Friends and Neighbors,
Utah’s economy continues to shine. For two years in a row, we’ve been ranked the best state overall, and we’ve maintained the top economic outlook for 17 consecutive years. This success is a result of the state’s smart planning and responsible financial policies that continue to guide us forward.
Budget updates released this week show that Utah’s economy is in excellent shape, with revenue growing at a steady 3.5% for fiscal year 2025-26. Wages are rising, retail sales are up and we’re on track to balance our budget while making strong investments in the future. This stable growth reflects Utah’s ability to weather challenges and stay strong. Utah is navigating a smooth transition to a more normal stream of revenue, following the pandemic’s economic impact, and continuing to thrive with resilience.
Through sound, fiscally conservative policies and strategic planning, we’re ensuring that Utah remains a great place for individuals and families to live and work for generations to come.
Week 5 at a Glance
This week was packed with meetings with school groups, stakeholders and constituents! I was able to connect with my farming roots by meeting with student FFA groups and by meeting with Dee Brewer from the Downtown Alliance during the Red Acres Day on the Hill. Also, I met with students from Maeser Elementary School in Vernal and an AP Government class from Wasatch High School in Heber. As the last couple weeks of the session approach, please reach out to my intern to schedule a meeting or a tour of the Capitol!
Read below for updates and a behind-the-scenes look at the work happening on Capitol Hill during week five of the session.
Priority Spotlight: Expanding Affordable Housing to Keep the American Dream Alive
Homeownership has long been one of the defining pillars of the American Dream, offering families a place to put down roots and build a stable environment to raise their children. Making sure Utah families can get into their first home is a key component in keeping Utah a great place to both live, work and raise a family.
S.B. 181 Housing Affordability Amendments address an essential piece to solving this issue by preventing certain municipalities and counties from requiring garages for affordable, single-occupancy houses. Garageless homes, which used to be more common, are much less pricey to build, with a standard two-car garage having the potential to tack on an additional $50,000 to a home’s price tag. Though simple in its changes, this bill would have a substantial impact in helping to reduce construction costs and, ultimately, home prices, making homeownership more attainable for Utahns. Additionally, it would still allow local officials to require on-site parking for these homes, ensuring that parking needs are met without hindering affordable housing development.
This legislation is part of our ongoing commitment to help promote more affordable housing options. With previous efforts such as the First-Time Homebuyer Program successfully aiding these efforts, we’re helping to make sure the American Dream remains a reality not just for today’s families, but for future generations as well.
On the Hill
Powering Utah’s Future: Energy Innovation
For the past decade, Utah and Idaho National Laboratory have been working together to create an energy future that’s brighter and more resilient for generations to come.
With a goal to innovate and transform the energy landscape for Utah and beyond, INL’s senior leadership came to the Capitol to discuss the vital partnership as we lay the groundwork for small modular nuclear technology in the Beehive State. This around-the-clock energy source will not only meet rising demands but also position Utah as a leader in energy innovation for generations to come.
By ensuring energy affordability, reliability and safety, we’re strengthening families, businesses and our economy while also fortifying our country's national security.
Recognizing Olympic Athletes
Utah truly is the State of Sport, proud to be the training grounds for many Olympic athletes and champions. This week on the Senate floor, we recognize some outstanding athletes who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games!
Whether they were sprinting to victory or scaling new heights, these athletes showcased unmatched dedication, strength and sportsmanship on the world stage, making our state and our country proud. Welcoming these world-class competitors only builds more excitement as we look ahead to hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics.
Legislation Highlights
S.B. 207 Local Impact Mitigation Amendments
What it does
Creates a local impact mitigation tax on oil and gas production to help counties repair roads damaged by industry activity.
The bill enacts a temporary tax on oil and gas producers from 2026 to 2028, applying only when the resource is sold, saved or transferred. The tax is separate from the existing severance tax and does not affect severance tax requirements.
Revenue collected from this tax will be distributed directly to the counties where the oil and gas production occurs, ensuring the funds go toward the communities most impacted.
Establishes clear guidelines requiring counties to allocate revenue specifically for road maintenance and transportation projects that mitigate the effects of oil and gas production.
Why it matters
Oil and gas production plays a vital role in Utah’s economy, but it can also take a toll on infrastructure in rural communities.
Heavy industry traffic can cause significant road damage, placing a financial burden on local governments.
S.B. 207 helps address this issue by ensuring that oil and gas producers contribute directly to repairing the roads they impact.
This bill provides a fair, structured solution to fund necessary road improvements without placing the burden on local taxpayers. By requiring transparency and accountability, S.B. 207 ensures that funds are used efficiently to support the communities most affected.
S.B. 209 Emergency Medical Services
What it does
Strengthens Utah’s emergency medical services (EMS) system by making critical updates to funding, training and oversight.
S.B. 209:
Designates 911 ambulance services as essential, ensuring appropriate liability protections for EMS agencies.
Creates the Emergency Medical Services Critical Needs Account, which will provide funding for financially struggling EMS agencies by utilizing unclaimed or unused grant funds.
Increases grant funding eligibility for rural counties, doubling the maximum grant amount for ambulance purchases from $100,000 to $200,000.
Enhances EMS training and oversight by requiring the Bureau of EMS to establish training center designation requirements.
Why it matters
Reliable emergency medical services are a lifeline for Utahns, particularly in rural areas where resources are stretched thin.
S.B. 209 ensures EMS agencies receive the funding and support needed to continue providing life-saving care.
By strengthening training standards, increasing financial assistance and eliminating outdated regulations, this bill helps make Utah’s EMS system more efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of our communities.
S.B. 32 Class Size Reduction Modifications
What it does
Currently, there is dedicated classroom funding set aside to reduce classroom sizes from kindergarten through 8th grade.
This bill refocuses those resources to prioritize smaller class sizes for kindergarten through 3rd grade, ensuring that students receive more personalized support during their early, formative years.
Why it matters
These early grades are critical in shaping a student’s academic foundation, particularly in literacy, math and overall development.
Focusing on smaller class sizes in kindergarten through 3rd grade will provide more opportunities for 1-on-1 instruction, leading to stronger educational outcomes and setting students up for long-term academic success.
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
As always, feel free to reach out to me by contacting my intern, Meredith, at 385-441-0602 or at mmurdock@le.utah.gov.
Best,
Senator Ron Winterton
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