Dear friends and neighbors,
The 2024 General Session is officially underway. Over the next six weeks, the Legislature will review proposed bills, balance the state budget and craft policies in areas like education, water and affordable housing.
Additionally, each Friday, I post a video recap of the week on my Facebook page. You can watch last week’s recap below.
State of the State Address
I had the privilege of hearing from Governor Spencer Cox in his State of the State address this week. In his remarks, the governor highlighted what makes Utah the best state in the country. Utah’s uniquely beautiful landscapes, people, and culture are among the many reasons why our state consistently ranks highest for social mobility and success in government. To show how good governance positively impacts Utahns, the governor pointed to the legislative wins we have crafted in recent years. The nearly $1 billion in tax cuts over the past three years, coupled with the largest direct teacher salary raise, demonstrate why Utah consistently comes out on top. Also, Utah’s impressive water conservation practices prove that Utahns can accomplish anything when we work together.
I look forward to working with the governor and my legislative colleagues to deliver more wins for all Utahns. Listen to Governor Cox’s address here.
State of the Judiciary
In this session’s State of the Judiciary address, we heard from Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew Durrant. Joined by his four fellow justices, the Legislature was given an update on the priorities of the judiciary and received well wishes for a productive session from the Judicial Branch. Among his words, Chief Justice Durrant highlighted the need for fairness, tolerance, integrity and honesty, all to drive fair results and the protection of rights within the walls of our courthouses.
Watch the State of the Judiciary address here.
Salt Lake Community College Cross Country Program Recognition
It was a privilege to invite the Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) cross-country program to the Senate to recognize their incredible achievements over the last couple of years. In only their second season of existence, both the men’s and women’s programs won the 2023 Scenic West Championship, and in November 2023, the women’s program handily won the national championship at NJCAA Nationals in Huntsville, Alabama.
These two national championships were the first for women’s sports at SLCC and a cause for celebration. Many of the runners clocked impressive times at meets throughout the year and all of these student-athletes have bright futures ahead. I am proud of these athletes and what they have accomplished!
Protecting Utahns from Unconstitutional Federal Overreach
At times, the federal government proposes a rule or regulation that is overreaching and unconstitutional based on the rights reserved to the state under the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Legislature is considering a bill that will defend Utah’s interests and stand up against unconstitutional federal policies and regulations that negatively impact the state. S.B. 57 Utah Constitutional Sovereignty Act sets up a legislative framework and a legal process for the Utah Legislature to restore the proper balance between the state and federal government. S.B. 57 also has checks and balances to ensure due process. It requires any proposed concurrent resolutions to go through the legislative process and abide by and respect the U.S. Constitution and the courts. Read more about the bill here.
Visit from the Ambassador of Iceland
The first Icelandic immigrants to the U.S. settled in Spanish Fork, Utah, in 1855. I enjoyed introducing the Ambassador of Iceland to my hometown and sharing our rich history. The sacrifices of the Icelanders have helped make Spanish Fork what it is today.