Insights & Takeaways is Sutherland Institute’s official blog that informs the public and policymakers alike. The blog addresses important issues through the two distinct yet complementary lenses of the seasoned policy professional and the engaged citizen.
Insights: analysis, research, and informed commentary from Sutherland experts. For elected officials and public policy professionals.
Takeaways: the most important things voters need to know. For civically engaged citizens.
InsightsUnderstanding Utah’s app store bill
Given the risk of social media and other technologies to children, it is reasonable for Utah to ensure parents can be involved in decisions about their use.
InsightsNew Supreme Court case at intersection of religion and parents’ rights in education
Despite state law, Maryland school district declined to give parents notice of teaching of sensitive sexuality-related topics and the ability to opt their children out. The parents sued.
InsightsDo we need a one-stop shop for open enrollment data?
In several states, there are online platforms that make open enrollment data and navigation easy for parents. Utah should consider how this might look in our state.
TakeawaysCivics Refresher: Communicating with your legislators during the session
As Utah’s 2025 legislative session unfolds, here is what Utahns need to know to be involved with the issues that matter to them.
Press ReleaseSutherland releases new research audit on Utah’s federalism rating
Sutherland Institute released a new research publication evaluating how well Utah’s governance lives up to the principle of federalism and shows ways the state could improve.
CommentaryParents can’t be involved in child’s app downloads? That’s a legal stretch
The right of free speech does not include a right to have an audience of minors whose parents are unaware of or uninvolved in their use of technology.
InsightsWhat will this legislative session hold for education policy?
While changes to higher education funding may take up a lot of airtime and gain media attention, plenty will also take place in the K-12 space as well.
InsightsCareer and technical education in 2025: growing support, consensus and participation
Utah’s interest in expanding career and technical education continues to grow, and CTE policy will likely be enhanced during this year’s legislative session.
Press ReleaseSutherland releases survey data on 2025 election reforms
Sutherland Institute released new survey data highlighting Utah voters' perspectives on possible election reforms.
Understanding Utah’s app store bill
Given the risk of social media and other technologies to children, it is reasonable for Utah to ensure parents can be involved in decisions about their use.
New Supreme Court case at intersection of religion and parents’ rights in education
Despite state law, Maryland school district declined to give parents notice of teaching of sensitive sexuality-related topics and the ability to opt their children out. The parents sued.
Do we need a one-stop shop for open enrollment data?
In several states, there are online platforms that make open enrollment data and navigation easy for parents. Utah should consider how this might look in our state.
Civics Refresher: Communicating with your legislators during the session
As Utah’s 2025 legislative session unfolds, here is what Utahns need to know to be involved with the issues that matter to them.
Sutherland releases new research audit on Utah’s federalism rating
Sutherland Institute released a new research publication evaluating how well Utah’s governance lives up to the principle of federalism and shows ways the state could improve.
Parents can’t be involved in child’s app downloads? That’s a legal stretch
The right of free speech does not include a right to have an audience of minors whose parents are unaware of or uninvolved in their use of technology.
What will this legislative session hold for education policy?
While changes to higher education funding may take up a lot of airtime and gain media attention, plenty will also take place in the K-12 space as well.
Career and technical education in 2025: growing support, consensus and participation
Utah’s interest in expanding career and technical education continues to grow, and CTE policy will likely be enhanced during this year’s legislative session.
Sutherland releases survey data on 2025 election reforms
Sutherland Institute released new survey data highlighting Utah voters' perspectives on possible election reforms.