by Derek Monson | Mar 15, 2021
COVID has taught us how to care for the sick and prepare for emergencies Written by Originally published in The Salt Lake Tribune. The COVID pandemic in Utah has been tragic, putting thousands in the hospital and leaving nearly 2,000 dead (at last count). We...
by Derek Monson | Mar 12, 2021
Legislative healthcare reforms target vaccination, mental health, prescriptions Written by The 2021 legislative session in Utah was a modestly significant one for healthcare. Specifically, there were impactful policy reforms regarding COVID vaccines, mental...
by Derek Monson | Feb 24, 2021
Civics lessons from Black Americans: Ida B. Wells and Frederick Douglass Written by This week marks the end of Black History Month – a time to celebrate African Americans’ achievements and vital contributions in the history of our nation. One way to do so is...
by Derek Monson | Feb 10, 2021
Romney child allowance plan good for families – maybe work and government, too Written by Derek Monson Sen. Mitt Romney’s new child welfare reform legislation – the Family Security Act – has generated both support and criticism. That new ideas for federal...
by Derek Monson | Feb 4, 2021
Vaccine rollout and pandemic response lay bare the limits of federal competence Written by Derek Monson The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has drawn criticism. But from the beginning of the pandemic, Washington, D.C., has been criticized for its response to the...
by Derek Monson | Jan 29, 2021
For Biden to achieve unity, he will have to improve his rhetoric Written by Derek Monson A pandemic causing more than 400,000 deaths. Economic hardship closing businesses and destroying jobs. Racial tensions leading to peaceful protests and violent riots. “To...
by Derek Monson | Jan 25, 2021
Will Biden take his own advice on unity and religious freedom? Written by Derek Monson Originally published in Washington Examiner President Biden’s inaugural speech called upon America’s political leaders to rise above our divisions and move beyond our...
by Derek Monson | Jan 22, 2021
Utah’s new governor offers solid 500-day plan – here’s what we would add to it Written by Derek Monson Governor Spencer Cox this week gave Utahns two important glimpses into where he wants to lead the state. He offered an uplifting and substantive State of...
by Derek Monson | Jan 13, 2021
Gov. Cox’s new budget proposal looks good – but one thing’s missing Written by Derek Monson This week Gov. Spencer Cox released his fiscal year 2022 state budget recommendations. Highlights in the news include its overall size ($21.7 billion) as well as new...
by Derek Monson | Jan 8, 2021
Lessons from the D.C. riot Written by The riots in D.C. and storming of the U.S. Capitol Building – not to mention the four resulting deaths (as of this writing) – were tragic and unnecessary. They soured the hope and optimism of a new year. But, it is...