Government Should Work for You.
Kay believes government works best when it stays focused on its core responsibilities, respects taxpayer dollars and remembers who it works for. Utah does not need government to do everything. It needs government to do the important things well.
Limited. Focused. Accountable.
Every dollar government spends first came from someone who earned it. Kay believes that should shape every budget decision made at the Capitol.
Government should live within its means, focus on essential responsibilities and regularly ask whether programs are actually delivering results for Utahns.
When something is not working, government should fix it, simplify it or get out of the way.
A Simple Standard
Kay approaches government the same way he approached projects throughout his career: define the problem, use resources wisely and stay accountable for the result.
Live Within Our Means
Prioritize essential needs, control spending and maintain the fiscal discipline necessary for long-term financial stability.
Respect Taxpayers
Government should remember that public money belongs to the people. Every expenditure should have a clear purpose and provide real value.
Make Government Easier to Navigate
Utahns should not have to fight outdated processes, unnecessary paperwork or confusing bureaucracy simply to interact with government.
Keep Decision Makers Accountable
Government decisions should be transparent, understandable and made through processes that keep public institutions accountable.
Ask Questions. Demand Answers.
Accountability requires legislators to understand the details, ask difficult questions and make sure government programs and policies can withstand scrutiny.
Kay brings a problem-solving mindset to public service. He believes good policy starts with understanding the issue, listening to the people affected and working toward practical solutions.
Spend Carefully.
Plan Ahead.
Government Should Live Within Its Means.
Fiscal responsibility means making difficult choices before they become crises. Kay supports disciplined budgeting, careful review of ongoing spending and responsible planning for the future.
New programs and new commitments should not automatically become permanent expenses. Government should regularly evaluate what it is doing and whether taxpayers are getting meaningful results.
Make Government Work Better
Limited government is not only about spending. It also means reducing unnecessary barriers, improving transparency and making public institutions easier to navigate.
Modernize Government Forms
The 2026 Legislature expanded electronic submission options for many government forms and records.
Scrutinize Federal Funding
Utah strengthened planning around the state's exposure to federal funding changes and long-term federal dependence.
Review Federal Grants
The Legislature updated procedures governing federal grant review and approval.
Bring Accountability to Local Fees
New rules established processes for certain local fees, including review, appeals and public accountability requirements.
Prepare Utah for Federal Uncertainty.
Federal funding can support important programs, but it can also create long-term obligations and expose state budgets to decisions made in Washington. Utah should understand those risks and plan ahead.
Putting Accountability Into Practice
Several measures enacted during the 2026 General Session addressed government processes, federal funding and local accountability.
Government Form Submission Amendments
Requires electronic submission options for many state and local government forms, records and information, subject to specified exceptions.
Federal Funds Modifications
Addresses analysis and planning related to Utah's dependence on federal funds and potential federal funding changes.
Federal Grant Process Amendments
Updates processes involving legislative review and approval of federal grant funding.
Local Government Fees Amendments
Establishes requirements for certain local government fees, including procedures for transportation utility fees, annual review and appeals.