Currently Utah’s economy is relatively strong and jobs are generally available for all who want them.  State government and our universities must actively partner with businesses in order to develop the new technologies and products which will continue to drive Utah’s economy and create a better future for all of us.

Government Regulations:
Private enterprise is the foundation of our nation; State government has an important role in the regulation of commercial activity to ensure public safety, and the welfare of its citizens and businesses.  However, no matter how well meaning the goal, it is generally wise to limit governmental intrusion into business and the personal lives of its citizens, except in the most necessary of circumstances.

Economic development efforts, when undertaken by government using tax dollars, walk a fine line between helping attract new businesses and jobs to an area and weakening the general competitiveness for all types of business.  To a certain extent, the most effective economic development is simply to remove regulation, tax burden and governmental interference in free enterprise.

Education and Workforce Training:
The education level of our children and of our existing workforce provides the framework for Utah’s long-term economic growth.  A strong public education system and the availability of technically skilled people are vital to our region’s future prosperity and quality of life.  Business has a critical role to play, in partnership with our educational institutions, and those that provide workforce training services, in helping ensure that our workforce development is of the highest quality and meets the employment needs of the business community.

Taxes:
We must also strengthen the economy by reforming our tax code. Let's be clear on what our State tax system should accomplish: A fair and simple tax code should generate sufficient revenue for both State and Local government to carry out only necessary tasks. It must not place a tax burden on those members of society least able to bear one. And, it should not restrict the innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities that made Utah such a great state and America such a great nation.

Local Control:
There is a need for local governments to be able to make decisions which create the climate which is attractive for their citizens. In general, decisions regarding local planning and zoning and other “development” issues are best left to the local governmental authority, not the State or Federal government.  However, governments need to be aware of their obligation to protect the rights of the minority, including property owners and business people.  The exercise of Eminent Domain by local government should be limited to property required to fulfill a public need or to areas of properly designated urban blight; in such cases due process, and fair and just compensation must be provided to property owners.