Originally published by Deseret News.

Utah is at its best when principled ideas meet practical public service.

One of the biggest challenges in American politics today is how elected officials can balance voters’ concerns without losing sight of free-market, constitutional principles. Luckily, Utah’s citizen legislature shows how that is possible.

Serving the people of Davis and Salt Lake counties in the Utah Senate has reinforced my appreciation for the Beehive State’s unique approach to representative government. It leads to practical solutions that strengthen our communities, protect religious liberty, support families and preserve the unique quality of life that makes Utah the envy of the nation.

Because Utah’s legislature is part time, it is common for my Senate and House colleagues to fulfill their responsibilities to their constituents while also maintaining employment outside of legislative service. This means our Capitol is filled with citizen-lawmakers who are small business owners, teachers, farmers, doctors and practicing attorneys.

This approach is a real benefit for Utahns.

Lawmakers bring real-world professional experience to the table, which significantly improves legislative debate. Teachers bring classroom experience to education debates, physicians contribute firsthand knowledge to healthcare policy, while small business owners help us understand how regulations affect employers and workers.

And, crucially, they have to live by the laws that they make.

Research, evidence and sound principles are extremely important to our work. But good government requires a human face to be paired with the numbers. Laws are often changed at the capitol due to lived experiences, conversations with constituents, and listening to regular people in committee hearings.