Dear Friends and Neighbors,
On Friday, we wrapped up the 2025 legislative session. When we began the session in January, we had a central purpose in mind: powering our state’s future and making life better for Utah families. We worked hard to tackle today’s challenges while laying a strong foundation for future generations.
This session, we made meaningful progress, including:
- Supporting teachers with a direct salary increase of $1,446 and a $1,000 bonus for education support staff, along with a 4% funding boost for school districts to better support all employees.
- Tax cuts for all Utahns at every stage of life, including reducing the income tax rate, eliminating the Social Security tax for those earning up to $90,000 and expanding the child tax credit by two years.
- Ensuring energy remains affordable and reliable by embracing innovative energy solutions such as small modular nuclear reactors.
- Expanding access to cancer screenings, medical support and training for firefighters.
- Enacting strategic policies to increase the supply of affordable housing.
- Laying the groundwork for a spaceport in our state and advancing air taxi technology to revolutionize transportation.
- Reducing distractions of cell phones during classroom hours to create more focused learning environments.
- Investing in programs that realign and equip Utahns with workforce-ready skills, preparing them to meet job market needs.
Utah’s success isn’t accidental—it’s the result of responsible governance, innovative businesses, dedicated educators and engaged citizens working together to keep our state strong. This year’s budget reflects those shared priorities, with strategic investments that will ensure Utah remains the best state in the nation and the state with the best economic outlook.
None of this would be possible without your support and input. Thank you for playing a crucial role in shaping our state’s future and keeping Utah the incredible place it is.
Tax Cuts for Utahns at Every Stage of Life
This year, we’re delivering a $127 million tax cut, ensuring Utahns keep more of their hard-earned money. Over the past four years, the Legislature has provided $1.3 billion in tax relief, and that commitment continues in 2025 with:
- Income Tax: Reduces the income tax rate to 4.5%, providing financial relief to all Utahns, promoting upward mobility and helping Utah remain competitive.
- Social Security Tax: Eliminates social security tax for households earning up to $90,000, strengthening financial security for Utah’s retirees.
- Child Tax Credit: Expands the child tax credit by two years, providing support for young families with children 0-5, helping them thrive and build a brighter future.
- Child Tax Credit for Businesses: Encourages businesses to invest in the future of children by offering tax credits for companies that build and operate childcare facilities for their employees.
These tax cuts aren’t just numbers—they mean more money for groceries, savings and the things that matter most. By prioritizing financial security and opportunity, we are ensuring Utah remains the best place to live, work and raise a family.
Supporting Firefighters in the Fight Against Cancer
The leading cause of death for firefighters isn’t fires—it’s cancer. That’s why I’m proud to have been floor sponsor of H.B. 65, which expands cancer coverage and provides cancer screenings for firefighters. H.B. 65 removes barriers to care, recognizing the unique dangers firefighters face and ensures they receive the support they deserve. Utah firefighters do incredible work for our communities. They have always had our backs, and now we get to show them that we have theirs.
Strengthening Protections Against Bullying
Bullying has no place in our schools, and S.B. 223 takes important steps to ensure a safe learning environment for every student. This bill updates and clarifies the definition of bullying, creating a consistent approach for identifying and addressing the issue across all school districts. With clear guidelines, schools will be better equipped to respond to bullying challenges and protect students.
A student’s ability to learn and build positive relationships should never be disrupted by fear. By establishing uniform policies, S.B. 223 empowers educators to intervene early and effectively, ensuring every child has a safe place to learn.
Creating the Utah Lake Nature and Research Center
S.B. 319 creates the Utah Lake Nature and Research Center in partnership with Utah Valley University (UVU), where the Utah Lake Authority will be headquartered. This new center will serve as a hub for overseeing the planning, development, and management of the lake’s resources. In addition, the authority will collaborate with UVU to select and fund sponsored research projects, driving scientific study and conservation efforts to ensure the long-term health of Utah Lake. The bill also refines the appointment process for certain members of the Utah Lake Authority board, ensuring representation from the surrounding cities.
Utah Lake is one of the state’s most important natural resources, and S.B. 319 strengthens efforts to safeguard its future. By partnering with UVU, the lake authority will tap into academic expertise to promote research and responsible stewardship.
Enhancing Election Security
As I’ve mentioned in previous updates and newsletters, the Legislature reviewed potential changes to Utah’s elections. From the survey I sent out earlier in the session, I learned that the majority of people in our district support vote-by-mail but also want to see enhanced security measures, including stronger identification requirements. I also heard from many people across our district that they want faster election results. Taking all of this into account, I worked closely with my colleagues in the House and Senate to find a solution that enhanced security while still making voting accessible and convenient for Utahns. I believe we found that balance.
H.B. 300 enhances election security while preserving vote-by-mail. Key provisions include:
- Voters must provide the last four digits of their state ID when returning ballots through mail or to drop box. Ballots without this information will go through the signature curing process.
- Ballots must be received by the county clerk by 8 p.m. on election night for more timely results.
- Voters must opt in every eight years to receive mail-in ballots, ensuring only eligible voters receive them. Opt-in will be available when renewing a driver’s license, voting in person or online.
- The lieutenant governor will have increased authority to investigate voter registration roll inaccuracies.
I believe this bill strikes the right balance between convenience and security, ensuring that voting remains accessible and secure for all Utahns.
A Special Thanks to My Intern, Ashlyn
Each year during the legislative session, university students intern with lawmakers to gain hands-on experience and learn about the legislative process. This session, I was fortunate to have an outstanding intern, Ashlyn, who played a vital role in keeping everything running smoothly. From researching policy issues and coordinating constituent meetings to answering calls and attending committee hearings, Ashlyn tackled every task with enthusiasm and professionalism. I have no doubt she will go on to do great things!
