Ready or not, it’s Back To School Month
Before the school bell rings, let’s talk about education in Utah! Last year, our graduation rates continued their ascent above the national average while our students tested No. 1 for college readiness among comparable states.
This year, I supported common-sense policy to further empower parents, students, and teachers. We rejected false choices from special interests by making record investments in public education and educational choice. We empowered parents and teachers. In Utah, we can do both. Here’s how I supported education in Utah:
Invest in Students
- Increased per-student spending by $211.7 million from 2023-24 – a 5% jump
- Expanded educational choice by awarding 10,000 Utah Fits All Scholarships to Utah kids
Empower Parents
- Prohibited schools from charging curricular school fees for required classes
- Improved educational transparency
Support Teachers
- Invested $74 million to increase paid prep time for educators
- Significantly increased teacher compensation to retain our best educators
- Increased classroom supply fund by up to $500 so educators don’t pay out of pocket
- Created paid stipends for student teachers
Increase Safety
- Increased penalties for school hoax threats
- Took unprecedented steps to improve physical security and student and teacher safety
August Interim
Lawmakers from across the state will join me on Capitol Hill Aug. 20-21 for interim committee meetings. As a reminder, these meetings help set the agenda for the next session. On my committees we’re delving into really big issues that may impact you.
As always, these meetings are open to the public. You can participate in person or online at le.utah.gov. I would love to see you there!
Protecting Utah’s Children
When it comes to protecting our youth online, the rest of the Nation is looking to Utah. Over the last two years, we have passed first-of-its kind legislation to hold social media companies accountable for exploiting minors. A recent decision from the federal courts has proven that, in the beehive state, we know how to strike a balance between preventing harm and protecting the free market. Learn more about the fight to protect our children here or listen to a quick recap of how these bills create a safer online space for minors here.
Innovation in AI
Utah is once again setting the standard and leading out in technological advancement by implementing an innovative approach to AI. This past session, we created the Office of AI Policy to help us learn, discover, react, and create effective frameworks and policies for Utah. This lab spurs innovation while working to protect our data privacy. You can learn more here.
Keep Energy Affordable For Utahns
Our all-of-the-above energy approach here in Utah has led to some of the lowest energy rates in the country and the Legislature is committed to keeping it that way. I join my fellow lawmakers in pushing back against recent threats from large companies to raise our rates far above market value. As we continue to embrace all forms of energy, we can ensure that the lights stay on and our costs stay low. Learn more here.
Practicing Fire Safety
We’re fortunate to live in such a beautiful state with world class recreation opportunities. As you get outside and enjoy the summer sunshine, make sure that you’re practicing fire safety habits. This year alone, we’ve seen nearly 500 human caused wildfires across our state. Working together, we can help ensure that our stunning scenery remains for future generations to continue to enjoy. Click here to learn more.
Recent U.S. Supreme Court Rulings
As legislative activities die down in Utah during June and July, our attention turns to the U.S. Supreme Court, where crucial decisions are being made. This summer, the Court ruled on two significant cases with far-reaching implications for Utah, marking important victories for our state. Because these rulings are so critical, I’ve dedicated a portion of this month’s newsletter to breaking down and summarizing these cases to better understand their significance to us Utahns.
The “Good Neighbor” Rule: Halting the EPA’s Stringent Regulations
The first notable ruling this summer was the Court’s decision to halt the enforcement of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s “good neighbor” rule, which mandated 23 states to reduce air pollution levels. While we prioritize clean air and strive to enhance our air quality in Utah, the stringent requirements enacted by unelected officials were unrealistic for the state to comply with without imposing a heavy burden on Utahns. This regulation has led to higher power rates and added to the already skyrocketing cost of living nationwide when inflation is already causing Utahns to struggle to make ends meet. Now that it has been overturned, we can concentrate on improving air quality in a manner that does not hurt our economy while also easing the rising cost of living.
Chevron Deference: Putting a Stop to Reckless Federal Overreach
Another major victory for Utah came when the Supreme Court overhauled the statute of Chevron deference. This legal principle, dating back to 1984, forced courts to defer to an administrative agency’s interpretation of ambiguous statutes as long as their interpretations were considered “reasonable.” This decision often resulted in federal agencies bypassing the legislative process to establish far-reaching policies that did more harm than good. Chevron deference was the doctrine the EPA used to enforce the “good neighbor” rule mentioned previously.
As the best-managed state in the nation, Utah has proven itself effective in governing its own affairs and enacting smart policies that allow us to remain on top. The Court’s recent ruling to overturn Chevron deference empowers us to establish policies to better serve our state’s unique needs and allow Utahns to thrive.
Recent Utah Supreme Court Rulings
Redistricting Decision
I’m disappointed by the Utah Supreme Court’s ruling preventing the Legislature from reforming ballot initiatives while failing to address the case’s core issue of redistricting. While I hold our Supreme Court in high regard, this decision significantly undermines the Utah Constitution, the role of the Legislature and our state as a whole. Without the authority to amend ballot initiatives, such initiatives essentially become untouchable “super laws” that impede the state, county and municipal constitutional duties to enact and amend laws. I’m concerned outside groups will exploit this new precedent to push agendas that are not in Utah’s best interests.
Pro-life Trigger Bill
I am also deeply disappointed that the Supreme Court failed to lift the preliminary injunction on Utah’s strong pro-life law. Now it will continue to be tied up in litigation more than two years after the Dobbs decision, resulting in the deaths of thousands of unborn babies in our state. Utahns deeply value human life in all stages and all circumstances. As legislators, we are committed to upholding those values in our laws. We are consulting with our legal counsel on next steps for the litigation and are confident that we will ultimately prevail on the merits of the case.
In the news:
Deseret News: Foreign countries are buying up Utah land. New state legislation aims to tackle the conundrum.
KSL TV: As Utah political threats rise, security measures becoming tighter, says DPS
Fox 13: Utah looks to ink deals with Israel for water-saving technologies
Utah News Dispatch: Great Salt Lake commissioner report details ‘busy and fruitful’ year
KSL: US immigration officials seek info on possible detention center for Utah
Deseret News: Here’s how big of a boost Utah’s economy would get from hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics
Standard-Examiner: Antelope Island State Park breaks ground on new visitor and learning center expansion
Fox 13: Rocky Mountain Power faces the wrath of Utah’s Capitol Hill over rate hike
KSL: Utah commission approves Enbridge plan to cut natural gas rate by nearly 30%
KUER: Utah’s new Office of Artificial Intelligence will first focus on mental health care and AI
KSL TV: New remote avalanche control systems to be installed in Little Cottonwood Canyon
KUER: Utah’s social media laws pick up a partial court win
KSL NewsRadio: “Planting parties” at Utah Lake working to rid the lake of invasive phragmites
Fox 13: Fentanyl seized in Utah in 2024 already surpasses mark set last year
Brad Mortensen op-ed: Weber State is embracing change in our approach to serving students. As its leader, I welcome scrutiny.
KSL: Utah is aging, but new Census Bureau data shows benefits in its youth
USA Today: Winter Olympics are officially heading back to Salt Lake City in 2034. Everything to know.
KUTV: Utah faces more critical fire conditions, smokey air as dry, hot weather continues
Higher Ed Dive: Federal judge blocks final Title IX rule in four more states