There is a lot going on in our community this summer! Like you, I’ve been staying busy with end of the school year programs and summer activities. Congratulations to all of the high school graduates!
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Utah’s Primary Election is Tuesday, June 23, and I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to learn about the candidates and issues on the ballot and make your voice heard. You should have received your ballot in the mail this week. For information on early voting, drop box locations, and important deadlines, visit https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/clerk/elections/.
- June 9 - Early voting begins at the Salt Lake County Government Center
- June 16 - Last day to request a by-mail ballot
- June 23 - Primary election day (Mail in ballots must be received by the clerk’s office by 8pm on election day. Mail early, or use a drop box.)
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Number One in Family Structure Index
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Utah’s continued prosperity is rooted in the strength of our homes, and that was proven in a new national report that ranks Utah #1 in the family structure index. This ranking reflects our state’s high marriage rates and the fact that more of our children are raised in stable, two-parent households than anywhere else in the country. Our commitment to family values has led to tangible results: Utah currently holds the lowest childhood poverty rate in the nation and the lowest reliance on public assistance.
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Join the Celebration: America 250
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As we gear up for America’s 250th anniversary, I find myself reflecting more than ever on the incredible legacy of freedom, ingenuity, and community that defines our nation. This milestone isn't just about looking back at our history. It’s about coming together as neighbors to shape the next chapter of our story. There are some fantastic celebrations and community events being planned right here in our area, and I’d love for you and your family to be a part of them. Check out Utah America 250 website to find upcoming events, get involved, and join in as we honor this incredible milestone together!
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I appreciate all those who have shared feedback and concerns about the proposed Stratos Data Center project in Box Elder County. We are all watching this proposal very carefully. I have serious concerns about the unprecedented scale of this project and its potential impacts on the environment. While the Legislature does not vote specifically on individual data center projects, we do have an important role in ensuring Utah has strong policies and safeguards in place to protect Utah's water, air quality, and energy resources as our state continues to grow.
While I was encouraged to see the project size reduced and the Governor issue an executive order establishing a higher bar for data center development, those actions alone do not resolve the questions that remain. Any project of this scale must be subject to thorough environmental review, meaningful public input, and a transparent decision-making process. The Legislature recently passed several bills related to data centers that strengthen transparency, protect consumers, and safeguard taxpayers. We will continue to study data center impacts on both our natural resources and economy over the course of this year's interim meetings. Economic growth is important, but it must be balanced with responsible stewardship of Utah’s water, air, energy resources, and quality of life.
If you want to know more, here is a letter that outlines the significant environmental reviews that will be required before any of the permits can be issued for any phase of the project. BoxElder DEQ letter on Data Centers.pdf) The Kem C Gardner Policy Institute recently released a report on data center growth in Utah that can be accessed here. Data Center Growth FS Apr2026.pdf
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In Utah, June 8 - 14, 2026 is designated as Family Connection Week. Families are encouraged to find a day and time that week that works for them and participate in activities focused on building connections. This could be preparing a meal and eating together, going on a hike, visiting an attraction, or playing a game together. You don’t have to go big for this to be meaningful, start where you are. Activity ideas can be found at strongfamilies.utah.gov.
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Get Involved in the Interim Process
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Interim meetings resumed last month, and I welcomed the opportunity to get back to the Capitol to continue working on policies that will benefit our community and state. Interim allows us to hear directly from industry experts and the public. All of the topics that have been approved for interim study can be found here.
Our next interim meetings will take place on June 16th and 17th at the Capitol. I would love to see you there in person; alternatively you can watch recordings, participate in livestreams, view agendas, and more at le.utah.gov.
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Stewardship of our Resources
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Governor Cox has issued a Drought Executive Order declaring a statewide state of emergency due to our drought conditions. Our mountain snowpack serves as Utah's primary water supply, and with our reservoirs drawing down quickly, aggressive water conservation is absolutely critical for all of us this season. Because our landscapes are incredibly dry, this drought also brings a significantly heightened risk of wildfires. This summer, while you’re enjoying all the beauty our state has to offer, please practice extra caution and use our fire sense whenever spending time outdoors. Let’s do our part to conserve water, prevent human-caused wildfires, and protect our communities.
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School lunch has come a long way since my time in school! I toured the kitchen at Columbia Elementary to observe how fresh, local ingredients are used to prepare student meals as part of the Farm to School program. Some of the food served at lunch is even grown by students. I also visited a 3rd grade class that participates in a weekly Junior Master Gardener class.
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Representing Utah at Pearl Harbor
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Congratulations to the Bingham High School Marching Miners for being selected to perform in the official parade commemorating the 85th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The students have been given the immense honor of specifically representing the USS Utah and those who remain interred there. The band will march to ensure their memory and legacy are never forgotten.
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I would love to hear from you!
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