Friends and Neighbors, 

When we began the 2025 General Session 45 days ago, we had one central purpose in mind: powering Utah’s future for the benefit of all who call our state home. We set out not only to meet the challenges of today but to lay the groundwork for a thriving state for generations to come. Looking ahead 100 years, our vision is one where Utah continues leading the way in innovation, prosperity and quality of life.  

This session, we made meaningful steps toward that vision, with accomplishments including: 

• Supporting teachers with a direct salary increase of $1,446 and a $1,000 bonus for education support staff, along with a 4% funding boost for school districts to better support all employees. 

• Tax cuts for all Utahns at every stage of life, including reducing the income tax rate, eliminating the Social Security tax for those earning up to $90,000 and expanding the child tax credit by two years. 

• Ensuring energy remains affordable and reliable by embracing innovative energy solutions such as small modular nuclear reactors.  

• Expanding access to cancer screenings, medical support and training for firefighters. 

• Enacting strategic policies to increase the supply of affordable housing. 

• Laying the groundwork for a spaceport in our state and advancing air taxi technology to revolutionize transportation. 

• Reducing distractions of cell phones during classroom hours to create more focused learning environments. 

• Investing in programs that realign and equip Utahns with workforce-ready skills, preparing them to meet the needs of today’s job market. 

Utah’s success isn’t accidental—it’s the result of responsible governance, innovative businesses, dedicated educators and engaged citizens working together to keep our state strong. This year’s budget reflects those shared priorities, with strategic investments that will ensure Utah remains the best state in the nation two years running and the best economic outlook for 17 consecutive years.  

Let’s dive into some of the key actions and decisions from this week that are paving the way for a brighter tomorrow. 

Priority Spotlight: Tax Cuts for All Utahns 

You work hard for your money, and this year, we’re making sure you keep more of it. With a $127 million tax cut, all Utahns – families, retirees and individuals across the state – will see real relief. Over the past four years, the Legislature has delivered $1.3 billion in tax reductions, and that commitment continues in 2025. This includes:  

• Income Tax: Reduces the income tax rate from 4.55% to 4.5%, providing financial relief to all Utahns, promoting upward mobility and helping Utah remain competitive.   

• Social Security Tax: Eliminates social security tax for households earning up to $90,000, strengthening financial security for Utah’s retirees. 

• Child Tax Credit: Expands the child tax credit by two years, providing support for young families with children aged 6 and under, helping them thrive and build a brighter future. 

• Child Tax Credit for Businesses: Encourages businesses to invest in the future of children by offering tax credits for companies that build and operate childcare facilities for their employees. 

These tax cuts aren’t just numbers—they mean more money for groceries, savings and the things that matter most. By prioritizing financial security and opportunity, we are ensuring Utah remains the best place to live, work and raise a family. 

On the Hill 

Utah Women: Pioneers of Progress  

Utah women have played a pivotal role in shaping history, from securing voting rights to leading in politics, education and business. This week, we had the privilege of honoring the women who have helped define our state at the Utah Women's History Day on the Hill.   

Seraph Young, a Salt Lake City school teacher, made history in 1870 as the first woman in the United States to cast a vote under an equal suffrage law. In 1896, Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon broke barriers by becoming the first female state senator in U.S. history – defeating her own husband in the election. Utah set a national precedent, thanks to the tireless efforts of these early suffragists who fought for equal rights. We are incredibly proud of the women in our state who continue to break barriers, inspire change and shape Utah’s future. 

A Special Thanks to My Intern, Meredith 

Every year, bright university students from across Utah bring energy, curiosity and dedication to the Capitol as interns, gaining firsthand experience in the legislative process. This session, I was fortunate to have an outstanding intern, Meredith, who played a vital role in keeping everything running smoothly. From researching policy issues and coordinating constituent meetings to answering calls and attending committee hearings, Meredith tackled every task with enthusiasm and professionalism. Utah’s future is bright with passionate young leaders like Meredith, and I have no doubt she will go on to do great things! 

Legislative Highlights 

H.B. 65 - Firefighter Cancer Amendments  

What it does 

• Expands the current list of recognized cancers relating to firefighting from four to 15, making it easier for firefighters to access healthcare benefits and compensation for their treatment. 

• Provides cancer screenings for public firefighters through the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health.  

• Supports a statewide Fire and Rescue Training Program at Utah Valley University to ensure comprehensive training and certification for firefighters across Utah. 

Why it matters 

• Cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters, with 60% of line-of-duty deaths linked to occupational cancers.  

• Recognizing the unique dangers firefighters face and taking proactive steps to protect their health is not just the right thing to do—it’s an essential responsibility.  

• Current laws make it hard for firefighters with cancer to prove their illness is work-related, delaying workers’ compensation. Expanding the list of presumptive cancers will make it easier for firefighters to access benefits. 

• H.B. 65 ensures firefighters receive the support they deserve for the sacrifices they make in protecting Utah’s communities. 

H.B. 104 Firearm Safety in Schools Amendments  

What it does 

• Ensures students receive age-appropriate firearm safety instruction to help prevent accidental firearm-related injuries and deaths.  

• Requires schools to provide this instruction while allowing parents to opt their children out.  

• The curriculum will not introduce firearms into schools but will teach through methods such as instructional videos, presentations or discussions led by a school resource officer. 

Why it matters 

• With nearly 50% of Utah households owning firearms, it's crucial that all children—especially those who don’t have firearms at home—understand what to do if they encounter one. 

• This bill is not about promoting or restricting gun ownership; rather, it is focused on education and accident prevention.  

• By providing students with the knowledge to respond safely if they encounter a firearm, this bill aims to reduce unintentional harm and ensure a safer environment for Utah’s children. 

H.B. 462 Rural School Funding Amendments 

What it does 

• Creates a grant program to help rural public schools build or upgrade sports facilities used for athletic activities, physical education or school-sponsored sports programs. Funding will be prioritized for schools with the greatest need for improvements, those with limited access to quality spaces and other factors to ensure fairness in distribution. 

• Empowers the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) to select schools to receive program funds. 

Why it matters 

• This grant program is a game changer for rural students, ensuring they have access to the same quality athletic facilities as those in larger urban areas. 

• By establishing this grant program, we help level the playing field, helping students in every community stay active, develop teamwork skills and improve overall health. 

H.B. 300 Amendments to Election Law  

What it does 

H.B. 300 enhances election security, preserving vote-by-mail while making elections more secure. Safe, secure and transparent elections are the foundation of a successful republic. In Utah, we are committed to upholding election integrity. The goal is to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat, ensuring every vote is verifiable and counted correctly. H.B. 300 aims to accomplish this goal by focusing on tailored solutions to specific problems. Including:  

• Beginning in 2026, Utah voters with a valid state ID must include the last four digits of their state ID when returning a ballot through the mail or in a drop box. The ballot of a voter who does not list their ID number will go through a signature curing process. 

• Ballots must be turned in to the county clerk by 8 p.m. on election night, helping to ensure timely results. 

• Requires voters to opt in to receive ballots in the mail every eight years to ensure ballots are only mailed to those who are eligible and want to receive them.  

• All voters will need to opt in initially by 2029. 

• Voters will be able to opt in when renewing their driver's license, voting in person, or through an online portal. 

• Voters will be informed via mail of the need to opt in. 

• Enhances the lieutenant governor’s ability to investigate voter registration roll inaccuracies. 

Why it matters 

• Utah has a strong track record of secure, transparent and accessible elections, with an impressive voter turnout of 85% in the last election—far exceeding the national average. 

• However, Utah is one of the few states that does not currently require voter ID despite 81% of Americans supporting such a requirement. 

• Additionally, election results in Utah can take weeks to finalize, leaving voters waiting for clarity.  

• By improving ballot processing and verification procedures, H.B. 300 ensures results are available on election night without compromising security. 

• With these reforms, Utahns can have even greater confidence in the integrity of the electoral process—making it easy to vote and hard to cheat. 

H.B. 455 Utah Fits All Scholarship Program Amendments  

What it Does 

• Adjusts Utah Fits All Scholarship Program to improve access, providing more support to Utah families access scholarships while ensuring the program’s sustainability and success. Updates include: 

• Allowing families to carry over up to $2,000 in unused funds for the following year. 

• Adjusting scholarship amounts based on a student’s age and school choice. 

• Clarifying spending regulations to ensure proper fund usage. 

• Providing that extracurricular activities such as sports or clubs and physical education expenses can only account for up to 20% of the scholarship funds, maintaining focus on core education. 

• Music and art classes are not classified as extracurriculars and are not subject to this limit. 

Why it Matters 

• We know a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work for every child. Each student has unique learning needs, and parents play a key role in providing the support necessary for their children's success. 

• The Utah Fits All Scholarship Program has been a pivotal step toward addressing the diverse educational needs of all students.  

• This bill strengthens accountability and transparency, principles that have always been at the core of this program to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and efficiently. 

H.B. 405 Human Trafficking Amendments 

What it Does 

• Strengthens Utah’s approach to combating human trafficking by increasing penalties for traffickers.  

• Reclassifies trafficking offenses involving both adults and minors as a first-degree felony, with mandatory minimums increasing from five years to ten years. 

Why it Matters 

• Human trafficking is a devastating crime that affects individuals of all ages and undermines the safety of our communities. With harsher penalties, we’re reinforcing our commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and working to eliminate trafficking from our state. 

H.B. 100 Food Security Amendments  

What it does  

• Establishes a program to provide low-income students with access to free or reduced-cost school breakfast and lunch through the National School Lunch Program. 

• Provides protection to prevent stigmatization of students who cannot pay by requiring meal debt communication to be directed only to parents. 

• Encourages food waste reduction strategies. 

• Stipulates that the State Board of Education reimburses school districts for the difference between the federal reimbursement for a reduced-price meal and a fully reimbursed meal, subject to legislative funding, ensuring this initiative does not create financial strain on school budgets. 

Why it matters 

• Hunger is a significant barrier to student success, affecting one in six children in Utah and making it much harder for them to focus in the classroom.  

• Providing free or reduced-cost meals removes a major financial obstacle for low-income families. 

• This policy helps promote upward mobility for families by ensuring that students from low-income families have access to nutritious meals, improving their academic outcomes and future opportunities. 

Getting Involved  

Public participation is vital to developing better policies for all Utahns, and we want to make it easier for you to follow the issues that matter most to you.  

Our new webpage includes helpful video tutorials to guide you through navigating the legislative website (le.utah.gov) and making the most of its resources. Check it out here: senate.utah.gov/getting-involved 

ICYMI:  

• These Utah lawmakers had kids through IVF. They voted to give public employees access to the procedure, too. 

• Firefighters gather for the passage of legislation to provide them with regular cancer screenings 

• Utah expands access to cancer screenings for firefighters 

• Social media companies applaud Utah’s latest bill aimed at teen social media use 

None of this would be possible without your support and input. Thank you for playing a crucial role in shaping our state’s future and keeping Utah the incredible place it is. 

Best,  

Senator Ron Winterton