A Message from Sen. Chris Wilson: September 2026 Newsletter

Sen. Chris Wilson shared his September 2026 newsletter with constituents. It's reposted here in full.

A Message from Chris

Friends and neighbors,

I am grateful for the opportunity September brings to reflect on the principles that have guided our country for nearly 240 years. On September 17, 1787, our Founding Fathers signed the United States Constitution, establishing a framework of government that continues to shape our nation today.

As a state legislator, I took an oath to support, obey and defend both the U.S. Constitution and the Utah Constitution. This responsibility isn't unique to public servants. One of my favorite parts of serving in the Legislature is hearing directly from constituents about the issues that matter most to you. Thank you for staying engaged, sharing your perspective and taking an active role in what happens at the Capitol.

Protecting Utah's Natural Resources

Protecting the Great Salt Lake

This month, I visited the Great Salt Lake to see firsthand the work underway, better understand current conditions and discuss what more can be done to protect the lake for generations to come.

Over the past several years, significant investments have been made in water conservation, including agricultural water optimization, secondary water metering, water-wise landscaping and other projects that help Utah use water more efficiently. We have also made important changes to Utah's water laws, creating new tools to conserve, lease and dedicate water to the Great Salt Lake. The Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner is helping coordinate these efforts and bring state agencies, water users and other partners together around a long-term strategy.

More recently, the Legislature approved an agreement resolving a long-standing state-federal land dispute involving more than 22,000 acres along the Great Salt Lake. Under the agreement, the land will be transferred to the federal government for wildlife refuge purposes, while the consideration Utah receives from the transfer will be used exclusively to benefit the Great Salt Lake.

We are also working to bring more federal resources and partners to the table. In May, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin joined Utah leaders and members of our congressional delegation for a tour of the Great Salt Lake. The president's proposed FY2027 budget includes a $1 billion funding request to support the Great Salt Lake and its watershed.

Protecting the Great Salt Lake is a continued priority that will not come down to one bill, one investment or one good water year. It requires a sustained approach that gets more water to the lake, improves water efficiency and protects critical habitat while recognizing the needs of Utah's families, farmers, businesses and growing communities.

Education and Utah's Future

Shaping the Future of AI in Utah Schools

Artificial intelligence is changing how students learn, and as we consider policies for its use in Utah schools, we want students to have a voice in shaping what comes next. That is why we launched the "Shaping Utah's AI Future" Essay Contest in partnership with the Sutherland Institute, inviting students in grades 10-12 to share their ideas for how AI should be used in education.

Students can submit a 1,000-1,500-word essay for a chance to win up to $1,000. One student from each of Utah's 29 Senate districts will also be invited to the Utah Student AI Policy Summit at the State Capitol on November 20-21.

At the Capitol, students will step into the role of state legislators, debate ideas on the Senate floor, vote on proposals and develop recommendations to share with policymakers. As we continue working on AI policy, this gives us an opportunity to hear directly from the students who are already using this technology and will be most affected by the decisions we make.

Essays are due October 1. If you know a high school student who would like to participate, we encourage them to learn more and submit their ideas.

Serving Utah Communities

Snow College Legislative Adventure Day

This year, I had the opportunity to attend Snow College's Legislative Adventure Day for the first time. It was a valuable chance to step outside the Capitol and learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing rural Utah.

Much of our discussion focused on the recent fires in Beaver and Millard counties and the devastating flooding in Beaver. Hearing directly about the impact on these communities gave me a better understanding of the resources and support rural Utah needs when disaster strikes.

We also heard from Snow College President Stacee McIff about the college's continued growth and its important role in providing students with quality educational opportunities. Snow College continues to be an important part of the communities it serves.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to attend and hear directly from local leaders and community members. Experiences like this are an important reminder that there is much to learn by seeing firsthand what is happening in communities across our state.

Honoring the American Worker

We kicked off this month by celebrating Labor Day, a time to recognize the hardworking Utahns who show up every day, support their families and strengthen our communities. I'm grateful for the men and women across our state whose dedication and determination help create opportunities for the next generation and make Utah a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Protecting Utahns

Fighting Fraud in Utah

Fraud is a multi-million-dollar problem and is becoming more sophisticated, putting Utahns at greater risk of losing their hard-earned money. Utah is taking action to stay ahead of these scams and give law enforcement better tools to find criminals, recover stolen funds and protect victims.

The new Financial Crimes Intelligence Center brings expertise and resources together to:

• Trace stolen money, track down scammers and help hold criminals accountable.

• Assist victims and improve efforts to recover stolen funds.

• Strengthen coordination among law enforcement and other agencies working to combat fraud.

Utahns work hard for their money, and they deserve to know someone is working just as hard to protect it. The Financial Crimes Intelligence Center gives Utah a dedicated team focused on fighting financial crime, supporting victims and preventing more Utahns from becoming targets.

Utah Ranks #1 for Access to Addiction Treatment

Utah was recently ranked the best state in the nation for helping people struggling with addiction access the support they need. Addiction affects individuals, families and entire communities, and having the right help available at the right time can change lives.

This progress reflects the work of treatment providers, families, communities and ongoing efforts to expand access to care across our state. Whether it is treatment, counseling, peer support or encouragement from family and friends, having people and resources to turn to can make a lasting difference.

There is always more work to do. We will continue working to help more Utahns access the support they need to recover, rebuild and move forward.

Remembering September 11

Twenty-Five Years Later

Twenty-five years ago, our nation was forever changed by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, including three Utahns: Mary Alice Wahlstrom and her daughter, Carolyn Mayer Beug, of Kaysville and Brady Howell of Tremonton.

We honor the first responders and everyday Americans who ran toward danger, putting others before themselves. In one of our nation's darkest moments, their courage reminded us of the American people's strength and resolve.

In the days that followed, Americans came together with a shared sense of patriotism, purpose and determination to move forward. Twenty-five years later, I hope we carry that spirit forward. As we remember those we lost and honor those who answered the call, may we remain grateful for the freedoms that unite us. America is strongest when we stand together, serve one another and never take those freedoms for granted.

I was honored to speak at the Cache Valley Chamber Patriot Day Invitational about patriotism, the courage shown on September 11 and the importance of carrying that spirit of unity and service forward.

Advice and Consent

I am grateful to have participated in one of the Utah Senate's constitutional responsibilities to provide "advice and consent" on appointments made by the governor. This process allows the Senate to carefully review and confirm individuals who will serve in important roles across state government, including the judiciary, boards, commissions and agency leadership.

During our September interim meetings, the Senate confirmed four new judges to serve Utahns, including two new justices to the Utah Supreme Court: Michael L. Bell and Michael R. Menssen.

Justice Bell brings years of experience on the bench and in public service to the Utah Supreme Court. During his confirmation, he spoke about approaching his new role "with the restraint and humility required of that position." Justice Menssen similarly brings a strong legal background and record of service. He reflected on his respect for the Constitution, the rule of law and the responsibility that comes with serving on Utah's highest court.

The Senate also confirmed Lance Talakai to the Third District Juvenile Court and Elizabeth Butler to the Third District Court. Judge Talakai spoke about his desire to be a peacemaker and the honor of working with children and families facing difficult circumstances, while Judge Butler emphasized hard work, humility in public service and ensuring everyone who enters her courtroom has an opportunity to be heard.

In addition, the Senate confirmed Hannah Freeze as Great Salt Lake Commissioner and Jamie Barnes as commissioner of the Division of Natural Resources.

The Senate takes its advice and consent responsibility seriously. I am grateful to each of these individuals for their willingness to serve and am confident they will bring experience, integrity and a strong commitment to serving the people of Utah.

Thank you for your support and engagement. I look forward to hearing from you. Stay in touch regarding any questions, comments, or input.

Sincerely,

Chris Wilson

cwilson@le.utah.gov | 435-770-2861