Hello Friends,

I hope you’ve had a wonderful summer. Although the Legislature is not in session, I feel it is important to keep you informed of important happenings in the state and in our House District. Thank you for the privilege to serve and represent you.

Enclosed are many important issues and updates we’re working on at the Capitol.

I hope you all have a fun, safe, and enjoyable Labor Day holiday weekend! I am grateful to live in a state that is known for its industrious spirit. The hardworking people in our local communities are a big part of what makes our state the best place to live, work, learn, and play.

Everyone in our House District 63 is invited to attend my "Family Night at the Capitol" on Sept. 9 for a pizza dinner and behind-the-scenes private tour as we continue to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary. Space is limited to 60 people, so an RSVP is required by Sept. 2. If you and your family are interested, please reserve your tickets quickly before space is filled. RSVP here. I’m excited to be with you.

• September 15 and 16: September interim meetings
• October 20 and 21: October interim meetings
• October 23: Last day to register to vote
• Tuesday, November 3: Election day

I enjoyed meeting with legislators from throughout the state during this month’s interim meetings at the Capitol. These meetings are an opportunity for us to hear from the public as well as presentations from experts and stakeholders, all of which helps us prepare for the upcoming legislative session. Topics discussed and learned about include: water, energy, taxes, transportation, data privacy, real estate wire fraud, AI and data centers, the Utah State Hospital, public education funding, National Federalism Initiative, Medicaid funding shortfall, public infrastructure districts, wildfires, and many, many more topics.

A summary of all the August interim committee meetings can be found here.

The next interim meetings will be held on September 15 and 16 at the Capitol. You can participate in person or online at le.utah.gov.

Congrats to MTECH for opening the new Heber campus. It was a privilege to help cut the metal ribbon with a plasma welder along with President Christensen, board members, business and education leaders. With 38 high-demand career and technical degrees, 89% job placement rate and nearly 7,000 students, MTECH is changing people’s lives, creating job opportunities, and is a driving force within our local economy.

40 years ago the first heart transplant occurred in Utah. Since then more than 2,000 heart transplants have taken place. It was a privilege to be with renowned health care providers and transplant recipients to celebrate the Utah Cardiac Transplant Program’s vision, leadership and collaboration that established this internationally recognized program for excellence in heart transplantation.

Supporting education means more than funding schools. It means creating an environment where students can focus on learning, teachers have the tools they need to succeed, and parents are empowered to play the most important role in their child's education.

Over the past five years, the Legislature has increased public education funding by $1.8 billion, with nearly half of Utah's state budget now dedicated to education. These investments have helped strengthen literacy instruction, increase parent involvement, improve school-based mental health resources, expand resources for at-risk students, provide access to full-day kindergarten, and reduce barriers to student success. We have also worked to give families greater flexibility in choosing the educational environment that best meets their child's needs through programs like the Utah Fits All Scholarship. As we begin the new school year, our Legislature remains committed to ensuring our schools have the resources, support, and tools needed to help every student reach their full potential.

As students returned to the classroom this month, I want to recognize the incredible teachers and school staff who make a difference in the lives of Utah students every day. A quality education starts with great educators, and I believe we have a responsibility to provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed.

The Legislature has worked hard to make significant investments in Utah's education workforce. We have increased teacher pay to be among the highest in the nation, expanded professional development and leadership opportunities, strengthened mentoring programs, and provided additional support for future educators entering the profession. We have also invested in the paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodians, food service employees, and other support staff who help keep our schools running each day. By supporting the dedicated individuals who serve our students, we are helping build stronger classrooms and create a brighter future for Utah families.

Utah has become a national leader in Career and Technical Education programs that equip students with valuable skills in fields that drive our economy, such as healthcare, manufacturing, construction, information technology, and skilled trades. The Legislature has worked to expand opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized credentials, explore career pathways, and gain real-world experience before they graduate high school. We have also invested in workforce development initiatives that connect education with these high-demand fields. As Utah's economy continues to grow, workforce training programs will play an increasingly important role in connecting students with high-paying, in-demand careers.

In 2023, Utah sued Meta because we believe protecting children should come before profits. This month, Utah secured part of a $12.2 billion settlement. Utah is guaranteed at least $212 million over the next 10 years, with additional funds if Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube agree to similar terms. The settlement also requires Meta to make significant changes to how children use its platforms, including daily time limits, nighttime restrictions, fewer notifications during school hours, stronger age verification and parental controls, and limits on features such as beauty filters and visible “like” counts. 

This is an important step toward making social media safer for kids and giving parents more tools to protect their families. We will continue working to hold social media companies accountable and put the well-being of Utah children first.

Unsubscribe from future updates