Several people have asked me what I feel like I have accomplished at the State Legislature. For me, that’s a complicated question because so much of what I do involves collaboration with other people, and taking credit for joint work is not really in my nature. However, I have had some time to reflect and identify specific areas where I believe my work has made or is making a difference. I was going to do a Top Ten list, but there are more ideas that matter than that, so here are 27.
(For an economist, a ‘normative’ approach reflects what the government ‘should’ do, based on values an ethical judgment.)
Your Wallet & The Economy
As an economist, I am naturally inclined to worry about how government impacts you financially. Here are some efforts and successes I have had to keep our economy strong and keep your money in your wallet.
- Removing the Tax on Social Security – I have worked with Rep. Walt Brooks and others to champion exempting social security payments from state income tax.
- Repeal the Restaurant Tax – This is a significant surcharge on busy families that often rely on take-out or delivery to feed their families. In addition, this tax unfairly targets small business owners, restauranteurs, and the people that work in food service. (See HB231, 2026)
- Pharmacy Costs – I have worked to tackle the “black box” of drug pricing to lower out-of-pocket costs by forcing PBMs to pass through rebates to customers, provide fair and competitive pricing for insulin, and encourage the importation of expensive drugs from lower cost sources (like Canada).
- Property Tax Appeal Reform – I worked to make the property tax process fair and accessible for homeowners.
- Federal Tax Windfall Elimination – Ensuring Utahns don’t get penalized with increased state taxes when federal rules shift and change.
- Multicounty Appraisal Trust – Modernizing how we value property across county lines.
- Consumer Protection – Strengthening laws against predatory business practices, including Do Not Call violations and other scams.
Freedom & Efficiency
In my various roles, I have had a lot of occasion to focus on “Limited Government,” removing “Red Tape,” and ensuring efficiency in how we provide services.
- Occupational Freedom – I have worked to remove barriers so Utahns can work without permission slips.
- Automobile Inspections – We have eliminated unhelpful safety inspections and emissions testing on older cars where it just doesn’t make sense, reducing the “time tax” on every driver. Testing is no longer required for pre-1996, non-OBD II cars. (See HB22, 2026).
- Private Fingerprinting – We allowed for people to use the private sector to speed up background checks.
- Government Efficiency – I have consistently pushed the executive branch to audit processes to ensure every tax dollar is being used in the best way possible.
- Public Notices – I worked with Sen. Pitcher to modernize, simplify and update our public notice process, moving government transparency into the 21st century.
- Free Speech Protection – I have passed legislation to help ensure that the public square remains open to all voices.
- Charitable Organization Registration – I removed barriers and simplified the registration process to make it easier for nonprofits to do good work.
Family Support & Safety
“Strong Families” and “Public Safety” are related priority pillars. I have worked to help Utah families in need to become stronger, self reliant and safe.
- DSPD Waiting List Funding – I have been a consistent advocate for increased funding to help more families with disabled children get off the waiting list so they can get critical help to stay together as families.
- DUI Enforcement – I passed first in the nation legislation to send a stronger message that drinking and driving do not go together. By lowering the legal blood alcohol limit to .05 we are now in line with most of the world where there is a strong message – If you are driving, don’t drink.
- Intergenerational Poverty Mitigation – I have helped counties use data and available federal funding to focus on what we know works to break the cycle of poverty.
- Education Policy – I have repeatedly kept our focus on student outcomes and local control.
- Health Data Authority – I am an ardent advocate for progress through data. By appropriately collecting data on our health care system, we can identify ways to provide better quality and a lower cost, all while protecting patient privacy. This is leading to improved health outcomes.
- 2nd Amendment Rights – I have consistently voted and sponsored legislation to protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves.
Innovation & Unique Solutions
The “only in Utah” and “forward-thinking” technical fixes.
- Correct Terminology (Deaf/Hard of Hearing) – Utah became the first state to remove disrespectful terms for deaf and hard of hearing people from our laws with the bill I passed.
- The “Snow Dog” Bill – I created a provision to help outdoor enthusiasts and car collectors with unusual motor vehicles (like Snow Dogs) be able get them registered.
- Vintage Vehicles – I sponsored HB22 to update and simplify the ability of owners of true collector cars to benefit from the fact that the cars really are not used much on Utah’s roads.
- Hidden Disabilities – I worked with Sen. Pitcher to create provisions for those with non-visible challenges to have them added to their auto registration or drivers license. This will facilitate less dangerous encounters with law enforcement.
- Legislative Process Reform – I have worked in many ways to make the legislative process more effective and open and transparent to the public.
- Citizen Participation and Elections Integrity – I have sponsored bills and worked with others to improve citizen participation through the initiative and referendum process and to make changes to our elections that will increase public trust.
- Public Employee Benefits – I have worked closely with state hiring officials and our health plan to sponsor and support several bills that improve the compensation package and benefits for Utah’s public employees. For an example, see this year’s SB229, HB329, and HB250 that provide a more modern and competitive approach to retirement and paid leave benefits.
