Spring is a season of renewal, and April brings a welcome shift as longer days and warmer weather return. I hope you and your family had a joyful Easter celebration filled with faith, hope and the reminder of new beginnings. This time of year offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the blessings in our lives and the growth made possible through God’s grace.

April also reminds us how fortunate we are to live in a place like Utah, where the changing seasons bring our landscapes back to life. As flowers begin to bloom and the outdoors becomes more inviting, it’s a wonderful time to step outside and enjoy our state’s parks, trails and open spaces. Earth Day provides a chance to reflect on the beauty we’ve been given and the responsibility we share to care for it.

As spring continues to unfold, I hope the spirit of Easter stays with you, bringing peace, purpose and renewal in the months ahead. May you have the opportunity to spend time with family and friends and enjoy all that makes this season so special.

Utah Ranked No. 1 for Economic Outlook: Not a Streak, but a Standard

For the 19th consecutive year, Utah has been named the No. 1 state in the nation for economic outlook. That kind of sustained success reflects years of deliberate decisions focused on expanding opportunity and building an even stronger foundation for Utah families.

The strength of our economy is felt in everyday life, when good jobs are available close to home, when families can plan with confidence and when small businesses are able to grow and create new opportunities. It means more financial stability, more opportunities within reach and a stronger future for the next generation of Utahns.

Utah’s success has come from a consistent focus on the fundamentals. We’ve kept taxes low so families can keep more of what they earn. We’ve maintained responsible budgeting, including balanced budgets and one of the strongest rainy-day funds in the nation. We’ve supported policies that encourage business growth and innovation by keeping regulations predictable and competitive. And we’ve continued to invest in education, workforce development and infrastructure so that opportunity reaches every corner of our state.

Those efforts are reflected in other national rankings. Utah has been named the No. 1 state overall for three consecutive years and continues to lead in upward mobility and household income growth. Since 1970, household income in Utah has increased by more than 77%, a strong indicator of long-term economic progress and stability. Our state also ranks highly in education, support for teachers and the well-being of our children.

These results are more than numbers; they represent real opportunities for Utah families. They reflect stronger communities, rising incomes and a high quality of life that continues to set our state apart.

While we can be proud of this recognition, we cannot take it for granted. Success like this requires continued focus and discipline. That means expanding housing supply so families can afford to stay, managing water resources responsibly, strengthening our energy and infrastructure capacity and ensuring our education system keeps pace with a growing population.

We must remain committed to the principles that have made Utah a leader and ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to succeed.

By staying focused on what works, we can keep Utah a place where families thrive and where the future remains bright.

Representing Utah’s Priorities in Washington

We recently traveled to Washington, D.C. as part of a White House conference for state elected officials, where we met with Cabinet officials and senior federal leaders. These meetings provided an important opportunity to advance Utah’s priorities and strengthen the partnership between our state and the federal government, especially on challenges that require coordination at the national level.

While the setting was national, our focus remained on Utah and how we continue strengthening our communities and preparing for the challenges ahead. Our discussions were open and candid, centered on key priorities including increasing energy production, expanding our water supply, responsibly developing critical minerals and creating new trade opportunities for Utah businesses.

Energy remains a top priority as demand continues to grow, driven in part by emerging technologies and economic expansion. We are focused on an all-of-the-above approach that supports reliable, affordable power for Utah now and into the future. Water is also critical to our state’s continued growth, and we are actively working to identify solutions that help secure and better manage our long-term supply.

We also addressed issues that directly impact Utah families, such as expanding economic opportunity, promoting responsible governance, supporting veterans, encouraging innovation and keeping our communities safe and strong. These are not abstract policy discussions; they are decisions that shape the long-term strength and stability of our state.

This experience reinforced that federalism works best when states and the federal government collaborate while respecting their distinct roles. Utah continues to lead in many of these areas, and maintaining strong working relationships with federal partners is critical to sustaining that success.

We are grateful for the opportunity to represent Utah in our nation’s capital and to ensure our state’s voice is heard on the issues that matter most. We look forward to continuing this work and bringing these priorities back home as we plan for an even stronger future for Utah.

Utah Leading the Next Generation of Energy

Utah has a long track record of planning for the future and delivering results. We will continue working with federal and local partners to advance this effort and ensure our state remains at the forefront of energy innovation.

Utah has an important opportunity to help lead the next generation of energy development, supporting reliable, affordable power while strengthening our state’s economy.

In collaboration with Tooele County and other local leaders, our state is responding to an opportunity from the U.S. Department of Energy to potentially host a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. This national initiative is focused on advancing research, development and demonstration across the nuclear fuel cycle, including advanced fuel technologies, energy production, recycling used nuclear fuel and long-term disposal fuel management.

As energy demand continues to grow across the country, opportunities like this allow Utah to contribute to practical, forward-looking solutions. Our state’s strong universities, skilled workforce and growing energy sector position us well to compete for projects that support long-term energy reliability.

If selected, a project of this scale could strengthen America’s energy security while creating meaningful economic opportunities here at home. It could support high-quality jobs, attract significant investment and further establish Utah as a leader in advanced energy development.

Utah has the opportunity not just to participate in the next generation of energy and technology, but to lead it, by developing and producing the innovations other states rely on. By doing so, we can create high-quality jobs here at home and ensure that the benefits of growth strengthen Utah families for generations to come.

This effort also reflects Utah’s broader commitment to responsible innovation and long-term planning. We will continue working with federal, state and local partners as this process moves forward, ensuring Utah remains engaged in opportunities that support our future.

Utah San Rafael Energy Lab Site Visit

If you had asked most people five or ten years ago whether Utah could become a national leader in microreactor development, or whether Emery County could emerge as a destination for energy-sector research and development, the answer likely would have been no. Today, that vision is becoming a reality.

Utah is now helping lead the nation and the world into the future of energy innovation. Leading companies and researchers from across the country are partnering with our state to move microreactors and small modular reactors from theory into real-world applications. This progress did not happen by chance. It is the result of years of planning, collaboration and persistence. What once felt like distant ideas have become tangible outcomes through deliberate efforts to bring together partners across the private sector, state government and federal agencies.

A key step in this effort was identifying a dedicated site for research and development. Through collaboration, the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab was identified as an ideal location. Originally established in 2022 by Emery County to house decommissioned coal research equipment from the University of Utah, the site was formally designated as a state energy research lab through legislation in 2024. By building on existing infrastructure, Utah accelerated progress and created a hub for innovation.

This is just one example of the collaborative approach strengthening Utah’s energy future. These efforts are bringing new jobs and economic opportunity to Emery County, as companies continue to invest in facilities that test and validate advanced nuclear technologies.

One such company, Valar Atomics, is deploying its first demonstration reactor at the San Rafael Energy Lab, a reactor capable of producing up to a 5-megawatt. This initial unit serves as a critical research and demonstration platform, advancing the development and validation of smaller, safer and more reliable nuclear technologies for the future.

More Money Back for Utah Families This Tax Season

Utah families work hard, and this year we focused on making sure they keep more of what they earn.

Over the past six years, we’ve cut taxes by more than $1.5 billion, including lowering the income tax by 11% and reducing the rate to 4.45%. For many families, that means a little more breathing room, whether it’s covering groceries, paying bills or setting something aside for the future. These changes are saving Utah families hundreds of dollars each year.

You’ll see that relief in real ways. We reduced the state gas tax by 15%. We also expanded the Child Tax Credit to support more families and made childcare more accessible by encouraging businesses to offer childcare options for their employees, helping parents balance work and family. These are practical steps focused on everyday life, because the cost of living isn’t measured in reports, it’s felt at the kitchen table.

At the same time, we’ve continued investing in the things that matter to Utah families: strong schools, safe communities and opportunities for the next generation. Because real relief isn’t just about lowering costs today, it’s about building a future families can count on.

Our priority is to make life more affordable, strengthen our communities and ensure Utah remains a place where Utahns can succeed.

Stay Engaged: 2026 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 important issues, the interim period offers many opportunities to get involved. Your input helps shape the decisions we make and the laws we consider.

All legislative meetings during the interim 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 2026 interim schedule here and study items here.

Best,

Senator Ron Winterton