Working For Utah
With the shortest Legislative session in the country, our Representatives know how to make each day count. This week we passed meaningful Legislation that will benefit our community, including bills that increase stipends for educators to purchase classroom supplies, strengthen security at our public schools, and streamline the judicial process. With only two weeks left, make sure you’re following along, in person or online at le.utah.gov.
Water Week
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.
Public Safety
Our strong public safety system is critical for our flourishing economy, strong communities, and high quality of life. However, with our growing population and the wave of rising crime nationwide, it’s critical that we continue to strengthen public safety. This week we passed bills that increase safety and security at the state correctional facility and help inmates safely reintegrate into society, enhance tools and resources to reduce recidivism, and streamline the expungement process.
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.
