CHECKING IN AT THE LEGISLATURE:
April 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Utah is a great place for families. Amy Winder Newton is the Director of the Office of Families in the Governor's Office and touted the many bills from the 2026 legislative session supporting families. HB324 and HJR18 are two of my bills highlighted in the summary. 

I'm thrilled to share that Utah was voted #1 in the nation for 19 years in a row for the best economic outlook! You are to thank for making this state so great!

Warm Regards,
Melissa 

UPCOMING EVENTS

• June 2nd: Primary Ballot Drop
• June 23rd: Republican Primary Election Day
• November 5th: General Election (You'll see me on the ballot)

HELPFUL LINKS

• Track Your Ballot
• The American Legislative Exchange Council named Utah #1 for economic outlook
• Read about Utah being the #1 economy in the nation for 19 years in a row
• Watch the press conference naming Utah as the #1 economy in the nation

1. Utah Wins Ticketmaster Lawsuit
2. At the White House 
3. Davis County GOP Convention With District 20 Neighbors
4. 2026 Utah Legislative Highlights
5. UDOT - Legacy Highway Construction Updates
6. UDOT Survey For Future Projects
7. Friends on the Hill

Utah wins Ticketmaster Lawsuit

Utah Attorney General Derek Brown delivered a large win for Utahns and concertgoers throughout the United States. A coalition of states and Attorneys General won a trial against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, claiming that the ticket company holds an illegal monopoly over ticket sales.  

“Today, a jury confirmed what we went to court over: Live Nation and Ticketmaster monopolized the market at fans’ expense,” said Utah Attorney General Derek Brown in a statement to the Deseret News. “Utah and our 33 partner attorneys general fought for every fan who was overcharged, and we won. Our fight isn’t over — next comes the remedies phase, where we will pursue every available tool to make sure this verdict delivers lasting change for fans."

At the White House

I visited Washington DC with some of my colleagues to participate in a press conference touting Utah’s #1 economic ranking from the American Legislative Exchange Council. We participated in an intergovernmental discussion with the White House and various heads of its cabinet regarding Utah's standing. You can watch the discussion here. 

The authors of this award utilize 15 economic policy variables to rank the economic outlook of every state and highlight that cutting taxes, paying down debt, and maintaining free market policies have significantly helped states attract new residents. 

The American Legislative Exchange Council wrote, “The 19th edition of Rich States, Poor States demonstrates, once again, that states which prioritize limited government and free-market solutions are leading America’s economic turnaround... ALEC is proud to highlight the policies that are working to create jobs and wealth across the country.” While Utah still has work to do, we appreciate the recognition around the country for our conservative fiscal policies and strong economy. 

Davis County GOP Convention With District 20 Neighbors

Thanks to the many District 20 Delegates who came to the Davis County Convention. They represented you to choose who the GOP will have on the Primary Election Ballot in June. 

With District 20 Neighbors: Alison Smart, Lamont Peterson, Don and Debby Perry, Maryann Callister-Day, Linda Snarr, Donna Fritchen, Cynthie and Brad Schroeder, Victoria Morris, Barbara Price, Lawrence Knight, Justin Herrin, Marci Butterfield, Mary Oscarson, Amy Kjar Stone, and Dennis Hopper.

With Woods Cross friends Terry Findling, Brian Tebbs Paul, and Manuela Oja 

2026 Utah Legislative Highlights

Tax Reduction: For the sixth consecutive year, we reduced the state income tax rate, now down to 4.45%, marking an 11% overall reduction and saving the average family roughly $330 annually. We also reduced the state gas tax by 15% and expanded the child tax credit to better support Utah’s families.

Transparency before city and school tax hikes: As a legislature, we proposed legislation to ensure transparency with changing tax rates. Rather than allowing cities, school districts, and other entities to pursue tax hikes on their own, the goal is to engage the public in the process that taxing entities follow in deciding whether to boost taxes. Having public input before a tax decision is made will provide transparency and accountability.
Infrastructure-first approach: By investing $2.1 billion into critical projects throughout the state, we are tackling congestion head-on and planning for the future. District 20 residents and Utahns throughout the state will benefit from added lanes to the Legacy Park Highway, one in each direction. This will alleviate congestion for residents and drivers passing through Davis County. 

Funding Education K-12:  A strong economy starts with a skilled workforce, so we increased public education funding by 5.9%, including a $100 million expansion of Career and Technical Education (CTE). This will provide students with hands-on experience in high-demand fields like healthcare and construction before they even graduate.

Reforming Higher Education funding: We are applying that same focus on results to our technical colleges through a new strategic reinvestment initiative. By identifying and cutting $23 million in administrative costs, we are redirecting those funds into high-impact programs, such as nursing, engineering, and welding, without raising tuition or taxes. These common-sense reforms ensure that your tax dollars are focused on getting Utahns into great careers and keeping our state’s economy the strongest in the nation.

Balancing our Budget:  We successfully passed a balanced budget by applying the same fiscal discipline you use at home. We challenged every state agency to identify underperforming or duplicative programs, ensuring your tax dollars are focused only on what truly works. By keeping government lean and accountable, we are able to fund core services like education and infrastructure while still lowering your taxes. Our commitment is simple: keep more money where it belongs, in your pocket

Preserving the Great Salt Lake: The Great Salt Lake is an iconic Utah landmark and an important natural resource for our state. I understand how important it is that we work to preserve the Great Salt Lake and voted to pass key legislation that will allocate funds and water resources to protect the lake. 

Legislative wins for Utah Families in areas of technology, family support, and miscellaneous funding. 

UDOT - Legacy Highway Construction Updates

The northbound and southbound Legacy Parkway lanes have been shifted outward between I-215 in Salt Lake City and Parrish Lane in Centerville to provide crews room to work in the median. Traffic is expected to remain in this pattern through fall 2026.

For the safety of crews and drivers, speed limits will be reduced from 65 mph to 55 mph in active work zones along Legacy Parkway. The 55 mph speed limit is currently in place from I-215 in Salt Lake City to Parrish Lane in Centerville. Please watch for posted signs and slow down when traveling through the area.

Construction schedules are dependent on a variety of factors and subject to change.

UDOT Survey for Future Projects

Provide Your Input for Future UDOT Projects by Taking the Following Survey, which you can access by clicking here.

Friends on the Hill

Hosting Girl Scout Troop 98 in front of the Martha Hughes Cannon statue, Members of the Utah Marriage Commission, and its Founder, Former First Lady Jackie Leavitt.