Utah lawmakers reveal 2026 priorities during annual legislature preview breakfast
Jan 13, 2026, 7:59 PM
Utah's legislative leadership participate in a panel previewing their priorities for the 2026 session during the annual Legislative Preview Breakfast hosted by United Ways of Utah. (Istvan Bartos, KSL)
(Istvan Bartos, KSL)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah lawmakers are giving everyone a small preview of the upcoming 2026 session for the state legislature. It’s set to begin in one week.
Tuesday morning, lawmakers discussed key issues they plan to address at the annual 2026 Legislative Preview Breakfast hosted by United Ways of Utah at the Marriott hotel in downtown Salt Lake City.
As breakfast was served, a panel of top leaders from both chambers of the Utah Legislature revealed Tuesday what they hope to tackle when lawmakers meet in one week.
“The number one issue we’re hearing right now is cost of living and part of that is home ownership,” said Rep. Candice Pierucci, R – Majority Whip. “We have to get a handle on this.”
Key goals were talked about, like improving education or financial stability for families in Utah.
“So our number one issue for our caucus is the economy and affordability,” said Rep. Angela Romero, D – Minority Leader.
Senator Luz Escamilla, D – Minority Leader talked about food security issues.
“Food security, right now at least in my district, from a survey that’s been done, is the number one issue – food security,” Escamilla said.
A mix of 300 legislators, city and government leaders, non-profits and community partners all listening to what’s ahead. An overwhelming majority of the crowd is asking lawmakers to address Utah’s housing crisis.
“We need to work together to solve this problem, because we’re seeing it happen, it’s for our kids, and it’s for the future of our kids, because we do not want our kids to be renting for 30 years,” said Pres. J. Stuart Adams, Utah Senate President.
Organizers believe getting everyone in the room sets the right tone for the upcoming session.
“Bringing all those voices together, I think, really helps the legislature hear from a united voice,” said Bill Crim, CEO – United Way of Salt Lake.
Once the session begins, lawmakers will have 46 days to take the ideas discussed Tuesday and create measurable change.
As lawmakers shared their goals, normally there’s a lot of chatter in a large crowd like this, but everyone was completely silent and attentive, interested to see what’s coming.
Some individuals KSL talked to after breakfast wrapped up felt encouraged by the focus the legislature is taking this year.
