The Utah Taxpayers Association has released its 2026 Legislative Scorecard, once again recognizing lawmakers who consistently stood up for Utah taxpayers during the General Session. The annual “Friend of the Taxpayer” award remains the Association’s highest legislative honor, highlighting those who demonstrated a strong commitment to pro-taxpayer principles through their votes on key fiscal issues.
This year’s scorecard evaluated lawmakers on a focused set of critical decisions. While the Association tracked 53 tax and fiscal bills throughout the session, 10 of the most impactful votes were selected to measure alignment with taxpayer priorities. These included issues such as income tax reductions, property tax transparency, gas tax relief, and proposals that would have increased the tax burden on Utah families and businesses.
To earn the “Friend of the Taxpayer” designation, legislators were required to vote with the Association at least 85 percent of the time—an intentionally high bar that reflects consistency, not just occasional alignment. In 2026, 34 legislators met that standard, representing a significant group of policymakers who prioritized keeping taxes low, promoting transparency, and resisting unnecessary government growth.
Among the honorees were leaders from both chambers of the Legislature. In the House, recipients included lawmakers such as Ken Ivory, Karianne Lisonbee, Stephanie Gricius, and Trevor Lee, along with more than two dozen of their colleagues. In the Senate, Lincoln Fillmore, Dan McCay, Brady Brammer, and John D. Johnson earned the distinction.
The 2026 results reflect a legislative session that included both meaningful taxpayer wins and ongoing challenges. Lawmakers approved another income tax cut and advanced policies aimed at improving transparency in the property tax system. At the same time, the session also saw targeted tax increases in areas such as tobacco and advertising, underscoring the importance of continued engagement on sound tax policy.
The “Friend of the Taxpayer” award serves not only as recognition, but also as a signal to Utahns about which lawmakers are consistently advocating for a competitive, fair, and responsible tax system. As Utah continues to grow, that commitment will remain essential to preserving the state’s strong economic foundation and protecting the families and businesses who fund it.
You can view the Association’s scorecard and Friend of the Taxpayer Award winners here.