Utah’s legislative session is halfway done. After the holiday break, lawmakers return to finalize the budget and vote on key health care bills.
Budget cuts are coming
Every committee was asked to find 5% in reductions. For health care, that’s a recommended $20 million in cuts. State economists will release final revenue numbers next week, which will determine the actual budget. We’re working to protect funding for hospitals.
Hospitals are under pressure
Rural hospitals face serious financial challenges while serving as lifelines for their communities. Urban hospitals are seeing more patients in mental health crisis and with complex needs. Both are doing critical work despite the strain.
Key bills to watch
Legislation moving through session covers blood transport, patient transportation standards, Medicaid eligibility, and immigration policy in hospitals.
What’s next
The second half of session is when things really happen. We’ll keep advocating for hospitals and the patients they serve. More updates coming soon.