make your voice heard.
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