Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Our community experienced a devastating loss this week with the passing of Sgt. Bill Hooser. Sgt. Hooser gave everything to protect our community and keep our families safe. I have been deeply touched by the displays of respect and gratitude over the last few days. My sincere condolences and prayers are with Sgt. Hooser’s family and loved ones at this time.
The public is invited to pay their respects to Sgt. Hooser’s family by attending his funeral service. The service will be held on Monday, May 13 at 10:00 a.m. at the UCCU Event Center at Utah Valley University.
2024 Interim Schedule
Now that the 2024 general session is over, the Legislature will continue to meet on a monthly basis for interim meetings. Interim meetings are a time to research issues and deliberate on legislation for the next general session.
The Legislature recently approved the interim schedule for 2024. All interim meetings and proceedings are open to the public and live-streamed, recorded and shared publicly on le.utah.gov. Input is an integral part of the legislative process, and I encourage everyone to participate either in-person or virtually.
2024 Interim Schedule:
- May 14-15 at the Utah State Capitol Complex
- June 18-19 at the Utah State Capitol Complex
- August 20-21 at the Utah State Capitol Complex
- September 17-18 at the Utah State Capitol Complex
- October 15-16 at the Utah State Capitol Complex
- November 19-20 at the Utah State Capitol Complex
- December 3 at the Utah State Capitol Complex
Learn more here.
Olympic Panel
In April, I had the opportunity to join a panel to discuss the 2002 Olympics and what Utah can do to prepare for the 2034 Winter Games. The 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics were successful because Utah leaders set goals and made plans years in advance. As co-chair of the Legislative Olympic Coordinating Committee, I am excited to get to work to make the 2034 Olympics the best the world has ever seen.
H.B. 272 Bill Signing
Abusive parents regularly use the family court system to harm children. H.B. 272 changes that by putting children’s safety first. During the 2024 General Session, I worked with Rep. Paul Cutler to pass this piece of legislation. I was grateful to join Rep. Paul Cutler and other child advocates for the ceremonial signing of H.B. 272 this past month.
Best Economic Outlook in the Country
Over the past couple of years, we have been working to ensure our great state remains a desirable place to live and work. This past session was no exception. My colleagues and I continued to take fiscally responsible and conservative measures to secure Utah’s economic future and put more money back into the hands of Utahns, including cutting taxes for a total of $1.3 billion over the past four years while still increasing education funding by nearly $1 billion.
Our efforts are working. This year, for the 17th consecutive year, Utah was the top-ranked state for economic outlook in the 2024 edition of Rich States, Poor States. Additionally, the Wall Street Journal recently ranked Salt Lake City as America’s top job market. Utah also remains the best state for the middle class and the happiest and most charitable state.
As your senator, I remain committed to developing long-lasting, sustainable policy solutions to improve our economy.