Talking Policy at August Interim Meetings

This past month, I joined my colleagues and Utahns from every corner of the state for August interim meetings. In committee, we talked about issues impacting Utah communities and discussed legislation for the 2025 General Session.

Interim meetings are a valuable time to collaborate and discuss the impacts of Utah policy. If you would like to join our next interim meetings, I’ll be back at the Capitol today and tomorrow, Sept. 17-18. Can’t make it to the Capitol? As always, you can watch live at le.utah.gov. Hope to see you there

You're Invited: Legislative Town Hall

I will be holding a town hall this Saturday, September 28th at 11 am with Senator Lincoln Fillmore, hosted at the Bingham Creek Library. I would love for you to join us as we discuss the impacts of the bills we have passed this year as well as how we are preparing for the 2025 General Legislative Session.

Your opinion matters to me. I hope to see you there!

Recognizing Local Heroes

During last month's special session, I had the honor of recognizing four outstanding recent graduates of Bingham High School—Nathan Gillet, Brenna Miller, Zach Peterson, and James Brown—on the House floor with a Legislative citation for their incredible act of heroism this summer.

Before heading off to college, these friends set out for what they thought would be a relaxing getaway to Middle Canyon in Tooele County. However, their trip quickly turned into a life-saving mission.

While at their campsite, they heard cries for help and rushed to find Joey and Leanna Espinoza in desperate need. Joey had suffered a serious accident—a seizure that caused him to fall face-first into the campfire. Without hesitation, these young heroes jumped into action.

Zach, utilizing his EMT training from JTECH, provided critical aid, while the group comforted Leanna and carefully loaded Joey into their truck. They drove him to the nearest hospital, ensuring he received the medical attention he urgently needed. Their quick thinking and willingness to help in a moment of crisis truly made a difference in Joey’s life and have shown us all what true character and compassion look like. This spirit of service and readiness to help others is what Utah is all about, and I couldn't be prouder to honor them.

It was especially touching to have Joey and Leanna Espinoza and their two daughters joined us on the House floor as these teens were recognized. Their presence was a powerful reminder of the impact that these courageous actions had on their family.

Please join me in celebrating these remarkable individuals—Nathan, Brenna, Zach, and James—who have set an inspiring example for us all. Thank you for embodying the very best of our community.

Stand for Our Lands.

After decades of policy work and legal analysis, the state of Utah filed a landmark public lands lawsuit asking the U.S. Supreme Court to address whether the federal government can simply hold unappropriated lands within a state indefinitely. Right now, the federal government controls nearly 70% of land in Utah. For some perspective, the federal government owns less than 1% of the land in Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island.

In Utah, the Bureau of Land Management controls 18.5 million acres of “unappropriated” lands, meaning the United States simply holds the land without any designated purpose. Importantly, this lawsuit does not impact the millions of “appropriated” lands – or those designated as national parks, national monuments, wilderness areas, national forests, Tribal lands, or military properties.

If the state succeeds, Utah intends to keep these public lands in public hands – actively managed by locals – and open for sustainable use and recreation.

Utah is Best in the West for Education

In government, budgets are a reflection of values and priorities. If you look at Utah’s budget, it's clear our historic investments in education are paying off.

U.S. News & World Report ranks Utah’s public education system as the second best in the nation – only behind Florida – and far ahead of our peers in the west.

Over the past two years alone, the House and Senate invested nearly $2 billion in our students and schools. We worked together to strengthen school safety, eliminate unnecessary school fees, and increase funding for classroom supplies.

American Founders and Constitution Month

The Legislature has designated September as American Founders and Constitution Month, giving us the chance to honor the many freedoms we enjoy because of those who came before us. I am deeply grateful for our country’s great constitution and the many freedoms we enjoy because of it. I hope you will join me over the next month in reflecting on the wisdom of our Founding Fathers and the values that have shaped our nation.