Guest opinion: Embracing collaboration for Utahâs bright future
by Derek Miller
Utah has always stood as a shining example of what can be achieved when individuals work together towards common goals. From the pioneers who braved hardships to build resilient communities to the trailblazers who joined forces to drive economic progress, our stateâs history makes one thing clear: We understand the power of working hand in hand. Thanks to our dedicated community leaders and committed lawmakers, this tradition extends into our public policy work each year. Yet, despite the robust state of Utahâs economy, we recognize that we are not separate from our national economy. In the spirit of Utahâs collaborative ethos, the Salt Lake Chamberâs 2023 Federal Priorities highlight areas where cooperative effort can lead to collective prosperity nationwide.....
For example, we know that responsible financial practices and market freedom are essential for sustained economic growth. What some donât realize is that irresponsible financial practices, such as an overreliance on debt, have a direct impact on real people, whether it be by increasing inflation or discouraging direct spending. So, in our federal priorities, the Chamber emphasizes the need for policies that promote prudent risk management and corporate governance, minimizing the need for financial bailouts. We work together with Utah business owners to press for policies that promote responsible and sustainable behavior in the financial industry, including prudent risk management and corporate governance.
However, fiscal responsibility is not the only area that requires our collaborative focus during this upcoming session. Utah, like many other states, faces a critical shortage of skilled workers across various industries. To address this challenge, the Chamber advocates for immigration reform that increases pathways for legal immigration while addressing border security. Fixing the broken immigration system will address workforce demands, protect the national interest and allow communities and families to prosper.
Lastly, permitting reform serves as an opportunity to empower businesses by simplifying the process, reducing regulatory burdens and encouraging responsible decision-making at the state and local levels. By engaging businesses, industry experts and government officials in constructive dialogue, we can streamline regulatory processes, eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and create a more business-friendly environment. This collaborative approach empowers entrepreneurs and fuels Utahâs economic engine. (Read More)
News Releases
Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness releases new strategic plan
The Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness announces the release of its strategic plan to ensure its continued efforts to render homelessness brief, rare and non-recurring are focused on best practice, collaboration and data. The strategic plan is a living document designed to coordinate prevention, crisis response and long-term strategies across providers and with state, county and city government efforts. Importantly, the plan is and will continue to be informed by the expertise of individuals with lived experience. The Coalitionâs plan centers on foundational pillars of addressing disparities and ensuring equity for people experiencing homelessness, implementing data-driven strategies, and collaborating across systems to ensure individuals in crisis are placed in appropriate housing and receive the services needed to stay successfully housed. (Read More)
Utah Port Authority delivers on sustainability commitment with presentation of wetlands policy
The Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) pitched its comprehensive Wetlands Policy to their board today. The policy outlines regulations and strategies to protect and conserve wetlands within its project areas. The policy is now open for review by UIPAâs board and invites public input to ensure responsible land management and environmental preservation. (Read More)
Beaver County embarks on new era of economic growth with Utah Inland Port area
The Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) Board of Directors unanimously approved the Mineral Mountains Park Project Area resolution for Beaver County, creating Utahâs sixth inland port. The decision was made during UIPAâs board meeting held Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in Milford, Utah. Known for its rich history in rail, mining and agriculture, Beaver County is uniquely positioned to harness the potential of the Mineral Mountains Project Area, leveraging its rugged geography and diverse natural resources. (Read More)
Utah AG and Consumer Protection announce multistate settlement with Blackbaud
Attorney General Sean Reyes and the Utah Department of Commerceâs Division of Consumer Protection announced today that Utah, along with 49 other attorneys general, has reached a settlement with software company Blackbaud for its deficient data security practices and response to a 2020 ransomware event that exposed the personal information of millions of consumers across the United States. Under the settlement, Blackbaud has agreed to overhaul its data security and breach notification practices and make a $49.5 million payment to states. Utah will receive $573,977 from the settlement. (Read More)
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