[SALT LAKE CITY, UT] - Today, Representative Brian King (D - Salt Lake City), rolled out his “For The Better” policy agenda ahead of the 2024 legislative session. He introduced five bills that he will be running in the upcoming session that reflect some of what his administration would prioritize as Governor.
“Public servants are supposed to serve the public. Instead, we see far too many prioritize personal interests and ignore the people's will, fueling a cycle of broken promises, extremism, and polarization. Spencer Cox is not immune to this. Time and time again, the wants and needs of the vast majority of Utahns and the action – and inaction – of our current Governor are not aligned,” said King.
The legislative priorities are as follows:
Tax Reform: People are finding themselves caught in the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck, and the overall quality of life is on the decline. It is simply unacceptable that a staggering 75% of Utahns express that their pay is not keeping pace with inflation. King aims to implement progressive income tax reform as a solution, meaning a lower tax rate on low-income earners and increased rates for the wealthy, reducing the burden on those most in need.
Reproductive Rights: Utahns have stated loud and clear that they value autonomy, with 86% of Utahns believing that individuals and doctors should be in charge of their healthcare decisions – not politicians. King has introduced legislation to rescind these restrictions and ensure every individual has a right to make and carry out their own reproductive decisions. It will ensure access to high-quality care and respect personal choices. King aims to restore rights, not strip them. Instead of playing doctor, he will put Utahns back in control.
Education Access: Under Governor Cox's leadership, attacks on civil rights have been disguised as parental rights, diverting resources away from the core mission of education. King believes that families know best what is in their children’s best interest. Most parents are more concerned about the quality of their child's education, their safety at school, and their future than they are concerned about these culture wars we continue to engage in. In response, King’s legislation is multifaceted. It protects the right to read and makes sure books are evaluated in their entirety, classifies discriminatory book bans as violations of Utah civil rights laws, ensures books stay on the shelves while they are being evaluated, and banned books to be accessible to students throughout the legal battle, all while protects librarians and teachers from civil and criminal penalties.
Restoring the Great Salt Lake: Utah's water crisis demands our urgent attention. The Great Salt Lake, a critically important and looming natural resource, impacts our air quality, weather patterns, economic development, and public health. Unfortunately, our residents can see clearly that our current leadership is not doing enough on this critically important and consequential issue, with only 14% of our residents saying we are doing enough to address the shrinking of the lake. King is proposing that we put in place triggers based on things such as the lake level and drought conditions to require action to be taken by the State that addresses the lake level. It's time for decisive action to secure the future of our water resources. Utahns should have a leader committed to addressing water issues with the gravity and commitment they deserve.
Gun Reform: The safety of Utahns is paramount, and under Governor Cox's watch, concerning actions related to gun laws have unfolded. He signed a bill into law eliminating permit requirements for concealed carry, raising significant concerns about public safety. Utah became a 2nd Amendment sanctuary state. All the while, we are seeing gun violence as an ever-present reality. King’s proposed legislation includes measures such as banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, raising the minimum age to buy a gun to 21, and implementing universal background checks. These common-sense, bipartisan reforms are supported by a broad base of Utahns. 90% of our citizens support background checks for firearm purchases. 79% of our residents support raising the minimum age to buy a gun to 21, and 60% favor banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
“As we approach this legislative session and the 2024 election, let’s remember who we are and what we stand for. We can do better. We need results, not rhetoric. Public good, not personal interest. Courage and character, not contention. For the better.” Said King.
Watch the full press conference: “For the Better”.
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Brian King represents District 23 in the Utah State House of Representatives. Elected in 2008, he also served as the House Minority Leader from 2015 to 2023. In addition to his role in public service, Brian is a practicing attorney and business owner. He lives in Salt Lake City with his wife, Ann, accompanied by the delightful presence of their dog, Cora. Brian has four daughters, three stepchildren, and three grandchildren. Watch the campaign launch video: “For the Better”. To learn more about Brian’s campaign for governor, visit kingforutah.com.