PRESS RELEASE: State Representative Casey Snider Receives “Friend of Transparency Award”
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SALT LAKE CITY – July 28, 2025 – NoGovInternet and the Utah Taxpayers Association jointly presented Utah House Majority Leader Casey Snider with the “Friend of Transparency Award” in recognition of his leadership and support of SB 165, legislation designed to improve transparency and safeguard taxpayer dollars.
[See Photo: House Majority Leader Casey Snider receives the “Friend of Transparency” Award from Utah Taxpayers Association President Billy Hesterman (left) and NoGovInternet Spokesman Greg Hughes (right).]
SB 165, which passed during the 2025 General Legislative Session, requires cities planning to construct taxpayer-funded broadband networks to meet rigorous public disclosure and bonding standards. The bill establishes new protections to ensure residents receive timely, accurate information before cities take on significant debt or long-term financial commitments.
“House Majority Leader Snider leans in when it comes to looking out for his constituents and everyday Utahns,” said Greg Hughes, spokesman for NoGovInternet. “His vote in support of SB 165 wasn’t just a nod to fiscal responsibility, it was a signal to cities that becoming an internet business, with taxpayers covering the bill, will be highly scrutinized by the very taxpayers they represent. We’re grateful for his example, and priority of putting the people first as he continues to serve his constituents and our state in House leadership.”
“Casey understands that government works best when public servants are directly accountable to the people they represent,” Hughes added. “His support helped make this transparency measure a reality, and taxpayers across Utah will benefit from that.”
“Representative Snider is a reliable voice for fiscal responsibility and transparency in state government,” said Billy Hesterman, President of the Utah Taxpayers Association. “He recognizes the importance of involving the public before committing their tax dollars to long-term debt, and we’re proud to honor him with this award.”
The “Friend of Transparency” Award was created by NoGovInternet and the Utah Taxpayers Association in March 2025 to recognize public officials who champion accountability, open processes, and taxpayer protections in state and local governance.
About NoGovInternet
NoGovInternet is an organization dedicated to preventing local municipalities from bonding money to install government-owned broadband networks. Believing that taxpayers should have a voice in their communities, NoGovInternet works to educate citizens and promote transparency in local government decisions across Utah.
About the Utah Taxpayers Association
The Utah Taxpayers Association is a nonpartisan watchdog group that advocates for efficient, transparent, and accountable government at every level. For over 100 years, the Association has worked to ensure that Utah remains a low-tax, pro-growth state where public spending serves the taxpayer.
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