I love and support the Constitution. While many people across the country are aware of the separation of powers found in the Constitution, it seems that most people in Washington D.C.  have forgotten that the Constitution provides enumerated powers only. States must push back against constant overreach by the federal government. As your state representative, I fight for a limited federal government and work to reassert Utah's rights as a state.

More and more people are looking to government to solve their problems. This is a mistake. Far too often, federal and sometimes state laws are passed, and regulations created for problems that should be dealt with at the local level of government. As a legislator, the first two questions I ask are, "Is this the proper role of government?" and if so, "Is the state the proper level of government to handle this issue?"

I am a staunch defender of the 2nd Amendment. I do all within my power as a state legislator to protect an individual's constitutional right to bear arms.

Fewer than half the adults with a mental illness in Utah are getting treatment or counseling, and suicide is the leading cause of death for the state’s youths. On average, about 620 Utahns have died by suicide annually over the past five years, and the state’s age-adjusted suicide rates were the fifth-highest in the nation, according to state data. We have a lot of work to do. As your State Representative, I passionately pursue legislation to improve mental health in Utah.

I currently serve as a fellow for the Maternal Mental Health working group for the National Council of State Governments. I am committed to finding ways we as a state can do a better job at addressing and raising awareness for post-partum depression, anxiety, and pre and postnatal care for mothers in our state. 

Utah’s law enforcement officers represent the very best of our state, especially the police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and highway patrol troopers who serve in the Southwest corner of Salt Lake County. Over the past few years as your Representative, I have had the privilege to get to know many of the men and women who protect and serve the communities of our district. They are good people, who genuinely care about the people they serve. Despite increasingly challenging times, we remain protected thanks to the selfless sacrifices of these heroes. 

Unfortunately, Utah’s finest do not always receive the honor and recognition they deserve for their sacrifices and bravery. In some instances, law enforcement officers are even demonized for their heroism by politicians, the media, celebrities, or professional athletes.

As a legislator, I have supported legislation to provide mental health resources to our first responders, provide additional and needed resources to our law enforcement, and fought to improve their pay and benefits. Now more than ever, our law enforcement community needs us to provide support and adequate funding for the important service they provide our communities and state.

WATCH VIDEO

​

The southwest part of Salt Lake County has seen tremendous growth over the past decade. As someone who has watched our community grow for over 17 years, I can personally attest to the ridiculous amount of traffic congestion, the lack of roads, and the strain it has put on our schools. This is an issue we can solve together.

As your legislator, I have advocated for increased transportation and infrastructure funds for the southwest portion of the county and will continue to do so. Herriman, Riverton, and South Jordan need more funding for the infrastructure that preserves the quality of life we all know and love.

​

Furthermore, I will not usurp local authority or control over important decisions about future growth. Government is most responsive when it is closest to the people. As your representative, I have worked closely with the city council members and mayors of Herriman, Riverton and South Jordan. Local government is where the rubber meets the road and it is where most land use and zoning and planning decisions should be made.

I am pro-life and feel strongly that the state has a vested interest in protecting the life of the unborn.

​

As your legislator, I will continue to fight to protect unborn children and promote pro-family policies. Some of which include looking at ways to reduce the burdensome cost of adoption and exploring a tax credit for infertility treatments.

We have a sacred responsibility to care for those who have served our country and preserved our freedoms. I have had the opportunity of serving on the board of directors for Utah Honor Flight and volunteering as a flight leader on flights with our WWII, Korean, and Vietnam veterans. Time and time again I was reminded of the true price of freedom and the sacrifices our service members and their families make daily. I have volunteered at the veteran’s nursing home and played bingo with America’s Greatest Generation. While working for Congressman Stewart I worked on casework for veterans, helping them access their benefits with the VA and feel strongly that we can do more to support our service members and their families. 

As your representative, I have worked and will continue to work with state and local veterans organizations to ensure that at the state level our service members are receiving the resources and support that they deserve. In addition, I passed legislation that made it so Utah no longer taxed our veterans' military retirement income, making our state a better place for veterans to live, work, have a second career, and retire. 

The education of the next generation is critical for the continued success of individuals, families, and the state. Parents must be empowered in the decision-making process of their children’s education. We have so many incredible teachers in Utah. We need to allow for more innovation in the classroom and reward success. As a legislator I have supported and will continue to support legislative policies that increase funding for education, facilitate innovation in education, empower parents, and put students’ success and learning first. 

I am not in favor of an increase in tax rates and agree with Utah’s current flat tax structure and would not support a progressive tax structure. I believe that tax code should be simple, have low rates, and include a broad base. As a fiscal conservative, I have advocated for a common-sense approach to spending, promoting efficient and effective use of taxpayer dollars.

Lowering taxes and putting more of taxpayers' hard earned money back into their pockets has been and will continue to be a priority of mine to reduce the burden of government and empower Utah's families. As a legislator, I voted against increasing the sales tax on food. Additionally, I have voted to reduce the income tax rate, restore the child tax credit, establish an earned income tax credit, and voted to stop taxing social security income. I also ran legislation to stop taxing our military's retirement income. 

Domestic violence is a serious issue for far too many children and families in Utah. Since 2000, at least 42% of adult homicides in Utah were domestic violence related. Families are at risk and our law enforcement is stretched thin dealing with domestic violence cases. As your legislator, I am committed to tackling this issue head on. I am bringing together community leaders, local law enforcement, and advocacy  organizations to coordinate a comprehensive, statewide legislative response to address the heartbreaking reality that is plaguing our communities. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact Utah’s confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465)