Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It’s hard to believe we’ve had our first interim meetings and are already preparing for the 2025 General Session! Time is flying by, but I am excited about the great things to come in Utah.
During May interim meetings, I worked with my colleagues to consider many important topics and heard insightful updates on legislation. Interim is integral to the legislative process, and I was honored to be involved.
Utah Continues to Rank #1:
In the latest rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Utah has once again claimed the coveted title of the No. 1 best state overall, marking its second consecutive year at the top spot. This recognition not only validates what Utahns already know, which is our state's exceptional quality of life, but also shines a spotlight on our achievements for the world to see.
The study examined over 70 indicators across eight categories: healthcare, education, economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, natural environment and crime and corrections. Notably, Utah has made significant strides, jumping from No. 5 to No. 2 in education and from No. 15 to No. 9 in crime and corrections.
Utah's reign as the best state overall by U.S. News and World Report is just one in a series of recent triumphs. For a 17th consecutive year, our state has secured the top ranking for Economic Outlook in the prestigious "Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index." The Wall Street Journal also declared Salt Lake City to have the hottest job market of 2023.
These accolades are a testament to the dedication, ingenuity and spirit of all Utahns. From our thriving economy to our breathtaking landscapes, Utah continues to stand out as a beacon of excellence. Let's celebrate our achievements and continue striving for even greater heights together.
Fallen Officer
Honoring our fallen officers is a solemn duty we undertake each May 15th, Peace Officers Memorial Day, during National Police Week. This day stands as a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by those who bravely serve our communities. It is a time for citizens and law enforcement alike to gather, pay tribute and offer support.
This year's commemoration, however, bore a heavy weight as we mourned the loss of Sergeant Bill Hooser of the Santaquin Police Department. Just days before Peace Officers Memorial Day, our state gathered to honor the life and sacrifice of Sgt. Hooser, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on May 5th. His heroism will forever echo through his community and our state.
Let us cherish the memory of Sgt. Hooser and all officers who have selflessly served, ensuring our safety and security. May their courage and sacrifice never be forgotten, and may we always recognize them as the heroes they are.
Confirmation of Utah’s Two Newest Judges
It is the Senate’s great responsibility to provide advice and consent on various appointments made by the governor. During May interim, we met to confirm several appointments, including two new judges—Judge Richard Pehrson and Judge Richard Daynes—both for the 3rd District Court. These individuals have shown exceptional expertise and a strong dedication to public service. I am grateful for their willingness to serve our state in their new capacity. Watch their confirmations here.
Water Conservation Reminder
As the days grow warmer and we begin turning on the sprinklers to water our lawns and gardens, I’m grateful for the precipitation we have received this winter and spring. Our reservoirs are currently 90% full – a 22% increase from this time last year. While this is great news for our state, we must stay vigilant with water conservation to prepare for dryer years.
Throughout the Interim, my fellow legislators and I will be looking at additional ways we can continue to optimize our water supply. To sustain the growth Utah has experienced in recent years, we need thoughtful policies that will balance agricultural, residential, commercial and recreational water usage.
It takes all of us doing our part to conserve water and ensure we have abundant water storage for generations to come. To learn how you can conserve more water, visit slowtheflow.org. Thank you for your efforts so far!
Increasing Teacher Pay:
Teachers are the bedrock of our society and provide invaluable guidance to the next generation. I have been deeply blessed with countless incredible teachers in my lifetime. In recent years, we have worked diligently to acknowledge the contributions of educators by prioritizing initiatives aimed at enhancing teacher pay.
One of the key initiatives we in the Legislature have worked on is the allocation of additional funding toward teacher salaries. This investment reflects Utah's dedication to improving compensation packages for educators, further attracting and retaining top talent within the education sector.
As a result of these efforts, Utah has emerged as a leader in teacher compensation within the Intermountain West. With a starting salary of $49,000, Utah now boasts the region's most competitive initial pay for teachers. Furthermore, the state's average educator salary stands at just over $63,000 – a significant increase in recent years.
These advancements in teacher pay not only recognize the vital role educators play in shaping the future but also reflect Utah's commitment to fostering a supportive and rewarding environment for its teachers.
Driver License Reciprocity Ceremonial Signing
During the 2023 session, we unanimously passed a bill to enable the Utah Department of Public Safety to engage in driver license reciprocity agreements with other countries. These agreements allow Utah driver licenses to be recognized in that country and vice versa, fostering international collaboration and streamlining processes for individuals residing in these regions and within Utah.
This month, a delegation from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco came to the state Capitol for a ceremonial signing of the memorandum of understanding agreement between Utah and Taiwan. This occasion underscores the importance of diplomatic relations and highlights our state’s approach to enhancing economic development, connectivity and collaboration on a global scale.
North Capitol Building Project Update
If you have visited Capitol Hill this year, you may have noticed the complex is undergoing a significant construction: the North Capitol Building project. Progress on this new addition to our Capitol is moving swiftly, with special consideration given to future increased public visitation.
The project includes a new parking structure, water-wise landscaping, space for the new “Museum of Utah,” archives storage and conference rooms. This structure will be a great addition to the Capitol, beautifully encompassing our heritage while highlighting the state's forward-thinking endeavors. Watch the video update from here, and see recent pictures of the operation here.
K-9 Retirement
Bruno, a Capitol K-9 specialized in bomb detection and apprehension, hung up his leash in retirement this week after over three years of service. His decorated career includes winning second place for canine detection in the state and multiple awards for apprehension and obedience. I appreciate Utah Highway Partial and the K-9 Unit for their dedication to keeping Utahns safe.
Teacher Appreciation/End of School Year Message:
As the school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the educators across our state. Teachers are not just educators; they are mentors and role models. They inspire a love for learning, instill values of empathy and kindness and shape the future leaders of our communities.
Their hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we are forever grateful for the impact they make every single day. I hope each and every teacher in our state has a safe and happy summer.
Memorial Day
As we near Memorial Day, we have the opportunity to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and died in service to our country. Without their brave service, we would not have the security, freedoms and resources we often take for granted. We are blessed to live in a country that has been protected by such valiant individuals. I hope you and your family will join me on this upcoming day of remembrance to celebrate loved ones and reflect on those who gave so much on our behalf.
ICYMI:
I appreciate each of you and all you do. In the past few weeks, I have heard from many of you, and I appreciate your commitment to reaching out and letting your voice be heard. I feel lucky to serve you, our district and our state.
Best,
Senator Ron Winterton
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