At last month’s interim meetings, I had the opportunity to meet with my colleagues and discuss legislation for the upcoming 2025 General Session. During my committees, we heard from policy experts, stakeholders, and members of the public about issues that matter to them. If you want to know more about what was discussed, you can watch full recordings at le.utah.gov or click here to read the highlights.
Next month’s meetings will take place on Oct. 15-16 at the Utah State Capitol. Interim is a great way for you to get involved in the Legislative process. I hope to see you there, or you can follow along online at le.utah.gov.
Stand for Our Land
As a state, we are pushing back against federal overreach and taking control of Utah’s future. The federal government controls nearly 70% of Utah lands. This includes 18.5 million acres of “unappropriated” lands, or lands being held without any designated purpose, controlled by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). In contrast, the federal government controls less than 1% of the land in New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
Under the control of the federal government, Utah public lands have become less and less public with every public lands decision coming from Washington, D.C. And upcoming plans of the BLM promise more road closures and further restrictions on access. These closures and restrictions significantly affect Utah’s economy and our ability to maintain Utah lands for wildlife management, hunting, wildfire protection, grazing, tourism, recreation, and many other activities.
Let’s keep Utah lands in the hands of those who know how to manage it best: Utahns. Learn more at standforourland.utah.gov.
Good News for the Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake is one of our state’s most critical resources. Over the last few years, the Legislature has taken significant steps to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy this natural wonder. Private citizens and companies alike have also stepped up to help protect the lake. Compass Minerals has agreed to donate a water right of 200,000 acre-feet, enough to fill 99,000 Olympic pools annually. The Jordan River Valley Conservancy has also released an additional 10,000 acre feet over the last month.
Remember to Vote
Your voice matters! Make yours heard by exercising your right to vote. Elections will take place Tuesday, November 5th and ballots will be mailed out starting Tuesday, October 15th. Click here to register to vote, learn more about the issues, and find polling places and ballot drop boxes near you.
Remember to Vote
Your voice matters! Make yours heard by exercising your right to vote. Elections will take place Tuesday, November 5th and ballots will be mailed out starting Tuesday, October 15th. Click here to register to vote, learn more about the issues, and find polling places and ballot drop boxes near you.
The 2024 General Session is behind us – and we passed historic policies that will benefit our community. This includes innovative solutions to lower the rising cost of housing, protect our state’s invaluable natural resources, invest in future generations, and increase safety in our communities.
A few funding highlights:
$830 million invested in Utah public education
Over $100 million invested in public safety for our communities
$30 million invested in Utah’s water resources
$55 million in transportation innovation
$20 million towards improving housing affordability
These investments will preserve Utah’s high quality of life for generations to come. Click here to learn more about how we’re working for you at the state Capitol.
Cutting Government Waste
This year, the Utah House made good on our promise to trim excess in state government. We cut 50 boards and commissions and raised the barrier for the creation of more government bodies. That’s 110 fewer gubernatorial appointees and a savings for all Utahns.
In his 1964 speech, Ronald Reagan quipped, “No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. So governments’ programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll ever see on this earth.”
Not in Utah.
Between H.B. 532 & H.B. 534, we re-examined over 400 boards and commissions that oversee and regulate everyday life – combining and eliminating unneeded bureaucracy. This is ongoing work, and we promise to stay diligent. Good governance requires accountability and the efficient and effective use of taxpayer funds. For more, you can watch our video on trimming boards and commissions here.
Snow-Capped Mountains, Conservation, and Legislation
Good news – Utah’s mountains are stuffed with snow and our reservoirs are nearing capacity. On average, state reservoirs are sitting at 83% capacity before spring runoff. Last year, reservoirs statewide were around half full.
Here’s a helpful way to think about it: “Our reservoirs are our water savings account,”according to the director of the Division of Water Resources. “This critical infrastructure provides us with the water security we have today.”
During the session, the House passed historic changes to water law which will help Utah continue to thrive when the hydrology is good – and when it’s not. The governor highlighted a number of these bills at an annual spring runoff conference in Cache County. Watch our video here.
Over the last 45 days, my colleagues and I have worked tirelessly to make a meaningful difference not only for all of Utah, but for our community. I am deeply proud of the work my colleagues and I have been able to accomplish. From improving public safety, to supporting our incredible educators, to protecting our states many natural resources and so much more, this has truly been a meaningful 45 days For Utah.
Fiscal Responsibility for Utah
Utah has a long history of fiscal responsibility, awarding us accolades from Best Economic Outlook and Overall Best Economy for several years running. Achievements like this would not be possible without our commitment to passing a balanced budget. This year’s budget truly is a reflection of what matters to Utah: investing in education, protecting our natural resources, and increasing both housing affordability and housing supply. You can learn more about the budget for fiscal year 2025 here or by listening to this week’s episode of our House podcast.
Interim Process
Though our 45 day Legislative session may be over, our work is not. As a Legislature, we will spend the next 10 months meeting in our committees, learning about the pressing needs of the state, and preparing for next year’s session. Our first interim meetings of 2024 will take place this coming May. I am your Representative all year long, not just during our 45 day session, and I would love to continue to hear what issues matter to you. You can follow along with the whole process, in person or online at le.utah.gov.
Tax Relief For Utah
I firmly believe that Utahns deserve to keep more of their hard earned money in their own pockets, which is why the Legislature is continuously committed to reducing taxes. This year, we passed a nearly $170 million tax cut, building upon the $1.3 billion in tax relief we have passed over the last four years. Over time, these sustained, incremental tax cuts have made a real difference for Utah families. You can learn more about this year’s tax reduction here.
Studies have shown that the majority of children who grew up in Utah would like to continue to call Utah home as they enter adulthood. However, the rising cost of homeownership is a key factor in their decision to stay in the state. As we look to the future, we must create opportunities for our children and grandchildren to establish a home in Utah. The Legislature is working to identify innovative ways to facilitate investments in the housing market and streamline processes that will increase the housing supply for Utah.
State Budget
The Executive Appropriations Committee made final recommendations for the fiscal year 2024-25 budget. This year’s recommendations bolster Utah’s longstanding legacy of fiscal stewardship in appropriations. Lawmakers’ recommendations include strategic investments across vital sectors, including education, social services, infrastructure, energy, and water, while providing Utahns with an income tax cut for the fourth consecutive year. Read more about the budget recommendations here.
Reducing School Fees
Many parents and students have been overwhelmed by the amount and cost of school registration fees, particularly for high schoolers. HB 415, which passed the House with bipartisan support, will eliminate fees for any classes a student is required to take for graduation. Let’s keep our education system in Utah affordable and first-rate.
School Safety and Security
This week, lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and education leaders discussed the School Security Task Force and legislation aimed to improve safety and security at Utah schools. The following bills will help teachers focus on teaching and students focus on learning.
H.B. 84 School Safety Amendments: Improves training, communication, infrastructure, and response to better protect students, teachers, and other staff in the event of an emergency.
H.B. 14 School Threat Penalty Amendments: Increases the penalties for threats against schools.
As the second driest state in the nation, we must continually plan for our water needs. Because water is a top priority for the Legislature, we designated this past week as Water Week at the Capitol. During the week, we heard and debated important bills that will help ensure our water future, such as SB 118, which makes it more affordable to implement water efficient landscaping in new home builds, and HB 453, which increases protections for the Great Salt Lake. Click here to learn more about how we plan to protect our water resources.
Updated Budget Estimates
Today, the Governor’s Office and Utah State Legislature released revised revenue numbers for fiscal year (FY) 2024-25. Utah boasts the #1 economy in the nation, ranking as the best state for economic outlook for 16 years in a row and the best-prepared state in the nation for economic downturns and uncertainties. Revenue projections show a return to a more stabilized and consistent revenue stream. As such, our state will transition back to a more modest revenue flow. I am committed to keeping the cost of living low for Utahns and continuing to invest in ways that ensure the state is prepared for potential economic downturns.
More Money for School Supplies
Utah teachers shouldn’t have to fork over their own money to pay for classroom supplies. That’s why, in a unanimous vote, the House passed H.B. 105. The bill would increase the school supply stipend for Utah teachers to $250 for teachers in grades 7-12 and $500 for kindergarten through sixth grade. The proposal builds on previous education investments, including a historic increase in teacher pay and per-pupil spending in the Beehive State.
National Security
In a globally connected world and with one of the strongest aerospace and defense industries in the nation, it’s important that we take steps to safeguard our state and nation from malicious foreign influences. This session, we are taking steps to protect land around military bases from being sold to hostile foreign governments and prohibit the state from purchasing technology manufactured by certain foreign entities. These steps, among others, will help safeguard Utah, and our nation, from outside threats. Click here to learn more.
The Legislature Condemns the Actions of Natalie Cline
In response to the abhorrent and unacceptable actions of Utah State School Board member Natalie Cline using her social media to recklessly target and violate the privacy of a minor, the Legislature passed a concurrent resolution censuring member Cline. This is the first time in state history that the Legislature has censured an elected public official. A public figure should never use their platform to bully a child. I send my love and support to the student athlete who was targeted and her family. Click here to read the full censure.
Over the last several years, both new teachers and those with decades of experience have been spread thin with growing and unmanageable workloads. The Legislature has provided teachers with a $6000 pay raise, paid professional hours, and other resources to make teaching a more desirable and rewarding career. Click here to learn about the bills we will be considering this session to empower teachers.
Utah is Ready to Play Ball
This week, we were joined by baseball legend Dale Murphy as we passed a joint resolution in support of Major League Baseball in the Beehive state. From little league to the collegiate level, Utah has some of the most passionate sports fans in the country and we are eager for the opportunity to bring a major league team to Utah.
Reliable, Affordable, Dispatchable Energy
Utah’s all-of-the-above approach to energy has provided reliable, affordable, and dispatchable power for decades. Investing in the state’s energy capabilities is a top priority this session, and I am committed to fighting back against the federal government and passing policies that ensure Utah’s current and future needs are met. Learn about the energy policies we’re debating here.
For Utah Students and Teachers
Utah is proud to be home to the best teachers and the brightest students in the nation. Investing in education is the best way to invest in the future generation and future prosperity of our state, which is why the Legislature is putting students, parents, and teachers first.
You can learn more about the Legislature’s plans for education by listening to this week’s episode of our House podcast.
