Friends and Neighbors,
Big ideas are taking flight in the 2025 session, and week two set the stage for big things ahead.
This week, we took a giant leap toward making Utah the hub for aerospace innovation. We passed S.B. 62 Space Exploration Committee, launching efforts to explore the potential of building a spaceport right here in our state—opening new doors for research, industry and economic growth. We also advanced S.B. 96 Advanced Air Mobility Amendments, paving the way for air taxis to revolutionize transportation across the state by reducing road congestion and preparing to carry fans and athletes during the 2034 Olympics.
Utah has always been a place of innovation, from the grit of our pioneer ancestors to our rise as a leader in business, energy and infrastructure. That same forward-thinking spirit is driving us into the future as we soar to even greater heights.
With each step, we’re ensuring Utah remains on the cutting edge. Check out some key moments from week two below! As always, feel free to reach out to me by contacting my intern, Spencer, at scragun@le.utah.gov or 801-903-7622.
Best,
Dan McCay
Balancing the Budget to Ensure Utah’s Strength and Stability
Each year, the Legislature is required to pass a balanced budget, ensuring your tax dollars are spent wisely on essential services like education, transportation and social programs.
Balancing the state budget isn’t all that different from managing a household budget. In the early weeks of the session, appropriations subcommittees set up base budgets to cover these core services—much like a family prioritizing rent, groceries and utilities. As the session progresses, we assess available resources and make additional investments, similar to deciding whether a family can afford extra expenses like a vacation or home improvements. In the final week, we pass the “Bill of Bills,” finalizing the budget and making sure Utah remains financially strong while investing in our future without overburdening taxpayers.
Having voted to pass several base budgets this week, I will remain committed to ensuring our state makes smart, strategic budget decisions that keep Utah strong, prosperous and ready for the future.
Priority Spotlight: Setting a New Standard for Student Success
The growing link between cellphone use, mental health challenges and academic focus in youth is hard to ignore—97% of students with phones use them during school hours, and teens receive an average of 237 notifications daily.
Right now, the state’s baseline policy allows unrestricted cellphone use in schools. S.B. 178 would simply shift that baseline to restrict cellphone use during classroom hours unless districts choose to set a different policy. This change would not remove school districts’ authority to create their own cellphone guidelines; rather, it adjusts the default for them to build upon, maintaining the flexibility to craft policies tailored to their needs.
S.B. 178 would reframe the conversation regarding cellphone use in schools—how can technology enhance learning rather than disrupt it? Instead of focusing solely on how to limit screen time, school districts have the opportunity to consider how devices can be used intentionally to support educational success. By making engaged learning the standard, this bill aims to give students a better chance to succeed—both in the classroom and beyond.
On the Hill
Celebrating Utah’s Rodeo Champions
We had the honor of welcoming Utah’s rodeo champions to the Senate, including Josh Frost, the 2024 World Champion Bull Rider, and Dean Thompson, the 2024 World Champion Bareback Rider. These athletes have showcased incredible grit and determination, putting Utah on the map in the world of professional rodeo. We also recognized students from six different college rodeo teams in Utah, where these athletes continue carrying our state’s strong rodeo tradition. It was a privilege to celebrate their hard work and dedication to the sport!
Honoring Utah’s Aerospace and Defense Innovators
Utah is a powerhouse in aerospace and defense, with this thriving sector making up 20% of our economy and supporting 300,000 jobs. This week, we celebrated the innovators and visionaries driving this industry forward at Utah Aerospace and Defense Day on the Hill—a chance for companies to showcase their latest advancements to legislators.
As a key player in national security and a hub for cutting-edge technology, Utah continues to make great strides, and as a Legislature, we remain committed to supporting the growth and success of this vital industry.
Legislative Highlights
S.B. 47 Sales and Use Tax Remittance Amendments
What it does
Updates Utah’s sales tax code regarding payments, collections, sales remittance and taxation to better align with best practices for online and remote sales.
Reduces unnecessary tax burdens on small sellers who meet the transaction threshold but have relatively low total sales by removing the rule requiring sellers to pay sales tax if they have more than 200 transactions in a year.
Clarifies tax collection and payment procedures or sellers, making compliance easier.
Why it matters
By bringing Utah’s tax policy in line with national standards for remote sales and simplifying tax rules for businesses, we ensure a fairer and more straightforward approach to sales tax collection in Utah.
These changes better support small businesses, ensuring hardworking Utahns thrive and our economy remains strong.
S.B. 71 Social Security Tax Revisions
What it does
Eliminates state income tax on Social Security benefits for all recipients, regardless of income level — meaning about 152,000 Utahns will get to keep more of their hard-earned retirement savings.
Why it matters
After years of hard work, retirees deserve financial security and peace of mind.
By cutting this tax, Utah is helping seniors keep more money in their pockets, making retirement more affordable and enjoyable.
S.B. 38 Manufacturing Modernization Grant Sunset Amendments
What it does
Extends the Utah Manufacturing Modernization Grant Program through 2028.
Continues the $10 million initiative that helps businesses modernize, expand and strengthen their manufacturing operations in Utah.
Why it matters
The program has been proven to:
Help manufacturers stay competitive by upgrading technology, equipment and processes.
Strengthen supply chains to reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing and increase resilience.
Support economic growth by attracting and retaining manufacturing businesses in Utah.
This extension ensures Utah’s manufacturers have the support they need to innovate, grow and compete in a changing economy.
Learn more about the program here.
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
Opinion: Utah — a launchpad for the future
Instagram: Pop n’ Policy with Sen. Brammer
Instagram: How to Get Involved this Session
Instagram: One Giant Leap for Utah
Watch my Video Update!
Until next time,
Senator Dan McCay
District 18
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