Legislative Priorities
Education
Utah’s future depends on the success of our public schools. More than 90% of Utah students attend public schools, making public education one of the most important investments we can make in our state’s future.
Every child deserves access to a high-quality public school in their local community, and educators need the resources, support, and freedom to help every student succeed. Abigail will work to increase per-student funding, reduce class sizes, especially in early elementary grades, and strengthen teacher support while keeping public education dollars in our public schools.
Utah’s constitution dedicates income tax revenue to public education and services for individuals with disabilities. Diverting those funds to private entities that are not held to the same public accountability or responsibility to educate all students undermines our public schools. Prioritizing public education means prioritizing Utah’s future.
Restoring the Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake is critical to Utah ecosystems and annual water supply. Approximately 90% of our water supply comes from snowpack, which depends in part on lake effect snow. As water levels continue to decline, toxic particulates from the lakebed become airborne, creating dust pollution that threatens air quality and poses a significant public health risk. Local scientists warn that we are approaching a critical tipping point in efforts to save the lake.
Abigail will work to restore the lake using water markets to incentivize voluntary conservation by high-volume users and water-wise practices across farming and other industries. She will also build regional, mutually beneficial partnerships with leaders in Wyoming and Idaho to reduce diversions from the Bear River, recognizing that these states also face the risk of toxic dust-related air pollution. Abigail will serve as a responsible steward of the promised federal funding for lake restoration, by working with experts to develop a sustainable water system that restores and protects the lake for future generations.
Read Abigail's statement regarding the Box Elder Data center here.
Restoring the Great Salt Lake is Critical to Utah's Future
Affordability
Affordability is about more than lowering prices—it’s about making sure working families can keep up with the cost of living and build a secure future. Abigail will support policies that encourage land zoning for affordable housing, encourage the development of true starter homes, and allow smaller lots where appropriate to help make homeownership more attainable.
Abigail will also work to expand access to affordable childcare and advocate for fair wages for educators, union workers, and hardworking Utah families. When childcare consumes a full paycheck and wages don’t keep pace with rising costs, families can’t get ahead.
Utah’s economy is growing, and state policies should ensure working families can share in that growth and build a brighter future through hard work.
Dignity for All
Abigail will champion policies that protect the dignity and equal rights of every Utahn. She will support fair housing, employment, and public accommodations for LGBTQ Utahns, advocate for disability rights and access to essential services, and support legislation that ensures all Utahns are treated equally under the law.
