- Ron Winterton
- 3 days ago
- 12 min read
Friends and neighbors,
With the school year coming to a close and summer just around the corner, communities across Utah are beginning to shift into a busy and exciting season. From graduations and local events to time outdoors with family and friends, this time of year is a reminder of the strong communities and shared values that make our state such a wonderful place to live.
Although the legislative session has ended, work at the Capitol continues during the interim. Throughout the coming months, legislators will meet to study important issues, hear public input and begin preparing for the 2027 session. Below are a few updates and highlights from around the state and the work continuing between sessions.
Thank you for taking the time to stay informed and engaged. Hearing from constituents remains one of the most important parts of this work, and I hope you will continue reaching out throughout the summer months.
Utah’s Economic Growth Is Creating More Opportunity for Families
Utah’s economic success is not measured only in rankings. It is reflected in the opportunities available to families across our state and in the confidence Utahns have in their future.
One of the clearest signs of that progress is household income growth.
According to data from the Urban Institute, Utah has experienced the strongest household income growth in the nation over the past five decades. After adjusting for inflation, the average Utah household income increased from $52,602 in 1970 to $93,421 in 2023, an increase of more than 77%.
That kind of long-term growth does not happen by accident. It took leaders with vision who understood that Utahns deserved better. Utah was not always ranked among the nation’s top economies. In fact, in 1970, our state ranked 35th in the nation for economic outlook. State leaders recognized that building a stronger economy would require discipline, long-term planning and a consistent focus on the fundamentals that create opportunity.
Over the years, Utah has stayed committed to responsible budgeting, low taxes, predictable regulations and policies that encourage business growth and job creation. We have continued investing in education, workforce development and infrastructure to help ensure economic opportunity reaches every part of the state.
Over time, those steady decisions helped build one of the strongest and most resilient economies in the country.
More importantly, they have helped create an economy where families can succeed, businesses can grow and workers can find greater opportunity close to home.
This success was not guaranteed. Some states have seen little or no household income growth over the same period. While many states struggled through decades of economic uncertainty, Utah continued moving forward because we remained focused on policies that support long-term stability and growth.
As our state continues to grow, we must remain focused on strengthening our economy to meet the demands of that growth. That includes expanding housing opportunities, strengthening infrastructure, securing reliable energy and water resources and preparing the next generation for success.
By continuing to focus on what works, Utah can and will remain a place of opportunity, stability and upward mobility for years to come.
Focusing on Families: Putting Utah Families First
Supporting Utah families remains one of my top priorities in the Senate. During a recent ceremonial bill signing, we highlighted new laws that will help Utah families keep more of what they earn, expand support for working parents and create greater opportunities for Utahns to succeed at home and in the workplace.
Strong families are the foundation of strong communities, and these new laws reflect our commitment to ensuring Utah families have the support they need to thrive.
This year, we expanded Utah’s child tax credit, so more families qualify. As costs continue to rise, this legislation helps families keep more of what they earn and provides greater financial stability for parents.
We also took steps to support working parents by expanding incentives for businesses that help provide childcare for employees. Increasing access to affordable childcare helps parents pursue career opportunities while continuing to care for and support their families at home.
In addition, we expanded paid maternity leave and family support for state employees welcoming a child through birth, adoption or foster care. These updates give parents more time to focus on their children during critical early moments and transitions that matter most.
I remain committed to prioritizing policies that strengthen families, support parents and create stronger communities across Utah, because when Utah families thrive, our state thrives.
Strengthening Foster Care in Utah
Giving children the support and resources they need to succeed is one of the most important investments we can make. Yet expanding access to foster homes remains a challenge. However, when families, communities and government work together, we can build brighter futures for Utah’s children.
To help meet this need, Utah is partnering with the national A Home for Every Child initiative and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to strengthen child safety, improve outcomes for children in foster care and help more children grow up in safe, stable and loving homes.
This partnership will also help streamline parts of the child welfare system so caseworkers and providers can spend more time supporting children and families instead of navigating unnecessary paperwork.
Addressing these challenges requires practical solutions and strong community partnerships. That is why Utah is continuing to expand its “care communities” model, which surrounds foster families with local support networks to help prevent burnout and create more stable placements for children in care.
We also passed legislation this year that helps ensure children in state custody who qualify for federal benefits have those resources protected and preserved for their future. The new law requires eligible benefits to be placed into protected accounts managed in the child’s best interest, helping support future housing, education and other essential needs as youth transition into adulthood.
By combining compassionate communities with thoughtful policy, we are building a stronger future where every Utah child has the opportunity to succeed.
Honoring Our Fallen Officers
Each year on May 15, during National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. It is a solemn reminder of the courage, dedication and selflessness demonstrated by law enforcement officers every day.
This year’s commemoration carried especially heavy meaning as we remembered Officer Eric Estrada and Sergeant Lee Sorensen of the Tremonton-Garland Police Department. Officer Estrada and Sergeant Sorensen tragically lost their lives on August 17, 2025, while responding to a 911 call in service to others.
As we honor their memory, we also honor the legacy of every officer who has given their life protecting our communities. Their sacrifice reflects the deepest commitment to service, duty and the protection of others. We will never forget Officer Estrada, Sergeant Sorensen or the many heroes who have served with courage and honor.
May we continue to stand beside their families, support those who wear the badge and ensure their legacy lives on through safer, stronger communities.
Putting More Money Back in Utahns’ Pockets
During the Utah Taxes Now Conference, lawmakers and policy leaders discussed responsible tax policy and ways to help Utah families keep more of what they earn.
For six years in a row, the Legislature has cut taxes to help make life more affordable for Utahns. Since 2021, we have delivered more than $1.5 billion in tax relief, lowered the state income tax rate to 4.45%, eliminated Social Security tax for seniors earning up to $90,000 and reduced the gas tax by 15% to help ease everyday costs for Utah families.
At the same time, Utah remains one of the nation’s strongest and most fiscally responsible states. We have shown that fiscal discipline and economic growth can go hand in hand while still allowing us to invest responsibly in education, infrastructure, public safety and transportation to prepare for the next generation. It is one of the reasons Utah has ranked among the best states in the nation for economic outlook for 19 years running.
Our goal remains simple: keep Utah affordable, strengthen opportunity and ensure families and businesses can continue to thrive.
What is Interim?
While the legislative session may have concluded, our work as lawmakers continues year-round through interim committee meetings.
Interim meetings give legislators the opportunity to take a deeper look at key issues, review recently passed legislation, hear directly from Utahns and community stakeholders and begin shaping ideas for the next legislative session. These meetings are also an important part of the public process, giving Utahns the opportunity to follow legislation, share feedback and stay involved in the issues affecting their communities.
As part of this process, legislators also consider proposed study items that help guide the topics and issues we will focus on in the months ahead. You can view the proposed study items here.
All interim meetings are open to the public and may be attended in person at the Capitol or viewed live at le.utah.gov. Public participation is an important part of thoughtful, responsive policymaking and helps keep Utah the best state in the nation.
Advice and Consent
One of the Utah Senate’s constitutional responsibilities is providing “advice and consent” on appointments made by the Governor. This process allows the Senate to review and confirm individuals selected to serve in important roles across state government, including leadership positions, boards, commissions and the judiciary. It is an important part of ensuring Utahns are served by qualified and capable public officials.
During our May interim meetings, the Senate considered and confirmed several judicial appointments, including Jack Burns and Bryan Pattison to the Utah Fifth District Court, and Patricia Kuendig and Todd Olsen to the Third District Court.
I am grateful for their willingness to serve and confident they will bring integrity, professionalism and sound judgment to the bench.
Watch the confirmations here.
Honoring Mother’s
Mother’s Day was an opportunity to recognize the incredible influence of mothers and the many women who strengthen families and communities across Utah. Whether at home, in the classroom, in business, or serving their neighbors, mothers are the backbone of strong families and thriving communities.
Strong families are the foundation of a strong state, which is why supporting parents and caregivers remains an important priority. During this year’s legislative session, we worked to support Utah families through policies focused on the practical needs of parents, including expanding maternity leave for state employees and strengthening protections for breastfeeding mothers during the critical early months of a child’s life.
We also continue working with community organizations across Utah that provide important parenting resources and family support services, including crisis nurseries, home-visiting programs and community education initiatives that help families access the tools and support they need to succeed.
I am grateful for the mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers whose dedication, sacrifice, and compassion help strengthen Utah families every day.
Honoring the Sacrifice of Our Fallen Service Members
Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. While many families spend the holiday together and enjoy the start of summer, it is also a time to pause and reflect on those who never had the opportunity to come home.
Behind every fallen service member is a family, a community and a legacy of courage that continues to shape our nation. Their sacrifice helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy every day, and their service deserves our lasting gratitude.
As we observe Memorial Day this year, may we take a moment to honor their memory and reflect on the values of service, sacrifice and patriotism that continue to define our country.
Celebrating Utah’s Graduates and Investing in Our Future
As another school year comes to a close, students across Utah are celebrating graduation milestones and preparing for the next chapter in their lives. These accomplishments reflect years of dedication, perseverance and support from families, teachers and mentors who have helped students reach this important moment.
As lawmakers, one of our most important responsibilities is making sure Utah students have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed. Strong schools not only prepare students for successful careers, but also strengthen families, support local communities and help ensure Utah’s economy remains strong for generations to come.
That is why we in the Legislature have continued making meaningful investments in education. Over the past five years, state funding for public education has increased by $1.8 billion, a 44.2% increase. Those resources are helping support classroom instruction, improve school safety, strengthen early literacy programs, expand career and technical education opportunities and provide greater support for teachers and students across the state.
This year, lawmakers also approved more than $86 million in new ongoing funding for higher education and workforce development initiatives. These efforts will help connect students with high-demand careers, strengthen Utah’s workforce and create more opportunities for young people to build successful futures here at home.
By continuing to invest in education, workforce development and innovation, we are helping create long-term opportunities for students, families and communities throughout Utah.
To every graduate this year, congratulations. What’s ahead of you is worth the work it took to get here.
Summer Learning Opportunities for Utah Students
Summer is an important time for students to rest, recharge and enjoy time with family and friends, but it can also provide valuable opportunities to continue learning and exploring new interests outside the classroom.
Across Utah, schools, libraries and community organizations are offering summer programs focused on reading, STEM, art, recreation and hands-on learning experiences. These opportunities help students stay engaged, build confidence and continue developing important skills as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
When families, educators and communities work together, we can continue creating opportunities that support student success both inside and outside the classroom.
A few summer learning opportunities available throughout Utah include:
Operation Gigawatt
Reliable and affordable energy powers nearly every part of daily life for Utah families and communities. Utah currently has the lowest electricity rates in the nation, and we are working to ensure our energy supply remains reliable, secure and affordable for years to come.
The Operation Gigawatt Summit brought together leaders from government, energy and industry to discuss one of the most important challenges facing the nation: meeting growing energy demands while keeping power dependable and affordable for future generations.
Throughout the summit, discussions highlighted Utah’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, which supports a diverse mix of energy resources while encouraging innovation and long-term investment in critical infrastructure.
Leaders also emphasized the importance of strengthening American energy production, expanding transmission capacity and investing in emerging technologies to support economic growth, strengthen supply chains and help ensure the United States remains competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.
By planning ahead and investing in reliable infrastructure, Utah is working to support continued economic opportunity while maintaining the dependable energy resources families and businesses rely on every day.
Utah Declines in Homelessness
For the first time in years, Utah is seeing homelessness move in the right direction. Utah’s latest Point-in-Time Count showed a year-over-year decrease in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness across the state.
Results at a glance:
Overall homelessness: 4,512 — down 1.6% from 4,584
Unsheltered homelessness: 945 — down 9.7% from 1,046
Chronic homelessness: 1,151 — down 6.7% from 1,233
Sheltered homelessness: 3,567 — up 0.8% from 3,538
This progress comes from focusing on accountability, treatment and long-term solutions that produce measurable results when communities work together. It reflects the efforts of state and local leaders, service providers, nonprofits, law enforcement and community partners across Utah.
While there is still more work to do, Utahns deserve safe communities and a homeless response system that delivers real outcomes. We will continue building on this progress.
Thank you to the service providers, first responders and local leaders doing this important work every day.
Connecting Utah Through the Great Outdoors
Construction has commenced on the first of several projects within the Utah Trail Network, a statewide effort to connect Utah’s communities and natural wonders through a comprehensive system of paved trails. Just as our roads connect cities and communities across the state, this initiative is designed to connect Utahns to the outdoor spaces and recreation opportunities that make living in Utah so special. Building on more than 500 existing miles of paved routes, the initiative will add approximately 2,600 new miles of trails, allowing people from all walks of life to better enjoy the world-class natural wonders in our own backyard.
One of the places we knew needed to be addressed was a critical safety hazard in Southern Utah, a 0.7-mile gap along State Route 128, part of the Colorado River Trail near Moab. This section is a key connection point for the 27-mile Whole Enchilada bike trail. For years, the gap has required an estimated 30,000 annual bikers and 60,000 hikers to share a narrow, winding canyon road with vehicle traffic, creating safety concerns for both recreationalists and drivers. Once complete, the new trail segment will create a safer, continuous path while improving access between the many trails, campgrounds and destinations throughout the Moab area.
This project is an example of how the Utah Trail Network is working to enhance safety, accessibility and connectivity across the state. It is one of 20 projects currently in development as we continue connecting Utahns with the natural resources and outdoor opportunities that make our state such a special place to live.
Utah’s Leadership on Childhood Independence – Everyone
Eight years ago, Utah became the first state in the nation to explicitly protect reasonable childhood independence and parental rights.
S.B. 65 addressed a growing concern many parents were feeling: the fear that allowing children to walk to school, play outside with friends or explore their neighborhood independently could lead to unnecessary investigations or government intervention.
The goal of the legislation was simple. Parents should not be considered neglectful for allowing their children to exercise reasonable, age-appropriate independence.
At a time when more children are spending their free time indoors and on screens, opportunities for outdoor play, social interaction and independence matter more than ever. Research continues to show that healthy independence helps children develop confidence, problem-solving skills and resilience. It also encourages children to spend more time outdoors, build stronger social connections and develop the life skills that come from real-world experiences.
Utah took a commonsense approach by recognizing that parents, not government agencies, are best positioned to make many of these day-to-day decisions for their children.
It has been rewarding to see Utah’s leadership on this issue recognized nationally, with policymakers across the country looking at Utah’s approach as a model for protecting families while still ensuring children remain safe.
The conversation surrounding childhood independence is ultimately about more than public policy. It is about giving children the opportunity to grow, learn responsibility and build confidence while giving parents the freedom to raise their families without unnecessary fear of government intervention.
Utah has shown that it is possible to protect children while also supporting strong families and healthy childhood development. That balance remains just as important today as it was when this legislation was first passed.
Best,
Senator Ronald Winterton
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