Regarding the recent letter from the Department of Education, the United Utah Party agrees with Governor Cox in the belief that the federal government is too far removed to effectively administer mask mandates. However, with that belief, we also believe that state legislatures are too far removed to make those decisions as well. "Their plan to allow county commissioners and councils to declare mask mandates warps issues of public health and children’s safety into an unfortunate game of political maneuvering,"; says UUP Chair Hillary Stirling.

The United Utah Party is deeply saddened by the tragic events in Afghanistan. Our hearts go out to those suffering. We support Utah's efforts to welcome the Afghans who will likely become refugees, especially those who are in danger because of their cooperation with US military and civilian operations in the country. “As a nation, we have a responsibility to help these Afghans
who have risked their lives to assist us,” says UUP Chair Hillary Stirling.

Checking the headlines lately has left me feeling saddened and even frustrated. Yes, we are in extraordinary times, but on the other hand, there has always been bad news. What matters is how we respond to it.

The United Utah Party supports a balanced approach to America’s infrastructure crisis. The $3.5
trillion infrastructure bill pushed by some Congressional Democrats is problematic, given our
country’s budget deficit and ballooning national debt. Maintaining our physical infrastructure
and implementing broadband are essential for modernizing the American economy. However,
the social programs included in this bill are not something that all Americans agree that we can
afford right now.

The United Utah Party is calling for the repeal of HB1007, the law which prohibits face covering mandates in higher education. HB1007 also prohibits the state school board or districts from imposing mask mandates, instead reserving that ability for the governor and county elected officials in conjunction with local health departments.

A friend recently asked me what makes the United Utah Party different from other political parties. I explained how we are the only political party in the state giving a voice and a vote to the “moderate middle.” My friend wasn’t as interested in our ideology, though. He wanted to know if we operated in the same way as other parties, and I was pleased to be able to tell him about an aspect of the UUP that is often less talked about.

Tonight, the United States Senate advanced a $1 trillion physical infrastructure bill with a vote of 67-32, with Utah Senator Mitt Romney voting with the majority and Senator Mike Lee  joining 16 other Republicans to oppose the bill. 

I grew up watching 1776 and was particularly moved by “Is Anybody There?” While there’s plenty of literary license in it, I always appreciated John Adams’ well-documented vision of an America where all Americans are free. It was a lofty goal, one that we're arguably still working toward but we're undeniably closer to. His commitment, shared and treasured across generations of Americans, has allowed us to come as close as we have to realizing that vision.

As members of the United Utah Party, we break down tribalism, find common ground, and seek understanding. These are all virtues of a Uniter. But I think there is no better expression of being a Uniter than to be united in a common cause for the good of society. We achieve our greatest heights when we are united in purpose, and all do our small part to accomplish great things. 

Mark Echo Hawk, a tribal attorney based in St. George and a member of the United Utah Party, speaks at the 2021 State Convention. Recorded on Zoom, April 24, 2021.