Friends and Neighbors,  

During this Christmas season, it is a time to pause and reflect on the blessings that unite us as families, neighbors and communities. From our rural towns to our growing cities, we see the spirit of generosity, faith and service that defines Utah. 

This season is a wonderful reminder of the strong sense of community and the values that make Utah the best state in America. For the third consecutive year, Utah has been recognized as the nation's top state: a testament to our robust economy, unparalleled opportunities and commitment to building a place where upward mobility is a reality for every family. 

I am grateful for the men and women who serve our communities every day: first responders, healthcare workers, service members, teachers and volunteers, especially those who sacrifice time with their families during the holidays. Your dedication truly makes a difference. 

Safeguarding Long-Term Upward Mobility for Utahns  

Utah has once again earned the top ranking in the nation for social mobility. Our strong economy, job opportunities and supportive communities provide Utahns the ability to move upward and achieve more. Hard work and responsibility continue to define who we are as a state, and those values help create an environment where families and businesses can succeed. 

We remain focused on protecting these opportunities so our children and grandchildren inherit a Utah that is even stronger than it is today. With long-term planning and smart policymaking, we are committed to keeping Utah a place where opportunity is built to last.  

Keeping Taxes Low, Opportunities High 

Utah is the best state in America for the third consecutive year, and has held the top spot for economic outlook for 18 years, reflecting our commitment to fiscal responsibility and supporting families and businesses.  

Delivering Meaningful Tax Relief 

We balance our budget every year and establish a base budget within the first weeks of the legislative session so we can focus on what matters most: the people we serve. Our fiscally conservative approach continues to deliver real benefits to Utahns: 

• Over $500 million in state tax relief over the next two years, with the state tax code linked to federal changes through the One Big Beautiful Bill. 

• Families will get to keep more of their hard-earned money.  

• Continues the trend of tax relief, building on the $1.4 billion in tax cuts enacted over the last five years. 

Right-Sizing Government: Doing More With Less 

Utah families constantly make tough budgeting decisions, and the government must do the same.  The state is working to streamline government by identifying 5% ongoing budget savings across agencies to enhance efficiency. 

• Utah is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.  

• Over the last 10 years, the budget has nearly doubled from $14.2 billion (FY16) to over $30 billion (FY26), reflecting the state’s growth and increased demand on resources. 

• Legislative appropriations subcommittees will identify 5% in the ongoing base budget savings, continuing the effort to right-size government and focus resources where they matter most. 

• Following last year’s success, higher education institutions reallocated 5% of their budgets toward high-demand degree programs, helping meet workforce needs and expanding opportunities for Utahns to pursue stable, high-paying careers. 

Keeping Utah Strong—Today and for Generations 

Smart tax cuts and wise investments go hand in hand. Even with these tax reliefs, we have maintained robust investments, including: 

• $3.1 billion in new education funding, representing a 112% increase since 2015. 

• Over $1 billion dedicated to water infrastructure.  

• An AAA bond rating 

• One of the nation's lowest debt levels, with 66% of the debt paid down since 2021. 

• Rainy-day savings exceed total outstanding general obligation debt. 

Early this month, the Executive Appropriations Committee recommended a budget that sets Utah on a strong fiscal path for 2026-27. The full Legislature will review and finalize the budget before March 6, with a focus on long-term, generational impact. Watch the EAC committee discussion here.  

Protecting Utahns’ Voice in Redistricting 

Article IX, Section 1 of the Utah Constitution is clear: “The Legislature shall divide the state into congressional, legislative, and other districts as provided by law.” This ensures Utahns know who is accountable, how decisions are made, and how their voices can be heard. 

Recently, an unelected judge imposed a redistricting map without any public input, bypassing both the constitutional process and key elements of Proposition 4, a bipartisan advisory commission designed to propose maps following public meetings for consideration by elected officials. As a result, Utahns were denied the opportunity to review the map, provide feedback or have their voices heard. 

Utah’s elected branches, the Legislature and the Governor’s office, are fully united in restoring order and stability. Gov. Cox called a special session to address uncertainty in the election process and ensure transparency in redistricting. Utahns deserve a system that is transparent, accountable and respects the roles assigned to each branch of government. 

This effort is not about partisanship; it is about preserving the integrity of our Constitution and making certain that the voices of the people are respected. It is important to note that the recent special session did not discuss Proposition 4. 

Why it Matters 

• Utahns were denied the chance to review the map, provide feedback or be heard.  

• The court-imposed map was implemented without public input, creating confusion and undermining the established constitutional framework. 

• 71% of Utahns believe elected officials should oversee the redistricting process. 

• Utahns deserve a transparent, accountable redistricting process that reflects the will of the people and respects the roles of the elected branches.  

• Special session aimed to restore order, transparency and integrity of our elections. 

Special Session Highlights 

• S.B. 2001 Election Amendments – Sen. Sandall, Rep. K. Peterson 

• Adjusts congressional filing deadlines to provide candidates clarity and election officials time to prepare. 

• Preserves existing processes for all other candidates not impacted by the court ruling, with no changes to primaries or conventions. 

• Congressional Candidates: 

• File a notice of intent to gather signatures: January 2-March 13. 

• Signatures can be gathered statewide; thresholds stay the same. 

• Candidate filing period: March 9-13.  

• S.J.R. 201 Court Procedure Resolution and S.B. 2022 Supreme Court Jurisdiction – Sen. Brammer, Rep. Burton 

• Election-related cases are typically handled on an expedited basis.  

• Adjusts attorney fee determinations in election cases until after the appeal process has concluded and exempts a government official or entity from posting bond to appeal a case. 

• Clarifies that the Utah Supreme Court has exclusive and original appellate jurisdiction over election and redistricting cases. 

• H.J.R. 201 Joint Resolution Regarding Constitutional Authority – Rep. Snider, Sen. Wilson 

• Reaffirms that those elected by and accountable to Utahns have constitutional responsibility over redistricting. 

• Expresses concerns about how the courts' new interpretations of the Constitution have silenced Utahns' voices.  

• H.B. 2001 Repealing Public Sector Labor Union Amendments – Rep. Teuscher, Sen. Cullimore 

• Repeals H.B. 267 passed during the 2025 General Session 

Additional information on the special session is available at le.utah.gov. 

Your Input Matters: Pre-Session Survey Coming Soon 

Understanding and addressing your concerns is essential to my job as your elected representative, as I highly value your input. In the coming weeks, you will receive an email with a pre-session survey. This is a great way to provide feedback and share your concerns before the 2026 General Session begins. I encourage you to participate and take just a few minutes to share your thoughts with me. I look forward to hearing from you.  

Honoring Hanukkah and Standing with Jewish Communities  

This month, we celebrate Hanukkah with Utah’s Jewish friends and neighbors, a meaningful tradition that reflects the community’s unity, resilience and strength in the face of adversity. The menorah’s light symbolizes hope over despair, freedom over oppression and the enduring power of religious liberty.  Hanukkah reminds us of the importance of safeguarding the right to practice one’s faith freely.  

We grieve alongside the world as Australia was shaken by a tragic shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. What began as a joyful gathering turned into a devastating act of terror, claiming the lives of many innocent people and leaving dozens more injured. This heartbreaking attack underscores the persistent threat of antisemitism and the vital importance of protecting religious freedom and ensuring the safety of communities here at home and around the world.  

Here in Utah, we remain committed to standing with the Jewish community today and for generations to come, ensuring that every member feels accepted, respected and valued. 

Getting Involved in the Legislative Process  

The legislative process works best when Utahns are informed and engaged. Public participation is vital to shaping effective policies that reflect the needs and values of our state. We want to make it easy for you to stay connected to your elected officials and to follow the issues that matter most to you. Whether you’re looking to learn more, share your perspective or participate directly, there are many ways to get involved, including: 

• Follow the Senate on Instagram @UtahSenate. 

• Email your legislator about issues that are important to you. 

• Attend a committee hearing on a bill, either in person or virtually. 

• Track legislation you are interested in as it moves through the process. 

• View helpful video tutorials to guide you through navigating the legislative website (le.utah.gov) and making the most of its resources here. 

As we celebrate, I encourage all Utahns to look out for one another, to lift those who may be struggling and to carry the spirit of Christmas into the new year. On behalf of my family, we wish you a Merry Christmas, a joyful holiday season, and a New Year filled with peace, joy and hope. 

Best, 

Ron Winterton