Friends and Neighbors,

Summer is one of my favorite times of year in Utah. Communities come together for celebrations, families spend time outdoors and neighbors gather to celebrate the traditions that make our state such a special place to call home.

This month has been especially meaningful as we've celebrated both America's 250th anniversary and Utah's Pioneer Day. These occasions remind us that the freedoms, opportunities and strong communities we enjoy today were built through the courage, sacrifice and determination of those who came before us. They also remind us that every generation has a responsibility to leave Utah even better for those who follow.

I will continue meeting with stakeholders, studying important issues and preparing for the next session. Whether we're working to expand housing opportunities, strengthen our energy future or protect Utah's unique way of life, my focus remains the same: helping ensure Utah continues to be the best place in the nation to live, work and raise a family.

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed and engaged. Hearing directly from constituents is one of the most rewarding parts of serving in the Legislature, and I appreciate the opportunity to represent you.

Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary and Utah's Pioneer Heritage

This year marks an extraordinary milestone as our nation celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is an opportunity to reflect on the principles of liberty, self-government and individual opportunity that have shaped America from the very beginning.

For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have defended those ideals through service, sacrifice and an unwavering belief that each generation can build a better future than the one it inherited. As we celebrate this anniversary, I'm grateful for those who came before us and mindful of our responsibility to preserve those same freedoms for generations still to come.

Here in Utah, July also brings another meaningful celebration. Pioneer Day commemorates the arrival of the first pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley 179 years ago. Their journey required extraordinary faith, resilience and determination as they transformed an unfamiliar landscape into thriving communities that continue to prosper today.

I believe that same pioneer spirit continues to define Utah. It's reflected in our willingness to solve difficult challenges, embrace innovation and work together to strengthen our communities.

As we celebrate both America's founding and Utah's remarkable heritage, we're reminded that our greatest accomplishments come when people unite around shared values and a vision for the future.

Helping More Utah Families Achieve Homeownership

Owning a home has long been part of the American Dream. It provides families with stability, the opportunity to build wealth and a place to put down roots. As Utah continues grow, ensuring that more hardworking Utahns can achieve homeownership remains one of our highest priorities.

That's why I'm encouraged by the creation of Utah's new Division of Housing and Community Development. By bringing several housing-focused programs together under one organization, Utah is taking a more coordinated approach to expanding housing opportunities, supporting local communities and improving affordability through thoughtful, long-term planning.

We're also investing an additional $10 million in the Utah First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Program. Since 2023, this program has helped nearly 3,000 Utah families purchase their first home by providing qualified buyers with up to $20,000 in a zero-interest loan for down payments, closing costs or interest rate buy-downs. With this year's investment, even more Utah families will have the opportunity to move from renting to owning and begin building equity for the future.

Helping more Utahns achieve homeownership requires more than a single program. It means increasing the supply of housing, supporting responsible community growth and removing barriers that make it harder for families to buy their first home. As more families become homeowners, it also helps ease pressure on Utah's rental market and strengthens communities across our state.

Utah continues to lead the nation in economic opportunity, but true success means ensuring those opportunities are within reach for the people who call Utah home. I will continue supporting practical, long-term solutions that help more families achieve the American Dream of homeownership and build a brighter future for generations to come.

Keeping Energy Affordable While Building Utah's Future

Keeping energy affordable is essential to Utah families, businesses and our continued economic success. Whether it's keeping monthly utility bills low, supporting local businesses or powering the industries that create good-paying jobs, reliable energy touches nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Utah has some of the lowest electricity rates in the nation, and I remain committed to keeping them that way while strengthening our energy future.

One of the ways we're doing that is by continuing to support an all-of-the-above energy strategy that encourages innovation while ensuring Utah families have access to dependable, affordable and secure energy for years to come.

That commitment is producing real results. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Energy recognized a major milestone at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab in Emery County, where Valar Atomics successfully completed a zero-power criticality demonstration of its Ward 250 advanced microreactor. The achievement made Utah home to the nation's second advanced reactor to reach criticality under the Department of Energy's Reactor Pilot Program and the first reactor authorized outside of a national laboratory.

Just weeks later, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that a third advanced reactor had also reached criticality, meeting a national goal to accelerate the deployment of next-generation nuclear technology. Utah is proud to be helping lead that effort, demonstrating how collaboration between state leaders, local communities, private industry and the federal government can strengthen America's energy future.

These accomplishments are about much more than cutting-edge technology. They are helping create high-quality jobs, attract private investment, strengthen rural communities and ensure America has the reliable energy needed to meet growing demand. By continuing to invest in practical, forward-looking energy solutions, we can help keep energy affordable for Utah families, strengthen our economy and position Utah as a leader in powering the nation's future.

Keeping Electricity Rates Stable

Keeping electricity affordable is one of the many reasons Utah continues to be one of the best places to live, work and do business. Through responsible planning and sound energy policies, Utah has maintained some of the lowest electricity rates in the nation while supporting a strong and growing economy.

Rocky Mountain Power's recent agreement to maintain stable base energy rates through 2028 is welcome news for families, businesses and communities across our state. It reflects the importance of working together to keep electricity reliable and affordable while ensuring our growing state has the dependable energy it needs.

Affordable electricity does more than lower monthly utility bills. It helps families keep more of what they earn, gives businesses the confidence to invest and create jobs, and strengthens Utah's economic competitiveness.

As Utah continues to grow, I will continue supporting practical, forward-looking energy policies that strengthen our electric grid, encourage responsible investment and preserve the reliable, affordable energy that has helped Utah thrive for generations.

Representing Utah at the National Conference of State Legislatures

This summer, I joined state legislators from across the country at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Annual Summit in Chicago. While every state faces unique challenges, many of the conversations centered on issues Utahns care about most, including housing affordability, energy, public safety, workforce development and education.

One of the greatest benefits of meeting with leaders from across the country is the opportunity to learn what is working, avoid costly mistakes and bring practical ideas back to Utah. Our state has earned a national reputation for thoughtful, results-driven policymaking, and it is always encouraging to share Utah's successes while learning from the experiences of others.

I am grateful for the opportunity to represent our community in these national conversations. Staying engaged with other state leaders helps ensure Utah remains at the forefront of good governance while continuing to build on the policies that make our state one of the best places in the nation to live, work and raise a family.

Bringing Western Leaders Together in Utah

Utah was proud to host the Council of State Governments West (CSG West) 79th Annual Meeting, welcoming legislators and policy leaders from across the West to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping our region. From water and energy to transportation, workforce development and public safety, western states share many of the same priorities and benefit from working together.

Hosting this conference also gave us the opportunity to showcase what makes Utah exceptional. Visitors experienced firsthand the innovation, economic strength and collaborative approach to governing that have earned our state national recognition. It reflects Utah's strong reputation for bringing people together, finding practical solutions and working collaboratively across state lines. By strengthening these relationships, Utah is well positioned to continue leading on issues that matter most to our communities.

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A More Focused Approach to Protecting Utah's National Monuments

Utah's public lands are among our state's greatest treasures. From ancient cultural sites and remarkable geological formations to world-class recreation, these landscapes are part of our heritage and deserve to be protected for generations to come.

The recent decision to modify the boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments reflects a more focused approach to protecting these extraordinary places. Before the change, the two monuments covered a combined 3.2 million acres, an area larger than all of Utah's other seven national monuments and five national parks combined, with room to spare for the entire state of Delaware, New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Protecting these landscapes isn't just about drawing lines on a map, it's about making sure the places that matter most receive the care, resources and stewardship they deserve.

The Antiquities Act directs that national monuments be limited to the "smallest area compatible" with protecting the resources they were created to preserve. By focusing monument boundaries on the areas with the greatest cultural, historical and scientific significance, land managers can better protect archaeological sites, improve visitor infrastructure and direct limited resources where they will have the greatest impact.

These changes do not lessen Utah's commitment to protecting our public lands. The cultural, historical and natural resources that make these places special remain protected, while Utah will continue working alongside tribal nations, local communities and federal land managers to preserve these remarkable landscapes and ensure they remain accessible for hiking, hunting, camping and other outdoor recreation for generations to come.

Protecting Women and Girls in Sports

For more than 50 years, Title IX has helped ensure female athletes have equal opportunities to compete, earn scholarships and succeed. Preserving those opportunities means protecting the fairness and integrity of women's sports for current and future generations.

The recent Supreme Court decision reaffirming states' authority to determine participation in school athletics is an important step in protecting those opportunities.

Utah has consistently approached this issue with respect, thoughtfulness and a commitment to fairness for all students. By maintaining fair competition and preserving women-only spaces, we can continue giving Utah girls the opportunity to shoot, score and succeed, from the playing field to the podium.

Local Heroes Rebuild Communities and Lives in Beaver

I was devastated to hear of the damage caused by floods in the Beaver area earlier following the Cottonwood fire. Though the damage to Beaver has been shocking, miraculously, not one life was lost. I’ve been amazed by the actions of local heroes who’ve stepped up to save the day. Before floods even began, state and local officials prepared for the storm by laying sandbags and prepping heavy equipment to assist in recovery. Community members are continuing to help those who’ve lost their homes by providing food, clean drinking water and shelter to neighbors in need. Utah leaders will ensure that these hometown heroes have the help they need. Though the flood continues to impact residents of Beaver and surrounding communities, volunteers are hard at work to rebuild homes, roadways and lives. 

Best regards,

Senator Ron Winterton