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.
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.
InsightsPrivate education in 2025: enrollment and key policies
The future of private school enrollment could be significantly impacted by the expansion of education choice programs.
TakeawaysHelping Utah’s upward mobility go from good to great
Sutherland research on benefits cliffs adds momentum to local and national interest in reforming the social safety net.
InsightsHome-based education in 2025: the numbers and top issues
Home-schooling rates are increasing across the country long after the pandemic, with an estimate of 5% of students being home-schooled.
InsightsAs Hamilton said, judges must be ‘faithful guardians of the Constitution’
Utah’s judicial selection and retention process focuses on basic competence but gives little attention to critical questions about judicial philosophy and dedication to the Constitution itself.
CommentaryHow to strengthen the American Dream for Utah families who feel stuck on the social safety net
It is essential that any discussion of refining the social safety net begins from the foundation of Utah’s unique advantages and strengths as a place of opportunity.
InsightsObscured guidance from federal agencies creates an accountability gap. What can the state do?
Sutherland recently testified to legislative panel about the need for transparency in guidance provided by federal agencies to state and local governments in Utah.
InsightsPublic schools in 2025: enrollment and key issues
Among the issues Utah education leaders have championed are expanding CTE, addressing absenteeism, and helping English language learners.
Could Trump’s second term forever change federal education policy?
President-elect proposes using federal funding preferences for states that make changes like adopting complete curriculum transparency and universal school choice, among other reforms.
The Supreme Court Shouldn’t Let The Federal Government Control 70 Percent Of A State’s Land
The court should accept Utah’s case and give the state a chance to make its argument against this federal overreach.
Despite support for education savings accounts, awareness of Utah Fits All remains low
Among other findings, survey indicates that education choice is officially no longer the lightning rod issue that it once was in Utah.
Ensuring the peaceful resolution of future elections
The ultimate source of all political power in America — the people — are the ones who hold the responsibility for strengthening the political habits and practices essential to the vitality of our republic.
Utah’s open enrollment policy is strong – implementation less so
When districts do not faithfully implement Utah’s open enrollment law, they may be effectively denying parents practical access to better public schools for their child.
Religion can help take the venom out of political disagreement
Researchers found that people of faith, although civically involved, did not believe that religion was an appropriate setting for political discussions.
How to stop worrying about presidential elections and learn to love federalism
Voters, pundits, and elected officials themselves should embrace a healthier and more constitutionally grounded alternative to the current rhetoric.
New data highlights voter priorities in education
There is a stark difference in opinion about the quality of public education between parents and teachers.
As election season winds down, the U.S. Supreme Court term has just begun
The Supreme Court is being petitioned to consider three cases on religious freedom. Here's why the court should take them on.
