Friends and Neighbors,
When we began the 2025 General Session 45 days ago, we had one central purpose in mind: powering Utah’s future for the benefit of all who call our state home. We set out not only to meet the challenges of today but to lay the groundwork for a thriving state for generations to come. Looking ahead 100 years, our vision is one where Utah continues leading the way in innovation, prosperity and quality of life.
This session, we made meaningful steps toward that vision, with accomplishments including:
Supporting teachers with a direct salary increase of $1,446 and a $1,000 bonus for education support staff, along with a 4% funding boost for school districts to better support all employees.
Tax cuts for all Utahns at every stage of life, including reducing the income tax rate, eliminating the Social Security tax for those earning up to $90,000 and expanding the child tax credit by two years.
Ensuring energy remains affordable and reliable by embracing innovative energy solutions such as small modular nuclear reactors.
Expanding access to cancer screenings, medical support and training for firefighters.
Enacting strategic policies to increase the supply of affordable housing.
Laying the groundwork for a spaceport in our state and advancing air taxi technology to revolutionize transportation.
Reducing distractions of cell phones during classroom hours to create more focused learning environments.
Investing in programs that realign and equip Utahns with workforce-ready skills, preparing them to meet the needs of today’s job market.
Utah’s success isn’t accidental—it’s the result of responsible governance, innovative businesses, dedicated educators and engaged citizens working together to keep our state strong. This year’s budget reflects those shared priorities, with strategic investments that will ensure Utah remains the best state in the nation two years running and the best economic outlook for 17 consecutive years.
None of this would be possible without your support and input. Thank you for playing a crucial role in shaping our state’s future and keeping Utah the incredible place it is.
Let’s dive into some of the key actions and decisions from this week that are paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Best,
Dan McCay
Priority Spotlight: Tax Cuts for All Utahns
You work hard for your money, and this year, we’re making sure you keep more of it. With a $127 million tax cut, all Utahns – families, retirees and individuals across the state – will see real relief. Over the past four years, the Legislature has delivered $1.3 billion in tax reductions, and that commitment continues in 2025. This includes:
Income Tax: Reduces the income tax rate from 4.55% to 4.5%, providing financial relief to all Utahns, promoting upward mobility and helping Utah remain competitive.
Social Security Tax: Eliminates social security tax for households earning up to $90,000, strengthening financial security for Utah’s retirees.
Child Tax Credit: Expands the child tax credit by two years, providing support for young families with children aged 6 and under, helping them thrive and build a brighter future.
Child Tax Credit for Businesses: Encourages businesses to invest in the future of children by offering tax credits for companies that build and operate childcare facilities for their employees.
These tax cuts aren’t just numbers—they mean more money for groceries, savings and the things that matter most. By prioritizing financial security and opportunity, we are ensuring Utah remains the best place to live, work and raise a family.
On the Hill
Utah Women: Pioneers of Progress
Utah women have played a pivotal role in shaping history, from securing voting rights to leading in politics, education and business. This week, we had the privilege of honoring the women who have helped define our state at the Utah Women's History Day on the Hill.
Seraph Young, a Salt Lake City school teacher, made history in 1870 as the first woman in the United States to cast a vote under an equal suffrage law. In 1896, Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon broke barriers by becoming the first female state senator in U.S. history – defeating her own husband in the election. Utah set a national precedent, thanks to the tireless efforts of these early suffragists who fought for equal rights. We are incredibly proud of the women in our state who continue to break barriers, inspire change and shape Utah’s future.
A Special Thanks to My Intern, Spencer
Every year, bright university students from across Utah bring energy, curiosity and dedication to the Capitol as interns, gaining firsthand experience in the legislative process. This session, I was fortunate to have an outstanding intern, Spencer, who played a vital role in keeping everything running smoothly. From researching policy issues and coordinating constituent meetings to answering calls and attending committee hearings, Spencer tackled every task with enthusiasm and professionalism. Utah’s future is bright with passionate young leaders like Spencer, and I have no doubt he will go on to do great things!
Legislative Highlights
H.B. 300 Amendments to Election Law
What it does
H.B. 300 enhances election security, preserving vote-by-mail while making elections more secure. Safe, secure and transparent elections are the foundation of a successful republic. In Utah, we are committed to upholding election integrity. The goal is to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat, ensuring every vote is verifiable and counted correctly. H.B. 300 aims to accomplish this goal by focusing on tailored solutions to specific problems. Including:
Beginning in 2026, Utah voters with a valid state ID must include the last four digits of their state ID when returning a ballot through the mail or in a drop box. The ballot of a voter who does not list their ID number will go through a signature curing process.
Ballots must be turned in to the county clerk by 8 p.m. on election night, helping to ensure timely results.
Requires voters to opt in to receive ballots in the mail every eight years to ensure ballots are only mailed to those who are eligible and want to receive them.
All voters will need to opt in initially by 2029.
Voters will be able to opt in when renewing their driver's license, voting in person, or through an online portal.
Voters will be informed via mail of the need to opt in.
Enhances the lieutenant governor’s ability to investigate voter registration roll inaccuracies.
Why it matters
Utah has a strong track record of secure, transparent and accessible elections, with an impressive voter turnout of 85% in the last election—far exceeding the national average.
However, Utah is one of the few states that does not currently require voter ID despite 81% of Americans supporting such a requirement.
Additionally, election results in Utah can take weeks to finalize, leaving voters waiting for clarity.
By improving ballot processing and verification procedures, H.B. 300 ensures results are available on election night without compromising security.
With these reforms, Utahns can have even greater confidence in the integrity of the electoral process—making it easy to vote and hard to cheat.
S.B. 334 Center for Civic Excellence at Utah State University
What it does
This bill creates a pilot program for General Education at Utah State University, overseen by a dedicated center. The program will focus on a traditional liberal arts curriculum, with an emphasis on reading from books of great historical and cultural significance such as “The Odyssey” and “Moby Dick.”
Students will complete three 3-credit classes that combine oral and written communication with the humanities, studying foundational thinkers such as Aristotle, Shakespeare, Mill and Adam Smith.
One of these classes will cover American Institutions, focusing on key documents like the U.S. Constitution, the Federalist Papers, and the Magna Carta.
The remaining 18 credits (for a total of 30 credits) will be determined by the Center for Civic Education.
After a few years of the program running at Utah State University, the Commissioner of Higher Education will evaluate expanding the classical liberal arts program statewide.
Why it matters
University education aims to develop civically engaged, intellectual adults who are capable of leading our country in the future. However, general education has drifted from this vision, with students questioning its relevance.
S.B. 334 revitalizes general education by returning to the core principles of the liberal arts, offering a rich, foundational curriculum rooted in history and culture.
By focusing on classic texts and the great thinkers who shaped Western Civilization, this bill provides students with a deeper, more meaningful education that encourages critical thinking, communications skills and a strong understanding of our nation’s institutions.
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
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