The Beehive State has surprised the nation more than a few times – Salt Lake City ranks as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the country, and we elected our first female state senator in 1896 – but we still have a long way to go. Utah ranks 47th in the nation the percentage of women in elected office. Our hate crime laws are vague and ineffective; recent efforts to strengthen the language have been only weakly supported. Local government officials have openly refused to retract racist statements.
Every Utahn deserves to lead a safe and productive life, regardless of their gender, sexual identity, or the color of their skin.
Time for Utah to be pro-family in action, not just words
This commentary originally appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune. Recently, a group of Utah lawmakers introduced a “pro-family” bill package featuring expanded contraceptive access, comprehensive sex education, infertility coverage, childcare options and family leave policies. As a parent, I was impressed. If we are serious about wanting to be a …
I want to be proud to be an American
Recently, I read an article (of which it seems there is no shortage these days) lamenting the partisan divide in our country. It used a couple examples from a new study to show how conservatives and liberals misunderstand each other: Democrats tend to assume Republicans don’t believe racism exists (most …
Stop the bans
Earlier this week I was honored to have been asked to speak at a rally hosted by Planned Parenthood, the theme of which was, “Stop the [abortion] Bans.” This rally was a part of a national day of action in response to the recent slew of anti-abortion laws that have …
Press Release: Some Utah Republicans are working to undermine Utah’s Hate Crimes law
PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 25, 2019 Salt Lake City, UT – In response to a proposed resolution seeking to repeal SB103, Utah’s newly minted hate crimes law, at the Utah GOP convention next week, Lauren Simpson, policy director for Alliance for a Better Utah, issued the following statement: “It …
Have you checked out Better Utah’s new Progress Report?
It can be tough to know if your legislators are doing a good job. State representatives tend to slide under the radar, and local elections just aren’t as sexy! We get it, but we also believe supporting good local candidates is the way to make your vote go the distance. …
Commentary: Utah’s new hate crimes law is a complicated victory
This article originally appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune. Tuesday, Gov. Gary Herbert proudly signed Utah’s new hate crime bill into law. It was a legislative effort that stalled for a number of years, but grew wings after the infamous attack at Lopez Tires, where a man brutally beat an 18-year-old and …
Press Release: 78,000 Utahns Left Out On First Day Of Medicaid Enrollment
PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2019 Salt Lake City, UT – In response to the first day of Medicaid enrollment following implementation of limited Medicaid expansion, Chase Thomas, executive director of Alliance for a Better Utah, issued the following statement: “Thanks to the hard work of advocates, activists, and …
Tax reform falls short this session, but conversation continues
This article originally appeared on ABC 4. Read it in its entirety here. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 News) – Time ran out on a massive tax reform bill during the legislative session, but the conversation is moving forward. “Broaden the base and lower the rate.” That has been the rallying …