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Statement of support for tax reform proposal
We are supportive of the intent and many of the policy concepts included in the tax restructuring policy proposal put forward by the chairs of the task force.
Transcript: Former Gov. Jeb Bush on the future of education
I’m here just to give a few brief remarks about the importance of education. I’ll start with something…maybe it’s provocative, maybe you guys have already figured this out. It’s my passionate belief that a child born in poverty today in this country … they’re never going to have a job if we don’t … dramatically change how we educate our children.
Utah tax reform recommendations
As the 2019 general session concluded, Utah’s Legislature created the Tax Restructuring and Equalization Task Force. Impetus for so doing is the need to address the imbalance in state revenue sources and restrictions on revenue use.
LGBTQ rights: Should Supreme Court reinterpret Civil Rights Act or is it Congress’ job?
On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments about whether the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibiting discrimination “on the basis of sex” should be reinterpreted by the court to add the categories of sexual orientation and gender identity to the law. Congress has failed to do this multiple times, so advocacy groups have turned to the courts.
Proposed rule changes addressing conversion therapy
Sutherland Institute recommends that the Department of Commerce not finalize any rule changes to R156-61, but rather that it act only to make policy recommendations regarding the regulation of therapies for children with questions about their sexual attractions or gender.
Wait, who’s in charge of education in Utah?
Partisan elections for the Utah State Board of Education have been found constitutional by the Utah Supreme Court. The court held that elected officials aren’t employees — a commonsense concept we intuitively understood.
Yet, a larger, simmering policy question continues to be asked: How should education be governed in Utah?
Time for the Supreme Court to clarify religious liberty?
Two have cases pending before the Supreme Court in its new term beginning Oct. 7, 2019. The rest are asking the court to hear their cases.
Attract and retain teachers by giving them more autonomy
But with burnout being the leading reason for exiting the profession, the question remains: What more can be done so the noble profession is also one of the most sought after?
Education — when will we ever learn?
Education policy debates in Utah almost always turn into full-blown arguments. Given education’s standing as the highest ranked priority for Utahns year after year, and the diversity of views around ideas and solutions, it’s no wonder.
Constitution Day
While pundits and journalists call for a new Constitution – a better and more modern one – so many people throughout modern history and around the world look at our Constitution as something to be revered, aspired to and emulated. It seems that only here in America, in a nation blessed by the many freedoms and liberties the Constitution affords, we find in our prosperity the time and inclination to disparage it.
For 9/11, I wear a red bandana
Weeks later, on September 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 hit the North Tower. At his desk, Welles called his mother, letting her know he was OK. At 9:02 a.m., United Flight 175 hit the South Tower, cutting a diagonal path between the 78th and 84th floors. Without hesitation, Welles took off his equities trader hat and put on his fireman hat.
Sutherland Institute applauds Utah Supreme Court’s decision to uphold state board of education elections
Reinstating SB 78 is good news for Utah voters and public school students. Partisan elections in board member races is prudent policy because it raises the profile of the 15 elected offices that create important statewide policy on licensing, standards and assessments.