The 2026 legislative session was defined by a simple mission: keeping Utah the best state to live, work, and raise a family. My colleagues and I worked tirelessly to protect your hard-earned money by passing a balanced budget that cuts the state income tax for the sixth year in a row to 4.45% and reduces the gas tax by 15%. We are tackling the cost of living head-on—ensuring transparency at the cash register and empowering more Utahns to save for retirement—while still delivering a 5.9% increase in funding for public education. Check out the latest episode of our House podcast to learn more about what we did to keep life affordable for families. 

Our work doesn't stop just because the session ended. Interim meetings will begin in mid-May. Your voice is vital to our process, and you can follow every update at le.utah.gov.

I am proud of the bills I sponsored this session addressing Utah's water future. Over the last month, Governor Cox hosted ceremonial signings for four of my key water bills. These pieces of legislation represent a comprehensive approach to one of our state’s most pressing challenges: ensuring a reliable water supply for generations to come. By improving the way we direct water to the Great Salt Lake, enhancing statewide conservation efforts, and implementing smarter long-term planning, we are taking bold steps to protect our natural resources. I am grateful for the Governor’s partnership in prioritizing these solutions, which safeguard our environment while supporting the continued economic prosperity of our growing state. Learn more about some of this legislation in my latest op ed. 

Utah’s success is built on the hard work of its citizens, not the size of its government. That is why I am proud to report that we passed a balanced budget while delivering significant tax relief to help you navigate the rising cost of living. For the sixth consecutive year, we reduced the state income tax rate—now down to 4.45%—marking an 11% overall reduction and saving the average family roughly $330 annually. We also reduced the state gas tax by 15% and expanded the child tax credit to better support Utah’s families. 

Rising property taxes have been a growing concern across our community, especially for those living on a fixed income. While property taxes are set at the local level, it’s important to ensure you have a seat at the table regarding your local finances. We passed new transparency measures requiring cities and school districts to provide clearer, more accessible information before pursuing tax hikes. 

As areas like ours continue to grow, we are seeing "yesterday’s" roads struggle to keep up with today’s demands. That is why this year, my colleagues and I took an infrastructure-first approach. By investing $2.1 billion into critical projects throughout the state, we are tackling congestion head-on. These investments do more than just move cars; they support housing affordability by opening up new areas for homes and reducing time spent in traffic. We are planning decades ahead to ensure that as Utah grows, our communities remain connected, our businesses stay competitive, and you spend less time commuting and more time with your family.

A strong economy starts with a skilled workforce, which is why we are making historic investments in both our K-12 schools and our technical colleges. This year, we increased public education funding by 5.9%, including a $100 million expansion of Career and Technical Education (CTE) to give our students hands-on experience in high-demand fields like healthcare and construction before they even graduate. 

We are applying that same focus on results to our technical colleges through a new strategic reinvestment initiative. By identifying and cutting $23 million in administrative costs, we are redirecting those funds into high-impact programs—such as nursing, engineering, and welding—without raising tuition or taxes. These common-sense reforms ensure that your tax dollars are focused on getting Utahns into great careers and keeping our state’s economy the strongest in the nation.

Families across Utah are sitting at their kitchen tables making tough choices to balance their budgets, and your state government should be no different. This year, we successfully passed a balanced budget by applying the same fiscal discipline you use at home. We challenged every state agency to identify underperforming or duplicative programs, ensuring your tax dollars are focused only on what truly works. By keeping government lean and accountable, we are able to fund core services like education and infrastructure while still lowering your taxes. Our commitment is simple: keep more money where it belongs—in your pocket.

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