Dear Friends and Neighbors,
With just one week left in the legislative session, we’re working hard to pass key policies that will shape Utah’s future. From securing a reliable energy supply to investing in our teachers and addressing critical issues, we have been focusing on securing a strong future for Utah.
As we head into the final days of the session, I encourage you to follow along at le.utah.gov. On the legislative website, you can watch floor debates, join committee meetings and read legislation.
Additionally, each Friday I post a video update. You can watch my week six video below.
Advancing Utah’s Energy Future
Utah’s future depends on a strong, reliable energy supply to support innovation and economic growth. By 2050, we must at least triple our energy production to meet rising demands from AI, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing. Energy powers everything we do—charging devices, fueling transportation, and keeping homes comfortable—while also affecting costs for families and businesses.
Thankfully, Utah has the resources to lead. With geothermal, coal, natural gas, and emerging technologies like small modular nuclear reactors, we are building a diverse energy portfolio. A strong strategy will keep power affordable, boost our economy, and strengthen America’s energy.
Embracing small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) is key to making Utah a leader in energy innovation. These advanced reactors are safer, more flexible, and provide reliable, around-the-clock power with less environmental impact than traditional nuclear plants.
H.B. 249 Nuclear Power Amendments positions Utah at the forefront of energy advancement. It establishes the Utah Energy Council, Energy Development Zones, and the Nuclear Energy Consortium to drive policy, support workforce development, and streamline project financing. These efforts will keep Utah on the cutting edge of energy development, ensuring a stable power supply for generations to come.
Investing in Utah’s Teachers
Utah’s teachers are vital to student success, and we’re once again recognizing their dedication with a $1,446 salary increase and a $1,000 bonus for education support staff. Additionally, we’re providing a 4% funding increase for school districts to provide another boost for all employees.
Key investments include:
- $50M – Teacher salary increases
- $50M – Bonuses for support staff
- $178M – 4% funding increase for district employees
- $77.7M – Educator professional time
- $65M – Career & Technical Education Catalyst grant program
- $14.3M – Teacher supplies & materials
- $12.4M – Stipends for student teachers
- $7.3M – Grow Your Own Educator Pipeline grant program
- $795K – Professional liability insurance
These efforts have helped Utah climb to No. 2 in education and among the highest starting salaries for teachers in the West—rising from approximately $44,000 to $60,000 between 2020 and 2024. This year’s increase will push it even higher, reinforcing our commitment to supporting educators.
Recognizing Rodeo: A Step Forward for High School Athletes
Utah has a strong rodeo tradition and is home to some of the best rodeo athletes in the world. The skills and values kids learn from rodeo—discipline, perseverance, and hard work—are just as important as those gained in other sports. Yet, unlike baseball or football, high school rodeo athletes don’t automatically receive excused absences for competitions.
My bill, S.B. 279, changes that by adding rodeo to the list of excused absences for high school students. If you’re competing in a high school rodeo through the Utah High School Rodeo Association, your absence will now be officially recognized—just like other high school sports.
Honoring Utah’s Fallen First Responders
No words can express the respect and gratitude we hold for Utah’s fallen first responders. We had the solemn privilege of welcoming their families to the Senate floor this week to honor their loved ones.
Every day, we benefit from the dedication of our police officers, firefighters, search and rescue teams, EMS personnel and countless others who put themselves in harm’s way to protect us. We recognize that the security we enjoy comes at a profound cost and that behind every badge, every uniform and every act of heroism stands a family that has endured an unimaginable loss. We honor their sacrifice and stand with them—today and always.
Preparing for the 2034 Olympics & Paralympics
I’m thrilled to serve on the 2034 Olympic & Paralympic Steering Committee as we begin the exciting work of bringing the Games back to Utah! Our state has a proud Olympic legacy, and this is an exciting opportunity to showcase our world-class venues, boost our economy, and inspire the next generation of athletes. I’m eager to get to work and ensure we make the most of this incredible opportunity. Let’s go!