State of Utah Archives: on Families & Children
Allen Glines:
Worked to build awareness of missing children's cases
My entrance into the world of public service started when I was 14 years old. I noticed a poster of a young girl who had gone missing hanging on just about every window and door in my local area. I had no idea about the ills of the world.
And yet I wanted to know more and help out people in those situations. Since that time, I have worked tirelessly with missing children's organizations to build awareness for a lot of cases that have not been on the public's radar.
Source: 2021 Utah Senate campaign website AllenGlines.com
Jul 21, 2021
Allen Glines:
Protect domestic violence victims; punish abusers
I believe that there's a lot of work left to be done to protect victims of domestic violence and properly punish their abusers. That's why I have devoted many hours championing comprehensive legislation to change how these crimes are approached.
These efforts continue to this day and would become even more prominent if I were elected senator. This type of crime is a moving target, so it's crucial to remain to diligent and stay on top of it.
Source: 2021 Utah Senate campaign website AllenGlines.com
Jul 21, 2021
Allen Glines:
For paid maternity leave up to 16 weeks
- Advocate for changing unpaid maternity leave to paid and expanding the amount of leave available from 12 to 16 weeks.
- Add assistance for diapers and wipes to the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
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Increase marriage age to 18 years old.
- Pass legislation to make it illegal for parents to leave children in their car for any length of time. Increase penalties for parents whose children were harmed as the result of them being left in their car.
Source: 2021 Utah Senate campaign website AllenGlines.com
Jul 21, 2021
Gary Herbert:
Population growth is challenging: doubling in 35 years
The first challenge we face is population growth. Utah is now the second-fastest growing state in the nation. We now number over 2.9 million people, and our population is projected to nearly double in the next 35 years. This population growth
impacts everything we do. Take education, for example. We have a fast-growing student population, which creates a major funding demand. It costs us nearly $70 million per year in additional money just to pay for our new students.
Source: 2014 State of the State address to the Utah legislature
Jan 29, 2014
Rebecca Holcombe:
Big supporter of paid family leave
The candidate called herself "a big supporter of paid family leave," highlighting it as an issue that differentiated her from Scott.
She expressed confidence that the Democratic legislature, which failed to pass such legislation this year, would "get the job done [next] January."
Source: Seven Days e-zine on 2020 Utah Gubernatorial race
Jul 16, 2019
Spencer Cox:
We need to talk about suicide
I listened to experts and survivors and family members of people who had died by suicide. Honestly, I learned more about suicide prevention in one evening than my previous 40 years combined. But mostly, I learned that we simply need to talk
about it more--and that contrary to what you may have heard, there is NO evidence that talking about suicide makes it more likely to happen.
Source: Medium.com blog posting for 2020 Utah gubernatorial race
Feb 25, 2018
Spencer Cox:
Prevent social media companies from collecting kids' data
To the social media companies who have been reckless in protecting our youth, Utah parents are putting you on notice. If you insist on fighting us, we are more than ready for a fight and we will win. Or you can be part of the solution.
I am pleased to announce that we are working on legislation that will prevent social media companies from collecting data from our kids, limit the use of cell phones in the classroom, and empower parents to reduce this toxic technology in our homes.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature
Jan 19, 2023
Spencer Cox:
Build 35,000 single-family affordable starter homes
That is why I have proposed the Utah First Homes program, with the audacious goal to build 35,000 starter homes in the next five years. While we need more of everything, my focus is on affordable, attainable, single-family, owner-occupied, detached
housing. Most of us grew up or started our own families in a 1,300-square-foot home. Our kids and grandkids are desperate for this opportunity. The greatest generation did this after WWII and we can do it again.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature
Jan 18, 2024
Caroline Gleich:
More resources for childcare and elder care
We are the youngest state in the nation and the fastest growing state in the nation and what really excites me is the opportunity to meet with folks and to talk about the shared values that we have. A huge part of my campaign is advocating for policies
to support Utah's families, and that includes more resources for caregivers, whether that's for childcare or for elder care. It includes paid parental leave to make sure that no one has to worry about losing their job if they decide to start a family.
Source: Townlift Park City News on 2024 Utah Senate race
May 3, 2024
Trent Staggs:
Raised in middle-class family of 10 children; has 2 kids
Q: What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
Source: Ballotpedia Candidate Connection on 2024 Utah Senate race
Nov 1, 2023
Trent Staggs:
Marriage is a God-ordained union of one man and one woman
Q: VALUES: Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition?A: Strongly Agree.
Q: Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
A: My wife and I have been married since 2007. Guiding their successful marriage has been a shared faith in God, with Jesus Christ at the center of their family of two children. Family is the bedrock institution of all human society.
Families must be safe and strong if a country wants to be. Recognizing the relentless attacks on family and children, I am committed to protecting Utah families from danger in our streets and propaganda in our schools.
Parents need to have faith in the schools where they send their kids, or the freedom to send them elsewhere. Parental control of education isn't Priority A, it's Priorities A to Z.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 Utah Senate race
Jun 25, 2024
Caroline Gleich:
Expand child care subsidies for those who need them
Caroline strongly believes that we have an obligation to support working parents and families, and, as a senator, she will support action to expand child care subsidies for those who need them,
incentivize the growth of affordable child care programs, and ensure that child care workers are paid a living wage.
Source: 2024 Utah Senate campaign website CarolineForUtah.com
Oct 9, 2024
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2026