Originally published in the Deseret News.
A lot has been written on these pages about the problems with Utah increasing the sales tax on food. I would like to offer a different perspective. I think there are far better ways to help low-income Utahns. Legislators would be wise to tax unprepared food at the same rate as other commodities and find a much more tailored way to help Utahns in need.
Continue reading Restore the sales tax on food and implement an earned income tax credit
Originally published in the Deseret News.
I revere the people of rural Utah. Eighteen years of public service in the Utah governor’s office afforded me many opportunities to travel to rural communities, meet the hardworking people, and appreciate the important economic and cultural contributions they make to the Beehive State.
I also love outdoor recreation. I’ve backpacked in the canyons of the Escalante, camped in the San Rafael Swell, and experienced the whitewater in Cataract Canyon. I view a large portion of the Colorado Plateau as sacred land that needs protection.
I share this background because the rancor between Utah’s outdoor products industry and many of Utah’s elected leaders troubles me. Amid the talk of boycotts and lawsuits, I think an important element is missing from the conversation. In addition to preservation of Utah’s precious wild lands, we need to talk about the economic reality facing rural Utah.
Continue reading Invest in rural Utah to help with public land disagreements
Originally published in the Deseret News.
New York Times columnist David Brooks commented about the first few days of the Trump administration by coining the term, “A mean wind is blowing.” The saying stuck with me. Everything I’m feeling right now about my country is like a dark, ominous and disquieting wind.
Originally published in the Deseret News.
Over the holidays I was introduced to the concept of “applied hope.” The idea is that we shape the future by starting with hope and then acting on it. The process of being hopeful and acting on our desires creates good outcomes. Over time, applied hope creates a better world.
Originally published in the Deseret News.
An End of Year Prayer
Like a lot of people, I have many thoughts on my mind as 2016 comes to a close. When thoughts turn to words, it can take many literary forms — a memo, an essay, a poem, lyrics for a song or even a prayer. I decided to take my thoughts about troubling world events, homelessness, crime, addiction and income disparities, and compose a personal, non-denominational end-of-year prayer. My hope is that the simplicity and solemnity of the prayer will help us in 2017. Here is my prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for this beautiful day. The earth you created continues to inspire me. I recognize your hand in the sun and the moon and the sky. Thank you.
I’m also grateful for the remarkable people in my life.
Originally published in the Deseret News.
(God) did not people the earth with a vibrant orchestra of personalities only to value the piccolos of the world.
— Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
Utah’s population is growing and diversifying. Each year, birth by birth, death by death, and migrant by migrant, the population changes. We are growing, aging, diversifying, and urbanizing. Today’s population is dramatically different than just three decades ago.
Last year, approximately 21,000 more people moved into the state than moved out. That number will likely be even greater this year. These newcomers create a state that is more diverse, more progressive and more open to new ideas.
Originally published in the Deseret News.
The young man in his twenties seemed insistent to speak with me. I had just finished participating on a post-election panel where I expressed my deepest-held feelings about president-elect Trump. I decided to own my feelings and let them show. I told the crowd I was insulted and hurt. Trump had deeply offended my sensibilities as a woman. My hurt was magnified on election night when I realized so many fellow citizens didn’t feel the same way.
The inquisitive young man tracked me down through the crowd after the panel ended. He clearly wanted to talk. He waited while I exchanged business cards and spoke with a few other folks in the audience. Then he and I stood face to face. He posed the question, “I just have to ask you. What is it you find so offensive about Donald Trump. I really want to understand.”
Originally published by the Deseret News,
I’m like a lot of Americans. I’m dead tired of the 2016 presidential election, but I still find myself scrolling through social media feeds, reading and watching news coverage, and sharing opinions with friends and family. I’m sick of the election but also realize its importance. The time for choosing is upon us, voting has begun and, within a week, we will select our new president.
He or she will inherit a seriously divided country, a so-so economy and a confrontational Congress. Even worse, the president-elect will enter the Oval Office in January with a gaping wound. Yes, that’s right, the United States of America, the land of the free and home of the brave, has a rotten, stinky and infected wound. We won’t reclaim our leadership in the world until we stop the bleeding, stitch it up, bandage it and give it time to heal.
Continue reading Start with yourself to heal a divided America
Originally published in the Deseret News.
In 1966, Utah reached the 1 million population milestone. Community leaders celebrated the achievement by greeting Utah’s newest resident — dubbed “Mr. Million” – with a 60-piece band as he stepped off the airplane. Since then Utah has added another 2 million people, and projections released last week by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute suggest another 2.5 million new residents over the next 50 years. It begs the question, what does the future portend for the Beehive State?
Originally published in the Deseret News.
I’ve been fortunate this week to spend time in Washington, D.C.. with a delegation of community leaders from the Salt Lake Chamber. The Chamber puts on an amazing program, including face time with each member of the Utah congressional delegation, Gov. Gary Herbert, cybersecurity experts, the speaker of the House, prominent senators, and a leading pollster. There were several thought jewels shared for those interested in politics and public policy. I thought I’d share a few.
Continue reading Thought jewels from Washington, D.C.