Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It was another exciting week at the Capitol. This session has been flying by and we are almost halfway through! Last week, we considered several Senate and House bills on the Senate floor and discussed relevant topics in committee. I feel privileged to work with my fellow legislators to find policy solutions that best suit Utah’s needs.
It was a pleasure to welcome several organizations and colleges to the Capitol and see everyone supporting issues they care deeply about. Thank you to those who have reached out and provided me with feedback since the session began. Passionate individuals like you inspire and motivate me as I work to try and make Utah an even better place.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please reach out to my intern Parker at 801-903-7622.
Best,
Dan McCay
Energy Independence
Investing in the state’s energy capabilities is a top priority this session. Utah is making considerable progress toward energy independence and a secure energy future.
Securing Utah’s energy future is about more than keeping the lights on – it’s about ensuring we have reliable energy resources for generations to come that will provide fuel for our vehicles, keep us warm during cold winters and cool during the hot summers and power our cities and businesses.
When it comes to energy, we’re applying an “all of the above'' approach. We cannot rely on one energy source alone. We’re looking at any and all energy resources to ensure power remains affordable and reliable for generations to come.
Learn more about our energy objectives and bills here.
How to Navigate the Legislative Website
Staying informed and knowing how to use government resources are important parts of being involved in the legislative process. With this in mind, we have created video tutorials that explain how to best utilize the legislative website (le.utah.gov). We will be highlighting a new tutorial each week of the session, and we hope that they will be both helpful and instructive. This week’s tutorial walks you through the steps of finding a committee’s agenda.
Legislation
Improving Teacher Retention and Recruitment
Utah is home to the best teachers in the country. Ensuring these dedicated professionals receive ample compensation for their unwavering commitment has long been a top priority. Building upon last year's landmark achievement of passing the most substantial teacher salary raise in history, our dedication to valuing Utah's educators continues this year.
S.B. 173 Market-Informed Compensation for Teachers introduces an optional program that acknowledges and rewards teachers for their exceptional contributions to enhancing student outcomes. Through the guidelines stated in this bill, educators can earn up to $100,000. This pioneering program aims to rightfully recognize and incentivize top-performing teachers for their invaluable efforts in positively impacting the lives of their students.
S.B. 137 Teacher Empowerment introduces an alternative teacher evaluation process that engages educators and prioritizes their professional development, recognizing the challenging yet gratifying nature of teaching. S.B. 137 also provides teachers with more training dollars and more choices in how they spend their training dollars. By offering teachers more autonomy in their evaluation and training, we can help empower and retain our state’s great teachers.
Learn more about these and other education bills here.
Tax Cuts
For the past three years, the Legislature has cut taxes by over $1 billion while ensuring funding for the most vital parts of our society, including historic funding for education and social services. S.B. 69 continues this effort by reducing the state income tax again. If it passes, it will mark four consecutive years the Senate voted to reduce taxes so Utahns can keep more of their hard-earned money.
S.B. 69 passed the Senate and will now be considered by the House.
Recognizing Utah’s Service Members of the Year
The Utah Service Member of the Year award recognizes outstanding performers from the state's major military entities, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Space Force. The Senate honored these fine service members and their families for their ongoing service and sacrifice. Our thanks are the least we can offer for their dedicated efforts, ensuring continued readiness during challenging times.
These service members represent the best of the military in Utah. They remind us of the true meaning of service and sacrifice. Their dedication and commitment to excellence inspire us all. We will always value those who wear the uniform and their families. Watch the recognition here.
Hockey
Utah is the state of sports. Following last week's resolution supporting a Major League Baseball team, we saw the passage of S.J.R. 12 Joint Resolution Supporting a National Hockey League Franchise in Utah. With our state's strong ties to winter sports and the renowned "greatest snow on earth," Utah presents an ideal destination for a National Hockey League (NHL) expansion.
The resolution highlights Utah's robust economy and tight-knit communities, perfectly positioned to sustain major league sports franchises. Our proud legacy, exemplified by our successful hosting of the 2002 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, further underscores our suitability for such endeavors. As we continue to build upon Utah's rich sporting heritage, adding an NHL team would enhance our state's cultural vibrancy and provide thrilling entertainment and economic opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Utah stands ready to extend a warm welcome to a new hockey team.
Service in Utah
We celebrated Utah's culture of giving back to the community during National Service Day on the Hill. We welcomed members and volunteers from AmeriCorps to the Senate in recognition of their national programs that help individuals engage in essential community service.
Utahns are incredibly generous with their time and resources, which is why our state is ranked No. 1 in the nation for volunteer service. Volunteers contributed an estimated $2.7 billion in economic value to the state in 2023. I am grateful for the work of service organizations that help connect volunteers with individuals in need. I am also thankful for those of you who have given your time, resources and energy to helping your neighbors throughout the year. Your efforts help make Utah the best state in the nation to live, work and raise a family.
Watch my Weekly Video Update!
Attend my Town Hall!
I will be holding a town hall on Tuesday, February 13th at 7pm at the Riverton City Hall. I would love for you to stop by and share your thoughts and concerns with me! Hope to see you all there.
Until next time,
Senator Dan McCay
District 18
Is your townhall on Wednesday or Tuesday? Your date does not coincide with the day.