Meet Dr. Alan Hansen
Candidate for State Senate, District 25
Hello, I’m Dr. Alan Hansen, and I’m proud to be running for the Utah State Senate, representing District 25 in Utah County. I was born and raised in Spanish Fork, though my career has taken me to Illinois, Maryland, and even Tokyo. My educational background includes degrees in Japanese, Business Administration, and Higher Education Administration. Over the years, I’ve built a diverse career spanning government service, turnaround management, and higher education.
My wife and I have been happily married for 48 years, and together we have five children (one deceased) and twelve grandchildren (one deceased). We now reside in Salem, Utah, and I am eager to serve and contribute to the continued growth and success of our community.
My Key Policy Priorities
Eliminating Taxes on Social Security Benefits
Utah is one of only 10 states that taxes Social Security benefits, and I believe this is a burden on our senior citizens. I advocate for reducing or completely eliminating the state income tax on Social Security to ensure a more secure and dignified retirement for Utah’s seniors.
Improving K-12 Online Education
The transition to online education in K-12 was rapid and often uncoordinated. I propose collaborating with the teachers' unions, the State Board of Education, and the legislature to fund and implement a more structured approach to online education, ensuring it delivers quality outcomes for all students.
Advocating for a Four-Day School Week
I support the idea of a four-day school week under the following conditions:
- All students attend school from Tuesday to Friday.
- Students with grades below a C attend additional help sessions on Monday.
- Teachers rotate on a four-week cycle, with one Monday reserved for tutoring and support, while the other three Mondays offer them additional planning time to prevent burnout.
- Accelerated students would also be invited to attend Monday sessions for advanced programs.
Preserving Utah’s Wetlands
Utah’s wetlands are rapidly disappearing due to housing development. I believe we must protect these vital ecosystems while still allowing for responsible development. Land swaps with developers could provide a viable solution to maintain both progress and preservation.
Daylight Saving Time Reform
It’s time for Utah to take a stand on Daylight Saving Time. Whether we choose to keep it year-round or eliminate it altogether, we must end the disruptive practice of changing the clocks twice a year.
Ensuring Respect and Equality for All
I believe in the fundamental right of every individual to be treated with respect and equality, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Final Thoughts
While many important issues require attention, these priorities reflect my deep commitment to the people of District 25. If elected, I will work tirelessly to address these challenges and seize new opportunities for our community. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous future for Utah—one where every voice is heard, and every person has the opportunity to thrive.