Friends and Neighbors,
Utah’s economy continues to shine. For two years in a row, we’ve been ranked the best state overall, and we’ve maintained the top economic outlook for 17 consecutive years. This success is a result of the state’s smart planning and responsible financial policies that continue to guide us forward.
Budget updates released this week show that Utah’s economy is in excellent shape, with revenue growing at a steady 3.5% for fiscal year 2025-26. Wages are rising, retail sales are up and we’re on track to balance our budget while making strong investments in the future. This stable growth reflects Utah’s ability to weather challenges and stay strong. Utah is navigating a smooth transition to a more normal stream of revenue, following the pandemic’s economic impact, and continuing to thrive with resilience.
Through sound, fiscally conservative policies and strategic planning, we’re ensuring that Utah remains a great place for individuals and families to live and work for generations to come.
Read below for updates and a behind-the-scenes look at the work happening on Capitol Hill during week five of the session. As always, feel free to reach out to me by contacting my intern, Spencer, at 801-903-7622 or at scragun@le.utah.gov.
Best,
Dan McCay
Priority Spotlight: Expanding Affordable Housing to Keep the American Dream Alive
Homeownership has long been one of the defining pillars of the American Dream, offering families a place to put down roots and build a stable environment to raise their children. Making sure Utah families can get into their first home is a key component in keeping Utah a great place to both live, work and raise a family.
S.B. 181 Housing Affordability Amendments address an essential piece to solving this issue by preventing certain municipalities and counties from requiring garages for affordable, single-occupancy houses. Garageless homes, which used to be more common, are much less pricey to build, with a standard two-car garage having the potential to tack on an additional $50,000 to a home’s price tag. Though simple in its changes, this bill would have a substantial impact in helping to reduce construction costs and, ultimately, home prices, making homeownership more attainable for Utahns. Additionally, it would still allow local officials to require on-site parking for these homes, ensuring that parking needs are met without hindering affordable housing development.
This legislation is part of our ongoing commitment to help promote more affordable housing options. With previous efforts such as the First-Time Homebuyer Program successfully aiding these efforts, we’re helping to make sure the American Dream remains a reality not just for today’s families, but for future generations as well.
On the Hill
Recognizing Olympic Athletes
Utah truly is the State of Sport, proud to be the training grounds for many Olympic athletes and champions. This week on the Senate floor, we recognize some outstanding athletes who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games!
Whether they were sprinting to victory or scaling new heights, these athletes showcased unmatched dedication, strength and sportsmanship on the world stage, making our state and our country proud. Welcoming these world-class competitors only builds more excitement as we look ahead to hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics.
Powering Utah’s Future: Energy Innovation
For the past decade, Utah and Idaho National Laboratory have been working together to create an energy future that’s brighter and more resilient for generations to come.
With a goal to innovate and transform the energy landscape for Utah and beyond, INL’s senior leadership came to the Capitol to discuss the vital partnership as we lay the groundwork for small modular nuclear technology in the Beehive State. This around-the-clock energy source will not only meet rising demands but also position Utah as a leader in energy innovation for generations to come.
By ensuring energy affordability, reliability and safety, we’re strengthening families, businesses and our economy while also fortifying our country's national security.
Legislative Highlights
S.B. 209 Emergency Medical Services
What it does
Strengthens Utah’s emergency medical services (EMS) system by making critical updates to funding, training and oversight.
S.B. 209:
Designates 911 ambulance services as essential, ensuring appropriate liability protections for EMS agencies.
Creates the Emergency Medical Services Critical Needs Account, which will provide funding for financially struggling EMS agencies by utilizing unclaimed or unused grant funds.
Increases grant funding eligibility for rural counties, doubling the maximum grant amount for ambulance purchases from $100,000 to $200,000.
Enhances EMS training and oversight by requiring the Bureau of EMS to establish training center designation requirements.
Why it matters
Reliable emergency medical services are a lifeline for Utahns, particularly in rural areas where resources are stretched thin.
S.B. 209 ensures EMS agencies receive the funding and support needed to continue providing life-saving care.
By strengthening training standards, increasing financial assistance and eliminating outdated regulations, this bill helps make Utah’s EMS system more efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of our communities.
S.C.R. 3 Concurrent Resolution Regarding Utah's Authority to Determine its Energy Future
What it does
Clarifies the balance of state and federal authority over energy policies, reinforcing Utah’s right to shape and implement its own energy regulations.
Calls on the federal government to recognize the constitutional authority of Utah in our energy production and regulation.
Advocates for proactive, continuous dialogue between federal agencies and the state to ensure that Utah’s energy policies are developed with full consideration of local needs and priorities.
Why it matters
Utah has long been a leader in providing affordable energy, offering the cheapest electricity in the nation. This commitment to affordable energy has been essential to our strong economy and high quality of life.
Utah’s all-of-the-above approach to energy has provided reliable, affordable and sustainable power to Utahns while supporting economic growth.
By asserting Utah’s authority over energy policy, we can continue to shape a future where energy needs are met with local solutions that reflect the unique needs of our communities. This flexibility allows us to maintain reliability while keeping energy costs low for consumers.
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
Watch my Video Update!
Until next time,
Senator Dan McCay
District 18
thanks for the update