- Ron Winterton
- Apr 29
- 9 min read
Friends and Neighbors,
From the mountain peaks to the desert plains, Utah’s momentum is soaring, driven by vision, foresight and a deep-rooted commitment to smart policy. For the 18th consecutive year, our state has been named No. 1 for economic outlook—a testament to consistent leadership, forward-thinking decisions and the unmatched work ethic of Utahns across every corner of the state. Whether in the heart of Salt Lake Valley or the outskirts of San Juan County, we’re building a future where families thrive, businesses grow and opportunity reaches every doorstep.
As we reflect on these milestones, I also want to take a moment to wish you and your family a joyful Easter season. As spring begins to unfold around us, it’s a beautiful reminder of the growth that wouldn’t be possible without God’s grace, and Utah’s best and brightest days are still ahead.
Below are some highlights from this month.
18 Years at No. 1: Utah’s Economic Outlook Still Leads the Nation
What it is
For the 18th year in a row, Utah has been ranked #1 in economic outlook by Rich States, Poor States.
But this isn’t just a headline—it’s a glimpse into the future. Ranking first signals what’s ahead: continued growth, greater opportunity and lasting success.
Since first earning this distinction, Utah’s long-term economic strength has propelled it to the top of national rankings, including
These accolades aren’t just numbers – they represent real opportunities: more jobs, higher wages, better education and a stronger path to homeownership and financial independence for Utah families.
Why it matters
A strong economy means more than growth; it means upward mobility, vibrant communities and a high quality of life. Utahns are starting businesses, sending their kids to colleges and building a better future.
Economic strength is the foundation of everything we do. Utah’s continued leadership ensures prosperity stays within reach for everyone who calls our state home.
Outcomes are a result of sound, long-term policies that create stability and opportunity.
Today’s high school seniors have never known a Utah that wasn’t leading the nation—this ranking has shaped their entire lives. A generation has come of age during an era of economic strength and expanding opportunity.
Smart, strategic policies continue to shape lives today, unlocking opportunities and expanding possibilities.
Utah’s top ranking isn’t just a celebration of the past. It’s a declaration about our future. And as we look ahead, one thing is certain: Utah’s best days are still to come.
Read more here.
Leading the Nation Again
Utah leads the nation in GDP growth, reflecting a strong overall economy. Our state GDP grew at 4.5%, far outpacing the nation’s growth rate of 2.8%, underscoring a robust economy.
Utah ranks No. 1 for economic outlook for the 18th year in a row, reaffirming a legacy of strong governance, strategic policymaking and a relentless drive for prosperity.
Salt Lake City was named the No. 1 ‘big metro’ for families. The ranking was based on seven metrics that analyzed factors families might consider when moving to a new area.
Tax Season: Continued Tax Relief for Utahns
We all know that every dollar counts. Whether it's for groceries, saving for college or building a safety net for the future, every bit makes a difference. That’s why cutting taxes isn’t just a policy—it’s about providing real, meaningful support to Utah families.
This year, we’ve cut taxes for the fifth consecutive year, putting $1.4 billion back in the pockets of Utahns. We’re committed to making sure your hard-earned money stays where it belongs—with you—helping keep Utah affordable, family-friendly and financially strong for years to come.
Tax Relief for All Utahns – 2025 Highlights
Lower Income Tax Rate: With the income tax rate now reduced to 4.5%, Utahns are keeping more of their paychecks.
Social Security Tax Relief: Retirees in households with incomes of up to $90,000 are now exempt from paying state taxes on their Social Security benefits.
Support for Families: Expands the child tax credit by two years, offering additional support to young families raising children and helping them build a brighter future.
Child Tax Credit for Businesses: Encourages businesses to invest in children's futures by offering tax credits to companies that build and operate childcare facilities for their employees, supporting working parents and strengthening Utah's workforce.
Powering Utah’s Future
One of our top priorities is strengthening Utah’s energy capabilities. Our goal is to ensure Utahns have safe, reliable and affordable energy now and into the future. As demands grow, particularly with the rise of energy-intensive industries such as artificial intelligence, Utah is stepping up to lead the call for a more resilient and dependable power grid. This is not just about meeting growing demand, it's also a critical national security issue.
This month, Utah joined 24 other states in a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, urging the federal government to reopen coal plants and use every available resource to reinforce America’s energy infrastructure. The message is clear: coal remains a vital part of delivering affordable, reliable energy nationwide.
We appreciate President Trump’s recent executive order to reinvigorate America’s clean coal industry. This action is a strong step toward strengthening our energy grid and protecting American jobs.
Utah will continue to lead with an “all of the above” energy strategy—supporting clean coal, nuclear power and emerging technologies—to secure our energy future and drive long-term economic growth.
Federal Leaders Praise Utah’s Push for Healthier Communities
Utah is leading the way in building a healthier future and setting a bold example for the nation by empowering individuals and strengthening communities. This month, Utah lawmakers met with top federal officials, including U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, during their visit to our great state. Discussions focused on Utah’s innovative efforts to improve public health, transportation, environmental quality, energy and overall community well-being.
Several key pieces of legislation from the 2025 General Session were highlighted during the visit, including:
H.B. 81 Fluoride Amendments: Prohibits the addition of supplemental fluoride to public drinking water, giving Utah residents greater control over their personal health choices while also expanding access to fluoride by allowing pharmacists to prescribe supplements.
H.B. 402 Food Additives in Schools: Bans the use of specific synthetic food dyes and chemical additives in public school meals, promoting student well-being by ensuring school meals meet safer nutritional standards.
H.B. 403 SNAP Benefits Amendments: Encourages healthier eating habits by requesting a federal waiver that would prevent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from being used to purchase soda, respecting individual choice while promoting responsible use of taxpayer resources.
Secretary Kennedy praised Utah's leadership. We remain committed to championing policies that empower individuals and families to live healthier lives and building communities, championing policies that support health, personal responsibility and opportunity for every Utah family.
Protecting Communities, Supporting Recovery
During the session, we passed a series of impactful public safety bills aimed at reducing violent crime, combating drug trafficking, supporting addiction recovery and improving services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Lawmakers joined the governor, law enforcement officers and community leaders for a ceremonial bill signing to highlight the state’s ongoing commitment to build safer communities and stronger support systems.
Legislation includes:
H.B. 87 Drug Trafficking Amendments: Increases penalties for fentanyl trafficking to a first-degree felony.
H.B. 199 Substance Use Treatment and Enforcement Amendments: Improves access to substance use treatment by requiring better planning and transparency from local authorities.
H.B. 329 Homeless Services Amendments: Expands personalized services for individuals experiencing homelessness and strengthens safety standards in shelters.
S.B. 255 Line-of-Duty Death Benefit Amendments: Provides health, dental and vision coverage to the family of a fallen public safety or firefighter employee for at least the first year following their death.
H.B. 38 Criminal Offenses Modifications: Enhances penalties for gang activity, theft and prostitution, lowers the gang threshold to two people, increases penalties for recruiting minors and clarifies sentencing guidelines.
H.B. 312 Criminal Justice Amendments: Strengthens guidelines related to jail overcrowding, probation and parole. It also refines the definitions for habitual offenders and prohibits the use of state funds for syringe exchange programs.
These bills reflect a deeply held Utah value: that safety and compassion go hand in hand. Together, they represent a proactive, compassionate approach—one that holds offenders accountable while investing in solutions that uplift individuals and protect families across Utah.
Feeding Minds and Futures: Food Security for Students
What it is
H.B. 100 Food Security Amendments expands access to school lunches for Utah students.
This important legislation focuses on supporting youth and ensuring that no child has to learn on an empty stomach.
Lawmakers joined the governor and community stakeholders at a ceremonial bill signing to recognize this important step forward for Utah’s students.
H.B. 100:
Expands access to school meals for low-income students by covering the cost of breakfast and lunch through the National School Lunch Program.
Directs the State Board of Education to reimburse Local Education Agencies for providing these meals and encourages efforts to minimize food waste.
Prohibits schools from singling out or stigmatizing those who can't pay for meals and requires all communication about meal debt to be handled privately with a parent or guardian.
Why it matters
Advancing public education remains a core goal of the Legislature.
Every child deserves the chance to succeed in the classroom and that starts with making sure they’re not learning on an empty stomach.
By prioritizing the well-being of students, this legislation helps create a healthier and better learning environment.
Protecting Kids and Privacy Online
In today’s digital world, it’s more important than ever that Utahns have the power to control their content and data online. This session, we passed several groundbreaking bills to enhance online safety, hold tech companies accountable and build a more secure online future for our children. Recently, a ceremonial bill signing was held to highlight these efforts, positioning Utah as a national leader in digital safety.
Key legislation includes:
H.B. 418 Data Sharing Amendments: Limits how big tech companies use personal data, gives users the right to delete content or take it with them when leaving a platform and promotes innovation by encouraging cross-platform content sharing.
S.B. 142 App Store Accountability Act: Requires app stores to verify ages and obtain parental consent before minors download apps, protecting kids from unknowingly granting access to their camera, microphone and personal data and setting a new standard for safeguarding minors online.
S.B. 178 Devices in Public Schools: Prohibits phones and smartwatches during class time, while allowing flexibility for emergencies and medical needs, helping students stay focused and improving academic performance.
Together, these bills represent a bold step toward a safer and more responsible digital environment for all Utahns.
Utah’s Newest Judge
It is the Senate’s great responsibility to provide advice and consent on various appointments made by the governor. During the April interim, we met to confirm several appointments, including one new judge, Thaddeus May, to Utah’s Third District Court. I am grateful for May’s willingness to serve our state in this new capacity. Watch the confirmation here.
Utah Snowplows Are Getting Smarter and Safer
Utah winters can be brutal, but thanks to cutting-edge upgrades from the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), our snowplows are getting smarter, faster and safer.
What it is
UDOT is expanding its V2X smart technology, which enables snowplows to communicate with traffic signals and other infrastructure.
This year, UDOT is equipping 100 more snowplows with this system, doubling the number of connected plows on Utah roads.
Why it matters
During storms, V2X-enabled snowplows can request extended green lights, allowing them to keep moving without stopping at intersections. That means quicker snow removal, fewer backups and safer conditions for everyone on the road.
UDOT has been testing this system since 2015, and with this year’s upgrade, Utah continues to lead the way in innovation and public safety.
In the future, this same technology could alert drivers to road hazards ahead, such as black ice, sharp curves or construction zones.
Stay Engaged: Interim Schedule
As legislators, our work doesn’t begin and end with the 45-day session. Throughout the year, the Legislature meets to study key issues, explore policy solutions and begin drafting potential legislation. It gives us the opportunity to step back, look at the bigger picture and think strategically about Utah’s future.
Public participation plays a vital role in developing policies that serve all Utahns. Whether you’re passionate about education, public safety, healthcare or other key issues, the interim offers an opportunity to get involved. Your input helps shape the decisions we make and the laws we consider.
Meetings are open to the public and live-streamed at le.utah.gov, providing transparency and opportunities for engagement both in person and online. View the 2025 interim schedule here and study items here.
ICYMI
What’s the secret? Utah leaders celebrate 18 years of best economic outlook
Condo construction keeps declining in Utah. How state lawmakers are trying to change that.
This all-electric aircraft will help Utah chase its air taxi ambitions
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s… the future of air transit in the Beehive State
Opinion: Fairness for all – the Utah Compromise in laws across a decade
Is Utah turning a new page to embrace nuclear energy? Poll shows many Utahns would support the move
A ‘good neighbor policy’: Utah poised to join interstate wildfire fighting compact
How Salt Lake City transformed into one of the hottest housing and job markets in the U.S.
Thanks for your support.
Senator Ron Winterton
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