Friends and neighbors,

As summer begins to wind down, September brings cooler weather, changing leaves and an opportunity to reflect on the principles that have guided our country for nearly 240 years. On September 17, 1787, our Founding Fathers signed the United States Constitution, establishing a framework of government that continues to shape our nation today.

Those principles are not simply part of our past. As a state legislator, I took an oath to support, obey and defend both the U.S. Constitution and the Utah Constitution. Upholding those principles also depends on engaged citizens who take an active role in their government.

One of my favorite parts of serving in the Legislature is hearing directly from constituents about the issues that matter most to you. Thank you for staying engaged, sharing your perspective and taking an active role in what happens at the Capitol.

Protecting the Great Salt Lake

The Great Salt Lake is part of who we are as Utahns. It affects our air, our snow, our economy, our farms and communities, and the wildlife and landscape that make Utah home.

This month, we visited the Great Salt Lake to see firsthand the work underway, better understand current conditions and discuss what more can be done to protect the lake for generations to come.

Utah is taking a long-term approach focused on getting more water to the lake, using the water we have more efficiently and putting policies in place to support the lake’s future.

Over the past several years, significant investments have been made in water conservation, including agricultural water optimization, secondary water metering, water-wise landscaping and other projects that help Utah use water more efficiently. We have also made important changes to Utah’s water laws, creating new tools to conserve, lease and dedicate water to the Great Salt Lake.

Those efforts are making a difference. More water is being secured and dedicated to the lake, while farmers, communities and other water users have more options to conserve water and help it reach the lake. The Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner is helping coordinate these efforts and bring state agencies, water users and other partners together around a long-term strategy.

That work continued this year. The Legislature approved an agreement resolving a long-standing state-federal land dispute involving more than 22,000 acres along the Great Salt Lake. Under the agreement, the land will be transferred to the federal government for wildlife refuge purposes, while the consideration Utah receives from the transfer will be used exclusively to benefit the Great Salt Lake.

We are also working to bring more federal resources and partners to the table. In May, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin joined Utah leaders and members of our congressional delegation for a tour of the Great Salt Lake. The president’s proposed FY2027 budget includes a $1 billion funding request to support the Great Salt Lake and its watershed.

There is more work ahead. Protecting the Great Salt Lake will not come down to one bill, one investment or one good water year. It requires a sustained approach that gets more water to the lake, improves water efficiency and protects critical habitat while recognizing the needs of Utah’s families, farmers, businesses and growing communities.

As we prepare for the 2027 legislative session, we are looking closely at what is working, where challenges remain and what additional steps can build on the progress underway.

The Great Salt Lake is an important part of Utah’s future, and we will continue working with communities, water users and state and federal partners to protect it for generations to come.

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Shaping the Future of AI in Utah Schools 

Artificial intelligence is changing how students learn, and as we consider policies for its use in Utah schools, we want students to have a voice in shaping what comes next. That is why we launched the “Shaping Utah’s AI Future” Essay Contest in partnership with the Sutherland Institute, inviting students in grades 10-12 to share their ideas for how AI should be used in education.

Students can submit a 1,000-1,500-word essay for a chance to win up to $1,000. One student from each of Utah’s 29 Senate districts will also be invited to the Utah Student AI Policy Summit at the State Capitol on November 20-21.

At the Capitol, students will step into the role of state legislators, debate ideas on the Senate floor, vote on proposals and develop recommendations to share with policymakers. As we continue working on AI policy, this gives us an opportunity to hear directly from the students who are already using this technology and will be most affected by the decisions we make.

Essays are due October 1. If you know a high school student who would like to participate, we encourage them to learn more and submit their ideas. Learn more here. 

Remembering 9/11 Twenty-Five Years Later

Twenty-five years ago, our nation was forever changed by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, including three Utahns: Mary Alice Wahlstrom and her daughter, Carolyn Mayer Beug, of Kaysville and Brady Howell of Tremonton.

We honor the first responders and everyday Americans who ran toward danger, putting others before themselves. In one of our nation’s darkest moments, their courage reminded us of the American people's strength and resolve.

In the days that followed, Americans came together with a shared sense of patriotism, purpose and determination to move forward. Twenty-five years later, I hope we carry that spirit forward. As we remember those we lost and honor those who answered the call, may we remain grateful for the freedoms that unite us. America is strongest when we stand together, serve one another and never take those freedoms for granted.

Honoring the American Worker

We kicked off this month by celebrating Labor Day, a time to recognize the hardworking Utahns who show up every day, support their families and strengthen our communities. I’m grateful for the men and women across our state whose dedication and determination help create opportunities for the next generation and make Utah a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Fighting Fraud in Utah 

Fraud is a multi-million-dollar problem and is becoming more sophisticated, putting Utah families, seniors and businesses at greater risk of losing their hard-earned money. Utah is taking action to stay ahead of these scams and give law enforcement better tools to find criminals, recover stolen funds and protect victims.

The new Financial Crimes Intelligence Center brings expertise and resources together to:

Trace stolen money, track down scammers and help hold criminals accountable.

Assist victims and improve efforts to recover stolen funds.

Strengthen coordination among law enforcement and other agencies working to combat fraud.

Utahns work hard for their money, and they deserve to know someone is working just as hard to protect it. The Financial Crimes Intelligence Center gives Utah a dedicated team focused on fighting financial crime, supporting victims and preventing more Utahns from becoming targets.

Utah Ranks #1 for Access to Addiction Treatment

Utah was recently ranked the best state in the nation for helping people struggling with addiction access the support they need. Addiction affects individuals, families and entire communities, and having the right help available at the right time can change lives.

This progress reflects the work of treatment providers, families, communities and ongoing efforts to expand access to care across our state. Whether it is treatment, counseling, peer support or encouragement from family and friends, having people and resources to turn to can make a lasting difference.

There is always more work to do. We will continue working to help more Utahns access the support they need to recover, rebuild and move forward.

Improving Transparency for Renters 

Housing affordability remains an important issue for Utah families, and renters deserve to know the true cost of a home before signing a lease.

In the Business and Labor Interim Committee meeting, we heard concerns about rental fees and lease practices that can make it difficult for tenants to know what they will actually pay. Additional fees, high upfront costs, unclear security deposits and complicated lease terms can lead to unexpected expenses.

As housing costs continue to put pressure on Utahns, transparency matters. Renters should have clear information about their financial obligations before committing to a home.

In response to these concerns, the committee opened a bill file to explore greater fee transparency and potential changes to property management regulations. As we continue studying the issue, the goal is simple: give Utah renters clearer information so they can better understand and plan for their housing costs.

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 carefully review and confirm individuals who will serve in important roles across state government, including the judiciary, boards, commissions and agency leadership.

During our September interim meetings, the Senate confirmed four new judges to serve Utahns, including two new justices to the Utah Supreme Court: Michael L. Bell and Michael R. Menssen.

Justice Bell brings years of experience on the bench and in public service to the Utah Supreme Court. During his confirmation, he spoke about approaching his new role “with the restraint and humility required of that position.” Justice Menssen similarly brings a strong legal background and record of service. He reflected on his respect for the Constitution, the rule of law and the responsibility that comes with serving on Utah’s highest court.

The Senate also confirmed Lance Talakai to the Third District Juvenile Court and Elizabeth Butler to the Third District Court. Judge Talakai spoke about his desire to be a peacemaker and the honor of working with children and families facing difficult circumstances, while Judge Butler emphasized hard work, humility in public service and ensuring everyone who enters her courtroom has an opportunity to be heard.

In addition, the Senate confirmed Hannah Freeze as Great Salt Lake Commissioner and Jamie Barnes as commissioner of the Division of Natural Resources.

The Senate takes its advice and consent responsibility seriously. I am grateful to each of these individuals for their willingness to serve and confident they will bring experience, integrity and a strong commitment to serving the people of Utah.

Inside Utah’s Growing Aerospace Industry

Members of the Utah Aerospace and Defense Caucus recently toured Boeing’s new facility in Utah for a firsthand look at the advanced manufacturing taking place right here in our state.

During the tour, we saw how Boeing manufactures composite components used in aircraft and learned more about the technology, precision and skilled workforce behind the process. It was a great opportunity to see how Utah workers and businesses are contributing to an industry with a global reach.

Utah has become an important hub for aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing. Visits like this help legislators better understand the industries creating jobs, investing in our communities and helping drive Utah’s economy. We appreciate Boeing for opening its doors and giving us a closer look at its work in Utah.

Best regards,

Senator Ron Winterton