Defending the ‘Utah Dream’ is aim of 2025 legislative session [Video]

SALT LAKE CITY — Some senators appeared startled when the drums began.

The American Fork High School marching band drum line acted as the gavel to begin the 2025 Utah State Legislature in the Utah State Senate chamber. But after the pomp and ceremony, the Senate President delivered a fiery speech calling for lawmakers to defend “The Utah Dream.”

“The Utah Dream is rooted in values we all hold dear, like hard work, community, family, innovation and opportunity. Where every child, family and community has a chance to grow to achieve and to prosper using principles of personal freedom, responsibility and the collective good. There are some who would like to alter or destroy this Utah Dream. We cannot let that happen,” Sen. J. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, told the crowd.

He particularly took aim at citizen ballot initiatives, something the Utah State Legislature faced a bruising defeat on in court …