Melissa Garff Ballard

Education

Ensuring that every Utahn has access to quality education is central to my legislative efforts. Education is the foundation of opportunity for families and the key to our community’s future economic strength. By attracting, training, and retaining dedicated teachers, we can ensure the success of our children and the growth of Utah’s workforce. Programs that support early childhood literacy, K-12 innovation, and higher education are essential for building lifelong learners and reducing dropout rates, which will lower incarceration and create more opportunities for all. Learn more

Ensuring that every Utahn has access to quality education is central to my legislative efforts. Education is the foundation of opportunity for families and the key to our community’s future economic strength. By attracting, training, and retaining dedicated teachers, we can ensure the success of our children and the growth of Utah’s workforce. Programs that support early childhood literacy, K-12 innovation, and higher education are essential for building lifelong learners and reducing dropout rates, which will lower incarceration and create more opportunities for all. Learn more

Environment / Energy

Poor air quality is a major concern for the health and well-being of Utah families. Inversion is one of the few negatives that companies mention when considering relocation or expansion in Utah. Increased attention has been given to changing vehicle emissions and standards, but new laws need to include building more energy-efficient and low-emission appliances for homes and businesses. According to a recent study, emissions from homes and businesses will replace vehicles as the primary producers of pollution by 2050 if changes are not made. A concerted and sustainable approach to mitigating and alleviating air pollution should be a major concern for all Utahns. Learn more

Guns

A belief in limited government and the constitutional right to bear arms has always guided my values. I love the outdoors and grew up hunting, fishing, and riding on cattle drives with my family. This shaped a commitment in me to reduce federal overreach in rural areas and ensure Utah landowners have the freedom to manage their property while enjoying the state’s unmatched beauty and world-class recreation. Learn more

Healthcare

Mental health is essential to our overall well-being, and I am committed to ensuring that every Utahn has access to quality care. Last year as the Chair of the Education and Mental Health Council and a member of the Behavioral Health Crisis Response Commission, we created the Utah Behavioral Health Commission. This initiative brought together public and private mental health providers, experts, advocates, and individuals with lived experience to create a unified and efficient approach to mental health and substance use care. Learn more

Housing

Rising housing costs are making it difficult for many Utah families to stay in their communities. I’m committed to ensuring the American Dream of homeownership remains possible in Utah by pushing back against federal spending that drives inflation and interest rate hikes. Learn more

Infrastructure / Transportation

Utah was founded by pioneers who built communities with the future in mind. They were willing to sacrifice and work hard for the betterment of future generations. It is important that today’s Utahns continue to work hard and make the tough choices that will bless our children and future generations. As Utah continues to grow, our infrastructure must grow with it. Responsible development and forward-thinking transportation solutions will become increasingly important. Providing alternate routes and efficient mass-transit solutions will be required if Utah is going to continue being a destination for new and expanding businesses. Learn more