Utah has long been known as one of the best places in the country to raise kids, and we want to make sure it stays that way.
For generations, Utah has been a place where families could put down roots, find opportunity and raise children close to grandparents, neighbors and community support. That family-centered culture is part of what makes our state special. But today, many young parents are saying the cost of raising a family is getting harder to afford.
Here’s the reality: Utah’s birth rate has dropped more than 30% in less than 20 years. We went from the highest birth rate in the nation to the 10th. And behind those numbers are families sitting at kitchen tables, running the math and wondering how to make it all work. Our young families are working hard and budgeting carefully but are still feeling stretched. The cost of living is the number one concern I hear from constituents. Rising costs of housing, child care and groceries continue to strain families.
More than three-quarters of families now say they need two incomes just to cover basic expenses. That’s a striking change from just a generation ago. It means moms and dads are making difficult choices, like waiting longer to have kids, working extra hours, or trying to juggle demanding work schedules and parenting in ways that aren’t sustainable.
While government alone can’t reverse the birthrate, we can do our part to make life more affordable for Utah families. That is why reducing costs and barriers to raising a family is a top priority for the Utah House Majority this year. It’s also why I’m sponsoring legislation to expand Utah’s child tax credit. House Bill 290 raises the income threshold so more families can qualify for the child tax credit, putting more money back in the pockets of thousands of hardworking Utah parents.
Under this child tax credit expansion, over 18,000 qualified Utahns will see an average tax change of $388 per year. That’s on top of nearly $16 million in child tax credits allocated to Utah taxpayers since 2023. Every tax cut, every tax credit, every fiscally responsible policy — no matter how small — puts more money back into the pockets of hardworking Utahns. And over time, those savings add up. They make a meaningful difference for families who are budgeting carefully, planning for the future and working hard to make ends meet. This approach matters because it recognizes that every family has different needs. Whether it’s helping pay for child care, having a parent stay home or paying for groceries, a tax credit gives families flexibility. It is a small investment that will yield big results for Utah’s young families.
In addition to these efforts, the Utah House Majority is advancing real solutions to ease the financial burden on Utah families. We are strengthening coordination between state, local and private partners to bring more homes to market at prices Utahns can afford. At the same time, we’re scrutinizing government spending at every level and cutting unnecessary costs to ensure more of your hard-earned money stays where it belongs: in your pocket.
We can’t solve every cost-of-living challenge overnight, but we can take meaningful steps that make family life more affordable and sustainable. Expanding the child tax credit is one of those steps and one that reflects Utah values.
When families feel more financially secure, they’re more confident about having children and growing their families. When families are supported, society benefits. Strong families mean stronger communities, stronger schools, a stronger workforce and a stronger Utah for the future.