In October, we gathered at the Capitol for interim meetings to prepare for the upcoming 2026 General Session — a crucial time to dig into policy details before the pace of session begins. I reviewed key funding proposals in the Economic and Community Development Appropriations Subcommittee, including support for Utah’s film industry, tourism marketing, and the new Museum of Utah at the North Capitol Building — all investments that drive jobs, strengthen our economy, and celebrate our state’s story.

We also discussed workforce development through Talent Ready Utah, housing strategies to improve affordability, and better coordination between housing and transportation planning — priorities that matter deeply to our growing communities. I presented legislation to ensure cleaner, fairer campaign practices by clarifying rules around political signs and requiring timely cleanup after elections.

If you missed the meetings, you can watch the recordings anytime at le.utah.gov. I’ll continue working to ensure Utah grows responsibly, strengthens opportunity for every family, and keeps government transparent and accountable.

With the federal shutdown halting SNAP benefits for 86,000 Utah households, Utahns need immediate help. To ensure our most vulnerable Utahns have food, the state of Utah will provide resources to support the Utah Food Bank and its partners. This effort will not be possible without support from nonprofits, faith-based groups, community partners, businesses, and families stepping up to fill in the gap. 

Utahns have shown time and time again that when we come together, we can accomplish anything. As the most charitable state in the nation, and during a time when Democrats in Congress are putting politics over people, we all should step up and help our neighbors. 

Donate money to the Utah Food Bank here. 

Donate food by visiting one of the Utah Food Bank distribution centers or drop off locations:

Utah Food Bank Main

3150 S 900 W

Salt Lake City, UT 84119

Utah Food Bank Southern Distribution Center

4416 River Rd

St. George, UT 84790

Utah Food Bank Timpanogos Distribution Center

1900 W 900 S

Springville, UT 84663

Utah Food Bank Southeastern Distribution Center

295 E 200 N

Blanding, UT 84511

Riverton Chevrolet

11100 South Jordan Gateway

South Jordan, UT 84095

Or drop off at any Harmons location statewide or your local food pantry. Click here to find one nearest you. 

Volunteer time by scheduling with the Utah Food Bank. 

Your help will ensure Utah families receive the help they need. If you are in need of food during this time, click here to find a food pantry near you.

Last month's special session was a productive one, with the Legislature taking meaningful action on several important issues — from congressional redistricting and rural health care to ongoing efforts to protect the Great Salt Lake. I was especially proud to see my bill pass requiring county councils to be elected by district, giving residents a stronger voice and ensuring their local leaders are directly accountable to the people they represent.

I also had the honor of leading the House committee that formally notified the Governor we were ready to begin business — a small but meaningful part of keeping our process running smoothly.

We’ll be back at the Capitol for interim meetings on November 18th and 19th as we prepare for the 2025 General Session. If you’re nearby, stop in and say hello — or tune in live at le.utah.gov to see your government in action.

This year, the Legislature took major steps to protect the health and safety of Utah’s firefighters. With the passage of H.B. 65, we expanded free cancer screenings and medical coverage for firefighters and funded the new Rocky Mountain Firefighter Cancer Clinic—a first-of-its-kind program that will save lives. Firefighters face significantly higher cancer risks because of their service, and this bill ensures they have access to early detection and specialized care. It also expands the list of cancers presumed to be job-related, helping firefighters and their families receive the benefits they deserve. Utah is proud to stand behind those who stand ready to protect us every day.

Utahns shouldn’t be paying more at the pump than our neighbors — especially when we’re home to five refineries that produce about one and a half times the fuel we use. The Legislature is taking a close look at why prices remain high and exploring solutions to make fuel more affordable for Utah families. Our goal is simple: keep energy reliable and affordable, protect Utah jobs, and ensure the benefits of our strong energy industry stay with the people who live and work here.

Utah has reaffirmed a simple but important principle: girls’ sports are for girls. The lawsuit challenging our law (H.B. 11) that keeps boys from competing in girls’ sports has officially been dropped. With this challenge behind us, Utah’s commonsense protections for fairness and safety in school athletics remain in place. I’m proud that we stood firm to ensure our girls can compete on a level playing field—one that honors their hard work, talent, and opportunity.

This year, the Legislature took bold steps to strengthen Utah’s higher education system through HB265 Higher Education Strategic Reinvestment Plan — a reform that’s already making a real difference. Under this plan, colleges and universities are redirecting resources toward high-demand fields like health care, engineering, artificial intelligence, and technology. These investments ensure that Utah students graduate with the skills our economy needs while keeping higher education affordable and accessible. By aligning academic programs with real-world opportunities, we’re preparing the next generation to thrive — and making sure every taxpayer dollar works harder for Utah’s future.

As we enter this season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to thank you — the people I have the honor of representing. I’m deeply grateful for the trust you place in me to carry our community’s voice to the Capitol and to work every day on the issues that matter most to Utah families. This time of year reminds me how blessed we are to live in a state where neighbors look out for one another, where faith and family come first, and where our freedoms — protected by the Constitution — continue to guide us forward. From my family to yours, I wish you a joyful and restful Thanksgiving surrounded by the people and traditions you love most.

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