Friends and Neighbors,
As we close out week three of the legislative session, the pace here on the Hill is picking up. Committees are hard at work, bills are moving through the process and there’s a real buzz in the Capitol. This is a time of thoughtful conversation, collaboration and action as we focus on shaping Utah's future.
Utah continues to stand out as one of the fastest-growing states, attracting people from all walks of life because of our stunning landscapes, thriving economy, tight-knit communities and high quality of life. But with growth comes responsibility—the responsibility to protect the values and resources that make Utah unique.
My commitment is to preserve and enhance what makes Utah such a great place to live and raise a family. That means ensuring our families have access to the resources they need to succeed, keeping taxes low and ensuring our education system remains competitive.
Below you can read some of the highlights from this week! As always, feel free to reach out to me by contacting my intern, Meredith, at mmurdock@le.utah.gov or 385-441-0602.
Priority Spotlight: Realigning Higher Education with Utah’s Workforce Needs
Right now, Utah faces shortages in critical fields like healthcare, social work and engineering—industries vital to the strength of our communities and economy. To bridge this gap, our higher education system must adapt to better meet the demands of an ever-changing workforce.
For decades, Utah’s universities and colleges have excelled in preparing students for successful careers. Now, we are committed to supporting them in expanding opportunities and aligning education with the state’s growing needs.
H.B. 265 Higher Education Strategic Reinvestment would take a proactive approach by directing institutions to develop a strategic reinvestment plan that shifts funding from low-demand areas to the fields most in need of skilled professionals. By prioritizing programs that equip students with in-demand skills, we’re preparing them to secure strong, meaningful job opportunities while strengthening Utah’s workforce.
On the Hill
Honoring Our Fallen Soldiers
We expressed our most heartfelt sympathies and utmost appreciation to the families of our fallen military members. My heart aches for these families that have lost their loved ones. America is a symbol of hope and liberty worldwide, and the Utahns who serve our country make us proud every day. We will remember and be forever grateful for those brave individuals who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
Recognizing Utah’s Service Members of the Year
The Utah Service Member of the Year award honors outstanding individuals from the state's major military branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Space Force. This week, the Senate had the privilege of recognizing these exemplary service members and their families for their dedication, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to our nation.
These individuals embody the highest ideals of duty and honor, reminding us all of the true meaning of service. We will always value and support those who wear the uniform—and the families who stand beside them.
Legislative Highlights
What it does
Protects taxpayers by ensuring their hard-earned money isn’t being used as a bargaining chip.
Prohibits public sector collective bargaining—a process that a vast majority of unions in Utah do not currently engage in.
This change ensures taxpayers have a voice in wage discussions and fosters a more transparent system.
It allows employers to engage directly with all employees—not just union representatives—when addressing workplace concerns.
Prevents taxpayer resources from being used to subsidize public labor unions.
Enhances transparency for public employees by offering clearer insight into how unions allocate dues collected through payroll deductions.
Provides educators, and other public employees, as needed, access to optional personal professional liability insurance to give them additional peace of mind that they’re covered in case of an employment dispute.
What it does NOT do
Eliminate unions or prevent public employees from joining them – public employees will still be able to organize, advocate for themselves and receive union support.
Does not ban union meetings on public property – unions can still use public facilities but under the same conditions as other non-government groups.
Does not cut retirement benefits for public employees – state retirement benefits remain in place for public employees, though new union staff who are not public employees will no longer qualify.
Does not limit employee voices – instead ensures that all public employees, not just specific groups, have opportunities to share ideas and improve workplace conditions.
Why it matters
When public sector unions negotiate, they aren’t sitting across the table from shareholders – they’re sitting across from taxpayers, from the people.
Ensures all public employees, not just specific groups, have opportunities to share ideas and contribute to improving workplace conditions.
Protects the taxpayers by ensuring their hard-earned money isn’t being used as a bargaining chip.
Legislature’s Commitment to Public Employees
Utah’s public employees play a vital role in serving our communities, and the Legislature has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting them. Over the past few years, we have:
Increased teacher compensation by $6,000 statewide—the largest direct increase in history—despite opposition from the UEA.
Raised new teacher starting salaries by 35.1% since 2020, making Utah’s starting salary the second highest in the nation.
Established the Law Enforcement and Correctional Officer Down Payment Assistance Program in 2022.
Allocated $1.4 million in ongoing funding (2024) to enhance retirement benefits for public safety personnel and firefighters.
Created the Public Safety Officer Scholarship Program (2023) to support high school students pursuing careers in law enforcement.
These accomplishments were achieved because constituents raised their concerns with their elected representatives—not through collective bargaining. By and large, Utah’s existing processes, both at the state and local levels, have been effective in addressing the needs of our public employees.
Statewide Initiatives
What S.J.R. 2 does
Statewide initiatives proposing significant tax changes—such as introducing new taxes, expanding existing ones or adjusting tax rates—must be approved by 60% of Utah voters.
This higher threshold ensures changes to taxes have broad support among voters before they can be adopted, ensuring a strong and stable economy.
If S.J.R. 2 passes the Legislature, Utahns will vote in the 2026 general election on whether to change the threshold.
Why it matters
Tax policy changes affect both Utahns and our economy. Setting a higher threshold for tax decisions ensures that fiscal policies reflect broad public consensus.
This constitutional amendment would ask a simple question to Utahns: “How easy do you think it should be for your neighbor to raise your taxes?”
What S.B. 73 does
Enhances transparency by requiring statewide initiatives that involve new spending to include a fiscal note outlining costs and funding sources.
Establishes criteria to prevent unconstitutional or duplicate initiatives, ensuring a responsible and efficient process.
Ensures that voters receive consistent information for both constitutional amendments and statewide initiatives by having the same publication standards.
Modernizes public notice requirements for constitutional amendments and statewide initiatives by transitioning from print to digital formats, reflecting how most Utahns access information.
Why it matters
Providing clear and transparent information empowers voters to thoughtfully assess whether an initiative aligns with their own values and the needs of the state.
This measure promotes fairness, accountability and fiscal responsibility, helping to protect taxpayers and maintain a stable economic environment for all Utahns.
S.B. 95 Truth in Taxation Amendments
What it does
Utah’s Truth in Taxation law, which passed in the ‘80s, is intended to prevent money from unnecessarily flowing to the government when property values increase.
The Truth in Taxation law prevents automatic tax increases when property values rise. Instead, local governments must notify taxpayers and hold public hearings before approving any rate increases.
S.B. 95 reinforces this commitment to transparency, giving Utahns a clear voice in the tax process.
It also ensures these hearings comply with the Open and Public Meetings Act, requiring a quorum to be present before decisions can be made.
Why it matters
Strengthens transparency in the property tax process by clarifying the requirements for truth in taxation public hearings on tax rate increases.
This change enhances accountability and allows for more meaningful public participation in decisions that impact taxpayers.
S.B. 158 Sale or Lease of Federally Managed Public Land Amendments
What it does
Directs the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office (PLPCO) to track and review land requests from state government entities for federally managed public land in Utah, ensuring state agencies remain informed about land requests from state government entities.
Requires an annual review of submitted land applications, ensuring updates are collected and monitored and preventing applications from being overlooked.
Surveys all land applications submitted between July 1, 2014, and July 1, 2024, to assess agency participation, request timelines, land locations and current application statuses.
Why it matters
Strengthens Utah’s ability to manage and advocate for public land use that benefits local communities.
Provides greater transparency and accountability in the process of acquiring federally managed land for state use.
Helps Utah proactively track land appropriations and advocate for state interests in federal land decisions.
H.B. 200 Outdoor Recreation Amendments
What it does
Expands the state’s authority to work with federal agencies to keep certain public lands open during a fiscal emergency.
Adds U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-managed lands to the list of areas the state can prioritize, alongside national parks, forests and recreation areas.
Directs the Division of Outdoor Recreation to establish rules for prioritizing these lands based on economic impact and recreational value.
Why it matters
Outdoor recreation is vital to Utah’s economy and culture. When federal shutdowns or fiscal emergencies threaten access to public lands, our local communities and outdoor enthusiasts suffer.
Utah’s tourism industry as a whole generates over $12 billion in direct visitor spending annually and supports 160,000 jobs, underscoring the importance of keeping these lands operational and accessible.
If passed, this bill will help protect Utah’s outdoor industry, ensure continued access to recreation sites and strengthen the state's ability to manage its natural resources.
S.B. 67 Local Option Sales Tax Amendments (Owens)
What it does
Enables certain local governments to implement a small sales and use tax to fund emergency services, giving local governing bodies the flexibility to adjust the tax according to their community's needs.
Help rural communities with high tourism, where local residents currently shoulder most of the cost of emergency services.
Why it matters
Many rural areas support national and state parks, bringing in large numbers of visitors while relying on limited resources for emergency services.
This bill helps to shift part of the financial responsibility from local taxpayers to tourists, ensuring sustainable funding for essential services.
Giving local governments a flexible tool to better serve both residents and visitors will strengthen public safety overall.
Getting Involved
Public participation is vital to developing better policies for all Utahns, and we want to make it easier for you to follow the issues that matter most to you.
Our new webpage includes helpful video tutorials to guide you through navigating the legislative website (le.utah.gov) and making the most of its resources. Check it out here: senate.utah.gov/getting-involved
ICYMI
Utah is a state that doesn’t wait for the future to happen—we create it. By working together and seizing opportunities for smart growth, we can ensure that Utah’s future remains bright.
Best,
Senator Ron Winterton
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