The fundamental purpose of our work is to maintain open and transparent government by keeping the electorate informed. Though some find it hard to believe, our state is home to a diverse population of backgrounds and perspectives. Utah citizens put a great deal of trust in local government to ensure that everyone is represented equally.
When elected government officials abuse that trust, whether by acting in accordance with their personal beliefs instead of the law, accepting “gifts” in exchange for political favors, indulging the influence of outside groups or by making important decisions in closed caucus meetings, ABU is there to speak out.
Utah’s conflict of interest problem
With the Legislative session now a month behind us, it’s a good time to reflect not just on what happened, but what we want the Legislature to look like in the future. Utah has long resisted implementing meaningful ethical standards for public officials. As a matter of fact, a few …
County politician is trying to divide Utahns
Utah is one of the fastest growing states in the nation and it isn’t just because we tend to have a lot of kids. In a trend that has only accelerated because of the pandemic, people from around the nation are moving to Utah to take advantage of our strong …
Better education starts in our elections
It’s no secret that Utah’s funding of education is lackluster compared to the rest of the country. On average, the United States spends $12,612 on each student. Utah ranks last, spending only $7,179 on each student. Despite this, Utah’s high school graduation and college attendance rates are higher than average. …
The hills Mike Lee is willing to let Americans die on
With the 2020 election in the rearview mirror, our sights are already set on 2022 as we work toward unseating one of the most dangerous politicians in Washington. Senator Mike Lee’s career was born and sustained on a wave of radicalism. First elected in 2010, the year of the Tea …
Sean Reyes corporate contributions
Last month, a riotous mob stormed the United States Capitol building in an attempt to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. Ever since then, there have been ongoing efforts to hold people accountable for the events of that now infamous day. At least 232 individuals have been …
Utah politicians must be held accountable following the attack on the U.S. Capitol
On January 6th, we saw the consequences of leaders who put the pursuit of power over the principles and norms that form the foundations of our democracy. Trump may have been the one who incited the mob to descend upon the Capitol in frenzied insurrection. But there are plenty more …
Press Release: Burgess Owens accepted illegal contributions
PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2020 Salt Lake City, UT – Today, the New York Times broke the story that Republican candidate for Utah’s 4th Congressional District, Burgess Owens, has accepted at least $130,000 in illegal campaign contributions. These donations were over the legal limit for Congressional donations and have …
Cheryl Acton Election
We are only a couple of weeks away from receiving ballots in our mailboxes and voting in this highly consequential election. And while many of us are understandably captivated and utterly horrified by the race for our next president, there are many equally consequential elections happening at the state and …
