Accountability & Transparency

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.

Accountability/TransparencyIssues

Press Release: Better Utah calls for resignation of Kaysville Mayor Katie Witt

PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2020 Salt Lake City, UT – Today, in response to Mayor Katie Witt’s plan to hold a free concert in Kaysville, Alliance for a Better Utah called for her resignation. The concert would likely break state health guidelines during the Covid-19 outbreak, and could …

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Better Utah in the News
Accountability/TransparencyBetter Utah in the News

Utah’s no-bid contracts guided by personal contacts, CEO suggestions

This article originally appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune. Read it in its entirety here. In the war on COVID-19, Utah has doled out more than $84 million in no-bid contracts and supply orders outside the normal purchasing process designed to promote transparency, fairness and competition among businesses. These procurement shortcuts were necessary during the pandemic, officials argue, to cope with …

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Accountability/TransparencyBetter Utah Staff

Remember in November

Since the beginning of time, government accountability has been rooted in the same struggle: where there is power, there is potential for corruption. We’ve seen this throughout our nation’s history, and it’s no surprise–power can be intoxicating. Leaders all around the world and throughout history have proven to be real-life …

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2020 BillsAccountability/Transparency

Press Release: Better Utah publishes Legislative Progress Report

PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2020 Salt Lake City, UT – Today, Alliance for a Better Utah published its annual Progress Report for the 2020 General Legislative Session. This year, lawmakers were graded for their votes on 54 important bills organized into four categories: Strong Communities, Equal Rights, Good …

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Better Utah in the News
Accountability/TransparencyBetter Utah in the News

Gov. Herbert signs bill requiring him to consult with legislative leaders during emergencies

This article originally appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune. Read it in its entirety here. Gov. Gary Herbert on Monday endorsed one final bill from the Legislature’s recent coronavirus-related special session — a proposal that requires him to consult with House and Senate leaders before taking emergency action. The mandate means Herbert must now give a heads-up to legislators at least …

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Better Utah in the News
Accountability/TransparencyBetter Utah in the News

Utah auditor reviewing $800K buy of anti-malarial drugs, other COVID-19 purchases

This article originally appeared in the Deseret News. Read it in its entirety here. SALT LAKE CITY — Utah State Auditor John Dougall confirmed Friday his office is reviewing the state’s $800,000 purchase of anti-malarial drugs — a controversial move that raised red flags from pharmacists and medical professionals, and has since been refunded. “Yes, we’re looking into it,” Dougall told …

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Better Utah in the News
Accountability/TransparencyBetter Utah in the News

Scrutinized malaria drug purchase to be refunded in Utah

This article originally appeared on KSL News. Read it in its entirety here. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah will be refunded for a $800,000 purchase it spent to buy a malaria drug once touted by President Donald Trump for treating the new coronavirus despite warnings from doctors, officials said Wednesday. Leaders in both Utah and Oklahoma have faced scrutiny for spending millions of …

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Better Utah in the News
Accountability/TransparencyBetter Utah in the News

Utah refunded $800K after purchase of unproven COVID-19 treatment

This article originally appeared on Fox 13. Read it in its entirety here. SALT LAKE CITY — A local pharmacy chain has refunded the State of Utah $800,000 for thousands of pills intended for treating COVID-19. On March 31, the state purchased 20,000 courses of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine – commonly used in the treatment of malaria, but unproven in treating COVID-19 …

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