Optimizing Government for Utah Families
Prioritizing is an inherent part of decision making. In engineering, we call it optimization. We maximize the desired results and minimize the undesirable effects within given constraints. I will always choose to optimize solutions for maximum benefit to Utah families! I will oppose any efforts to maximize for party control, legislative power, re-election bids, or special interests.
Fiscal Responsibility and Limited Government
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As a legislator I will always remember that the money we are budgeting is your hard earned money. I feel a great responsibility to make sure your money is spent wisely and responsibly on things appropriate for state government to be involved in.
State government has important roles, but there are many instances where solutions are better handled by local government, non profits, and the private sector.
Streamline Utah Laws and Regulations
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Have you heard of, “addition by subtraction?” I believe we can achieve great results by getting rid of outdated, wasteful, and burdensome laws and regulations.
I will review existing laws and regulations and seek input from families, schools, businesses, cities, and others to find and remove barriers and inefficiencies to improve outcomes and achieve better affordability and quality of life for Utah families.
Educational Resources to Help Children Thrive
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In 2024, only 69% of Canyons district K-3 students tested at grade appropriate reading proficiency. For grades 3-10 it was only 51%. This is a tragedy, but we can do better.
In 2022, SB127 established statewide standards for the science of reading. SB241 from 2026 makes a number of changes and dedicates funding for paraprofessionals who support literacy. Governor Cox has made literacy a priority for his administration this year.
I believe it will be critical to continue to monitor reading proficiency and work with teachers, researchers, administrators and parents to help every child read. I will also work with these stakeholders to develop a statewide volunteer program to support literacy. Together we can help children experience the joy of reading!
Money for education is important. How we optimize the use of that money is critical!
Affordability
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The median home price in Utah has jumped 134% since 2016 while the average household income has only increased 44%. Some say we need more government programs, grants, and incentives. There may be a place for that, but I believe it is most important to identify and address the root causes and create sustainable solutions.
We currently have a shortage of over 30k homes. Starter homes and middle income homes are the most scarce. This lack of supply and high demand naturally leads to higher prices. We need to adjust regulations to make building starter homes financially attractive. Governor Cox and legislators are already working on this, but there is more work to be done at the state and local levels.
With the high rates of appreciation on residential property, the property tax base has shifted and residents are paying a higher percentage of property taxes than they used to. This needs to be corrected, preferably in a permanent way.
Health Insurance premiums for a family are about $27K a year (before employer contributions or federal tax credits). High deductible plans can be lower but are still high. Insurance costs rise because medical costs rise. I believe we need to find and address the root causes of rising medical costs. For example, we need more price transparency. Costs for common tests and procedures can vary widely, but doctors, nurses, and patients have no idea what they are. This makes it impossible, to choose wisely and reduce costs.
Communication and Fairness for All
Reach out to me! I have provided my personal phone and email address. Representative government needs good communication! As an example, I was impressed when HB216 was presented this year. A constituent made Representative Teuscher aware of a huge inequity in the way child support payments were calculated in certain circumstances. That problem is on the way to being corrected!
I will listen to all sides and will communicate with kindness and respect. I will always strive for win-win solutions. In 2015, negotiations over religious liberty and LGBTQ rights resulted in “The Utah Compromise” that simultaneously banned discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in housing and employment and protected religious organizations. This type of negotiation and compromise came to be known as “The Utah Way” or “Fairness for All.” This is important to me and the model I will follow and advocate for.
Platform Summary
I will fight for fiscal responsibility and work to streamline Utah laws and regulations.
I will prioritize educational resources and funding to help children thrive.
I will champion affordable housing and health care cost transparency.
I will communicate with kindness and respect and strive for fairness for all.