Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I'd like to express my gratitude to you all for allowing me to serve as your state senator. I am especially grateful for my family, my friends and neighbors for their time and energy to make this work possible. The work is hard but rewarding.

As we celebrate with our loved ones this week, let’s give thanks to everyone making our celebrations possible.

I wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Did you know it wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. Read more here.

November Interim Committee Meetings

November was the last interim of the year. We will continue to prepare legislation to consider for the 2021 General Session. We are working on a plan to navigate the session and ensure there are ample ways for constituents to provide feedback and weigh in on important issues during the session. More details are forthcoming. I will be sending out a pre-session survey in the coming weeks to know your priorities. Here are a few items discussed during interim committee meetings this month.

Public Utilities, Energy, Technology Interim Committee

As the Chair of this committee, we discussed railway infrastructure and transportation of fuels in the Uintah Basin, Intermountain Power Project’s usage of natural resources, and legislation about hydrogen fuel incentives amendments, utility permitting amendments, and clean and renewable energy requirements. Listen to the committee meeting here.

Economic Development in Utah

The Economic Development Interim Committee introduced legislation to create a new commission to focus on setting goals and metrics for economic development throughout the state. This road map will create an ecosystem for businesses in Utah to drive job growth and include rural communities struggling with high unemployment rates and access to technology. Listen to the committee meeting here.

K-9 Amendments

During the Law Enforcement Interim Committee meeting, policy requirements were introduced to create a K-9 certification with law enforcement to ensure that each year a K-9 dog and K-9 handler be certified with their respective agency and follow written policy including liability provisions for dog bites. Listen to the committee meeting here.

Crisis Intervention Training Commission for Law Enforcement

It is critical to equip our law enforcement officers with the latest resources. Legislation was introduced to create a mental health and behavior wellness intervention commission to establish the best protocols and training for law enforcement officers. The commission will appoint experts and interested parties to expand crisis intervention training for law enforcement across Utah. Listen to the committee meeting here.

Read the full November Interim Highlights here.

Intern Highlight

I am also grateful for interns. In the coming weeks, I will be assigned an intern who will assist me in my legislative obligations during the 2021 General Session. If you ever wondered how I get to my meetings on time or schedule meetings with my constituents, it’s my intern. Not only are legislative interns the backbone of the Legislature, they also engage in professional and personal growth. I can’t wait to share my new intern with you.

I would like to take a moment to highlight my intern from the 2020 General Session.

Colton Riddle helped me get it done!

"Thank you" to my Senate colleagues. I said goodbye to some departing friends. The memories will remain forever.

Kind regards,

Senator Ron Winterton

Utah Senate District 26