Working for Utah

Dear Friends,

It has been a busy and exciting week as we head into the final two weeks of the legislative session. I am still in awe that I have this opportunity to represent District 45. Thank you for putting your trust in me. Scroll to the bottom of this email to see the top 5 things I have learned in the first few weeks of my Freshman legislative session.

I appreciate hearing from constituents. Your feedback on bills is helpful. You can continue to follow along with the process, either in person or online at le.utah.gov. If you have questions or would like to share your thoughts, reach out. I would love to hear from you.

Spotlight on my Bills

I am pleased to sponsor HB410 – Child Care Amendments. I have been working with a group of stakeholders including my predecessor, Susan Pulsipher, this past year to find ways to increase the availability of high quality child care. The amendments in this bill will help to recruit employees and encourage child care facilities around housing and transit zones. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to pass HB410 and strengthen child care services for Utah's families!

I was invited to discuss HB76 Public Education Revisions on KSL’s Inside Sources this week. This bill cleans up and clarifies several different sections of education code. It also allows a child to enroll in kindergarten in Utah after a child was enrolled in a Kindergarten program in another state with a different age requirement. Here is the link to the interview.

Utah’s Budget: Balanced, Responsible, and Accountable

As your representative, I take seriously the responsibility of ensuring your tax dollars are used wisely. Utah’s Constitution requires us to pass a balanced budget, meaning we cannot spend more than we bring in—no deficit spending, no kicking the can down the road. This commitment to fiscal responsibility has made Utah one of the best-managed states in the nation.

This week we received updated revenue projections for fiscal year 2025-26. While Utah’s economy remains strong, income tax revenue is lower than expected. The Executive Appropriations Committee will be finalizing the budget this week. Click here to learn more about the latest budget estimates.

Student Body Officers from Jordan School District came to visit the Capitol!

Educating the Future

This week, the House passed HB381 Civics Education Amendments. This bill bolsters civics education by adding a social studies graduation requirement, requiring specific civics-related instruction, and removing outdated testing mandates. By focusing on comprehensive civics education, we strive to prepare students for active and informed participation in our democratic processes.

I met two of my constituents who attend the University of Utah, Dayttn Bartschi and Ali Nopper, and learned about their undergraduate research.

Top 5 things I’ve learned as a new legislator

1. Most bills pass unanimously with bipartisan support.

2. Bills are first heard in committee when any member of the public can comment including those listening online.

3. A bill can only address one subject

4. Bills can be substituted and amended multiple times.

5. District 45 residents are really engaged in the process!

Joined on the floor by South Jordan resident Lauren Hoyt and Mayor Dawn Ramsey

My Bills

HB76 - Public Education Revisions

HB184 - School Trust Land Amendments

HB268 - Nonresident Online School Amendments

HB325 - Parent Access to Learning Materials Pilot Programs

HB410 - Child Care Amendments

I am co-sponsoring four bills: HB197 Criminal Conduct Amendments, HB87 Drug Trafficking Amendments, HB65 Firefighter Cancer Amendments, HB393 Banning Foreign Funding in Ballot Initiatives