Utahns deserve fair political maps and a representative government. In 2018, voters passed Proposition 4, a citizen’s initiative that creates an independent redistricting commission. Despite efforts by the majority party to undermine fair maps, the courts have upheld the will of the people. I am committed to defending fair maps that reflect our communities, not split them up. That means supporting an independent redistricting process, increasing transparency in how maps are drawn, and ensuring the public is able to provide meaningful input. 

In Utah, how we manage and plan for water isn’t just a policy discussion, it directly impacts our communities, economy, and way of life. The Great Salt Lake is facing an unprecedented crisis, and if it continues to shrink, more lakebed will be exposed which will result in harmful pollutants spreading into nearby communities and the loss of critical ecosystems. The legislature needs to act urgently and with purpose to protect and save the Great Salt Lake. Stephanie supports policies that increase water conservation efforts, improve water management guidelines, and ensure that more water reaches the lake. As a state senator I have worked with groups like Stewardship Utah to promote policies that protect and preserve the Great Salt Lake.

An independent judiciary is essential to a functioning democracy. In order to uphold the law and protect constitutional rights the courts must be free from political pressure and legislative interference. As both an attorney and a state senator, I am committed to defending judicial independence in Utah. Judges must be able to make decisions based on the law and the facts without political influence or fear of retribution.

Air pollution impacts our quality of life. The inversion and ozone along the Wasatch Front is bad for our health and bad for our economy. We must work to clean up our air, reduce vehicle emissions, and encourage more green energy use. Climate change is a generational problem, but with innovative solutions and bold leadership, we can take action to reverse its course. This year Stephanie ran SB208, which gives the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) the ability to investigate whether an individual has evaded a required emissions inspection and also grant them the authority to revoke that vehicle’s registration if the underlying address discrepancy has not been cured. This ensures vehicles in counties where vehicle emissions testing is required are actually subject to that requirement, reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality.

Stephanie opposes efforts that create fear or target individuals unfairly, including overbearing ICE actions in our communities. Utah families deserve to feel safe in their homes, schools, and workplaces. Stephanie opposes an ICE detention facility in Utah.

Stephanie believes our educators and professionals know their schools and their students best, and she is a strong advocate for local control at the school and school district level. Top-down or one-size approaches are not the most effective when it comes to addressing the unique needs of schools and the students they serve. Stephanie will continue to advocate for increased funding for public schools, competitive teacher pay, and investments in programs that support student success. 

Stephanie strongly opposes school voucher programs that use taxpayer dollars for private schools. Directing resources to private institutions weakens our already underfunded public schools. In 2021, Stephanie voted against the bill that created Utah’s school voucher program, and she remains committed to advocating for increased public education funding and a focus on supporting our teachers and strengthening our schools. 

Stephanie believes we must give schools the flexibility in spending and resources they need to address the growing mental health needs of students in Utah, and she will push the Utah legislature to cultivate a culture of trust and collaboration.