Friends and Neighbors,
As October unfolds, we find ourselves amidst a dynamic period of legislative activity. This month’s interim session was full of committee meetings and preparatory actions for the upcoming legislative session in January. With only one interim meeting left, I know we will be in an excellent position to be effective during the 2025 General Session.
As the month draws to a close, we prepare to celebrate Halloween and also honor the many men and women who serve our country this Veterans Day on November 11. This solemn occasion allows us to express our profound gratitude for the service and sacrifice of all veterans. They are beacons of courage and resilience, and we stand united in our appreciation for them. I humbly thank each and every Utah veteran for their selfless service to our state and nation.
See below for more information on October’s interim meetings and other updates on our work.
Make Your Voice Heard This Election Day
November 5 is right around the corner—Election Day! Local elections have a profound impact on our everyday lives, from education and infrastructure to healthcare and public safety. This is your chance to make a difference in your community by voting for candidates who align with your values and vision for our future.
If you haven't registered yet, same-day voter registration will be available for those who need it on Election Day. Make sure to mail your ballots by November 4 to ensure they are counted.
You can find helpful information about candidates and measures here. For any additional questions about the voting process, please visit vote.utah.gov.
Preserving Our Water, Protecting Our Future
Water is the lifeline of our communities, economy and way of life here in Utah. This month, I attended the Utah Water Symposium, where we celebrated the incredible strides our state has made in water conservation and discussed efforts to secure water resources for the next 100 years and beyond.
Highlights include:
$1 Billion in Water Investments
The Legislature has invested nearly $1 billion into Utah’s water resources over the last two years. This coincides with efforts made by local governments, the agricultural community and Utahns everywhere to practice water conservation.
Long-Term Water Planning
A recently launched initiative directed Utah’s four largest water districts to work together to identify and assess potential water sources. This collaborative planning is essential for meeting the needs of our growing population well into the future.
Protecting the Great Salt Lake
This year, we established a framework to safeguard investments made in the lake and ensure conservation efforts are dedicated to its preservation. This bill recently led to an agreement with Compass Minerals, a global leader in essential minerals, to donate 200,000 acre-feet of water rights annually to the lake—equivalent to the combined volume of Causey, Echo, Pineview, Lost Creek and Rockport reservoirs.
Promising Conservation Results
Utah’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported on our state’s water conservation progress:
Thanks to two great winters and continued conservation efforts, our reservoirs are 73% full—20% higher than the average for this time of year.
Less than 2% of the state is in severe drought, and 24% is in moderate drought, compared to 100% drought just two years ago.
Since last year, the Great Salt Lake has risen more than three feet to a level where it began to transition out of adverse effects.
The creative and innovative water policies we implement today are essential if we want to maintain our state’s high quality of life. By working together, we will ensure Utah remains a wonderful place both today and for future generations to call home.
Funding Our Schools Through Responsible Land Management
For more than 30 years, the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA) has played a crucial role in raising money for education. By leasing state land for purposes such as mining, energy development, real estate, and farming, SITLA utilizes some of our state's vast natural resources as an essential funding tool for public schools. The agency also focuses on managing the land in a way that balances growth with environmental protection, ensuring these lands can continue to benefit future generations.
Every year, each public school receives funding from SITLA. During the 2024-2025 school year, SITLA distributed a record $106 million to schools across the state. Our district received $4.9 million from these funds. These funds complement traditional education funding and give schools the flexibility to use the money in ways that best meet their unique needs.
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 October interim, we met to confirm several appointments, including four new judges—Ryan Christiansen and Meb Anderson to Utah’s 5th District Court, Jared Anderson to Utah’s 4th District Juvenile Court and John Nielsen to Utah’s 3rd District Court. These individuals have shown exceptional expertise and an inspiring dedication to public service. I am grateful for their willingness to serve our state in their new capacity. Watch their confirmations here.
One Utah Summit: Exploring Economic Opportunities For Our State
Southern Utah University served as the vibrant backdrop for the One Utah Summit in Cedar City, where the future of our state’s economy took center stage. It was inspiring to see Utah’s top leaders in government and business come together to forge a vision for our collective prosperity.
This year’s summit shined a spotlight on rural Utah, delving into innovative partnerships that can uplift and support the region. I had the privilege of hearing from distinguished leaders, including Gov. Cox, Rep. Curtis and political analyst Jonah Goldberg, who shared valuable insights and strategies for growth. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to SUU for their exceptional work hosting this impactful event.
Teacher Academy: Shaping a New Generation of Educators
The success of Utah’s teachers is essential to the success of Utah’s students. When we provide them with the right tools and support, we empower them to help students thrive both in the classroom and beyond. One exciting initiative focused on enhancing teacher retention and preparedness is the Teacher Academy program, which I was fortunate to learn more about in a presentation during the October Interim.
Developed in partnership with the Center for the School of the Future at Utah State University and Davis School District, the Teacher Academy offers aspiring teachers a mentor-rich environment from the start of their education career. A key component of the program includes structured pathways that allow future educators to engage with students and classrooms early on, fostering a deeper understanding of teaching practices and classroom dynamics.
The data shared in this presentation indicated that teacher candidates in the program report higher levels of confidence and preparedness, leading to improved job satisfaction and retention rates. By prioritizing teacher leadership and providing extensive support, we are setting the stage for a new generation of educators who are well-equipped to meet the challenges of today’s classrooms.
Fueling Our Future: Innovation at San Rafael Energy Research Center
The future of energy production is unfolding right here in our state. Last month, my colleagues and I had the pleasure of visiting the San Rafael Energy Research Center in beautiful Emery County. This cutting-edge facility is a national leader in energy development and exploration, making remarkable strides in researching nuclear energy, clean battery recycling and pioneering innovative approaches to combustion energy production. Their contributions to Utah’s energy landscape are significant, and I was grateful for the opportunity to witness firsthand the groundbreaking work being done.
Through this visit, I also gained valuable insights on how we can better shape and approach energy policy in Utah. As we continue our pursuit of energy independence, I am confident that San Rafael will play a vital role in this important journey.
As always, I appreciate those who reach out to make their voices heard and encourage all to contact me with questions or concerns.
Best,
Ron Winterton
