April 2026 Legislative Newsletter

Interim Is Here – Get Involved - Your Voice Matters:

Hello friends,

 

While the legislative session officially wraps up in March, the work is far from over. From April through November, lawmakers meet monthly in what are known as interim committees. These legislative committees take a closer look at the most pressing issues facing our state—ranging from education and infrastructure to health care and economic development. We analyze data, hear from experts, and begin shaping the legislation that will likely be introduced in the next general session.

 

This year, I’m honored to serve on the Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice and the Business and Labor interim committees. I also have the privilege of serving as the Chair of Public Education Appropriations committee.

 

The first interim meetings of 2026 are scheduled for May 19-20. These meetings are a key part of the lawmaking process—and a great time for your involvement and input. As always, all meetings are open to the public, both in person and online. You can attend in person at the Utah State Capitol or watch live online at le.utah.gov, where you’ll also find the full schedules and agendas. Check out the interim committee study items here.

 

These meetings are an opportunity for you to make your voice heard, raise concerns and present solutions about the issues that impact your life. I hope to see you there!

Being Accountable to You – Post Legislative Session Town Hall

Thank you to everyone who came to my post-legislative session town hall from Mapleton, Spanish Fork and Springville. I loved being with you, visiting about the accomplishments of the legislative session, and listening to your feedback and recommendations going forward.

Championing Education and Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind

After collaboratively working for a year with people throughout the state, HB448 which I sponsored in this year’s legislative session unanimously passed each Committee, the full House and Senate and is now law. This will strengthen the foundation of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind (USDB) for generations to come so these wonderful children with sensory impairments will receive the education and support necessary to reach their full potential.

Advocating for our Communities and Utah at the White House

It was an honor to be invited to the White House State Leadership Conference in D.C. this month to represent our communities and Utah to Cabinet officials and senior leaders of the Trump Administration. I saw federalism in action and coordination between state and federal government. Advocating Utah’s views on key issues ensures Utah’s voice is heard in our nation’s Capitol.

Farm Field Days – A Favorite Day of the Year

Life is good especially when it is Farm Field Day. Thousands of 2nd graders from Nebo School District came to Harward Farms to learn about how our food is grown and harvested. Having grown up on a farm, I loved watching the kids in action with amazing FFA students. A big shout out of thanks to Jake and Sara Harward for making this possible and to Nebo School District, Utah Farm Bureau Federation and so many other community partners.

Leading the Nation, 19 Years in a Row

For the 19th year in a row, Utah was named the state with the best economic outlook in the nation. Using 15 variables including taxpayer reforms, tax cuts, free market policies, and government regulation reform, Utah continues to lead the nation. Being at the press conference announcement in D.C. representing our House District 63 and the state was an honor to champion principles and policies that will benefit the entire country.

 

This achievement is no accident; it is the direct result of hardworking Utahns and an unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility that prioritizes long-term planning over short-term fixes. While other states struggle with rising debt and stagnant growth, our state continues to thrive because we understand government works best when it remains lean and stays out of your way.

 

This ranking highlights the strength of our conservative policies, which have allowed us to cut taxes for six consecutive years while still maintaining a balanced budget and a AAA bond rating. By keeping our economic foundation solid, we are creating a predictable environment where businesses can grow and families can prosper. As your Representative, I remain dedicated to these principles of sound money and strategic investment, ensuring that Utah remains the best place in the country to find a great job, raise a family, and build a secure future.

Good News for Utah Public Lands

Last month, the U.S. Forest Service announced that Salt Lake City will now be home to the agency’s national headquarters. This move shifts leadership closer to the 193 million acres of National Forest System lands, with over 8 million in Utah. Not only will this bring high-quality jobs to the region, the move is also ensuring that policy decisions made about these federal lands are made by those with boots on the ground experience. 

 

Utah is ready to help support the important work ahead and demonstrate what is possible when agencies are grounded in the regions they serve. 

Improved Air Quality Across the Beehive State

Over the past two decades, Utah’s air has steadily become cleaner—a result of thoughtful, commonsense policies and a focus on practical solutions. By investing in cleaner technologies, improving efficiency, and modernizing infrastructure, we’ve made meaningful progress in reducing emissions and protecting the quality of the air we breathe.

 

Recognizing there is even more work to do, this success shows that responsible stewardship and strong economic growth can go hand in hand. When we prioritize innovation, accountability, and smart use of resources, we can preserve Utah’s natural environment while keeping our state prosperous—ensuring cleaner air and a higher quality of life for future generations.

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Saving You Money, Year After Year

As national inflation continues to put pressure on your household budget, my legislative colleagues and I are taking aggressive steps to lower the cost of living for all Utahns. Over the last six years, we have steadily reduced the state income tax and other taxes saving Utahns $1.4 billion. These incremental changes keep hundreds of dollars in the pockets of Utah families every year. We are also supporting parents by expanding the Child Tax Credit, broadening exemptions for young children, and incentivizing businesses to provide affordable childcare. We’ve eliminated the Social Security tax for those earning up to $90,000 and slashed the state gas tax by 15% to provide immediate relief at the pump. By pairing strong fiscal discipline with these common-sense cuts, we are ensuring you keep more of what you earn while maintaining the essential services our community relies on.

 

I would love to hear from you!

District 63

Representative Stephen L. Whyte

swhyte@le.utah.gov

385-271-8435

 

Facebook: @Stephen Whyte

X: @RepWhyte

Instagram: @Stephen Whyte

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