Friends and Neighbors, 

As the holiday season arrives, it’s a great time to slow down and reflect on what we’re grateful for. Amid our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the people and moments that make a difference—whether it’s through small gestures or bigger acts of kindness. 

Here in Utah, we’re known for coming together as a community. As the state consistently ranked first in the nation for volunteerism, we’ve made gratitude and service a way of life. This season, let’s focus on showing appreciation, giving back and treating others with kindness. 

Last week, during November’s interim meetings—the final ones before the 2025 General Session—we worked on fine-tuning legislation and preparing bills for the upcoming session. Below, you’ll find a summary of that work and what it means for our community.

Building on Our Success to Create a Thriving Future 

Utah stands as a beacon of hope, exemplifying what is possible through a commitment to excellence. From being the best-managed state and the top place for the middle class to cultivating the nation’s happiest communities, Utah continues to lead the way and inspire others. 

These achievements aren’t by chance—they’re the result of thoughtful planning, strategic growth and the dedication of all Utahns. They inspire us to tackle future challenges with the same determination that has earned Utah its place at the top.  

This year’s interim meetings were an essential part of shaping our policy priorities, and we are deeply grateful to the many Utahns who participated in committee meetings, shared their feedback and engaged in the legislative process. Your involvement strengthens our work and ensures we are addressing the issues that matter most to you.  

As we prepare for the 2025 General Session, we remain committed to tackling challenges like energy independence, water optimization, supporting our state's teachers and students, making life more affordable and managing growth through strategic investments. Together, we can continue building a future that keeps Utah thriving for generations to come. 

Expanding Housing Opportunities for Utah Families 

Homeownership has long been a cornerstone of the American Dream, and Utah’s fiscally conservative policies have helped make our state the most affordable state to live in. However, the nationwide housing shortage, rising property values and increasing interest rates have made homeownership increasingly difficult for many Utahns. 

To address this challenge, expanding the housing supply remains one of the most effective ways to make homes more accessible. In the last legislative session, we passed laws aimed at increasing investment in starter homes and creating low-interest loan opportunities for affordable housing initiatives in both the public and private sectors. Just this month, Utah leaders celebrated a milestone with the groundbreaking of a new community of starter homes in Weber County, made possible through these efforts. This development offers Utah families not just a place to live, but a foundation to raise their children and build equity for the future. 

Securing Utah’s Future: Energy Innovation and Water Conservation 

Affordable, reliable energy and ample water resources are vital to Utah’s future prosperity. This month, the Utah Department of Natural Resources hosted its first Legislative Energy and Water Workshops, uniting legislators, industry leaders and stakeholders to help tackle Utah’s energy and water challenges. 

Highlights included Utah’s geothermal advancements, initiatives to expand baseload power and strategies to enhance energy infrastructure for a sustainable future. Our discussions on water included exploring conservation, water rights and innovative solutions for the Great Salt Lake and Colorado River and addressing the critical need to balance agricultural, municipal and environmental demands. 

With drought and population growth intensifying pressures, safeguarding Utah’s resources is more urgent than ever. These workshops offered actionable insights to guide policies ensuring our communities, economy and ecosystems thrive. 

Preparing Utah’s Students for Success in a Competitive Workforce  

As Utah’s economy grows, it’s essential that we help our students develop the skills they need to secure good jobs and meet the demands of our dynamic workforce. I’m excited to share that Utah formalized a partnership with the Republic of Austria by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).  

This partnership will focus on advancing initiatives like Utah’s Talent Ready Apprenticeship Connection (TRAC) and expanding access to technical and career education that will help provide more opportunities for Utahns. Through collaboration, exchanges and pilot projects, Utah and Austria will work together to create stronger pathways for students, improve workforce readiness and ensure a competitive economy for generations to come.  

I’ve witnessed how transformative it is when education aligns with industry needs. Programs that combine hands-on experience with technical training empower Utahns to succeed while meeting critical workforce demands, further strengthening our economy. Learn more here. 

Advancing Geothermal Energy with Iceland  

Diversifying our state’s energy portfolio is essential to ensuring that future generations have access to reliable and affordable power. Utah is a hot spot for geothermal activity, and tapping into this resource could play a significant role in meeting our energy needs and securing our energy future. As a global leader in geothermal development, Iceland provides valuable insights as we look to expand our energy resources. 

This month, we welcomed Iceland’s Ambassador, Svanhildur Hólm Valsdóttir, and her team to Utah to strengthen our partnership on geothermal innovation. To formalize this collaboration, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which underscores our shared commitment to advancing energy innovation, ensuring that Utah continues to have affordable and reliable energy. 

Confirming Utah’s Newest Judges 

It is the Senate’s great responsibility to provide advice and consent on various appointments made by the governor. During the November interim, we met to confirm several appointments, including two new judges—Ryan Evershed to Utah’s 2nd District Juvenile Court and Kasey Wright to Utah’s 4th District Court. These judges 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. 

Thanksgiving  

We are fortunate to live in a state consistently ranked first in the U.S. for volunteerism. We are also one of the most prosperous states in the nation. None of this is by chance. There is a strong correlation between giving and receiving, between gratitude and prosperity—a virtuous cycle that strengthens and lifts society. 

Every day, each of us faces challenges and opportunities. Every day, we choose goodness or fault, anger or joy, to give up or to charge ahead. Thanksgiving offers us a chance to pause and reflect on our lives. It is a time to express love and appreciation for those around us. I hope we all take this opportunity to recognize our blessings and share our gratitude. 

I am deeply grateful for you and your trust in me as your senator. I am thankful for our wonderful state and the good people who call it home. I am grateful for my family and for the freedoms, we enjoy in the United States of America. Let us continually seek ways to express gratitude in our everyday lives. 

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving! 

Best, 

Ron