UNITED UTAH PARTY PLATFORM (2021)

PREAMBLE

The United Utah Party is focused on good government - the process by which our laws are made and executed. We believe that good government requires transparency, fairness, and a robust and civil debate. We believe that public policy should ultimately reflect the will of the people. Public servants must act with integrity and according to their oaths of office.

We do not require candidates or members to agree on all issues. That is why we do not, as a party, take rigid sides on most issues. Candidates and members can take sides, but the party doesn’t have a litmus test. This platform is a statement of the principles that unite us, not necessarily an enumeration of policy positions.

The United Utah Party is not ideological. We ask instead that people come to the political process with good will and good faith. Being a Uniter means doing the listening and the hard work required to find common ground. We persuade when we can, extend a hand of friendship when we cannot, and respect the voice of the people either way.

These guidelines set us apart from other political parties. The United Utah Party believes that solutions can be found to the pressing problems of society using a pragmatic approach, finding common ground with others, and encouraging widespread public involvement in the resolution of public policy issues. We believe in the worth of all individuals in a society and assert that engagement by all is the best means for operating a democratic republic.

GOVERNMENT REFORM

Increase transparency. All proposed bills should be open to meaningful public review. Legislative caucus meetings should also be open. We support ethics reforms that make it easier to identify and eliminate conflicts of interest.

Limit partisan influence. We support more non-partisan elections for positions such as city and county councils, school boards, sheriffs, and attorneys general. Publicly funded primaries should not be restricted to party members.

Expand voter participation. We need to reduce barriers to registration and make it easier for all citizens to vote. We need to strengthen our independent redistricting commission. We seek to expand access to alternative voting systems (such as Ranked Choice, STAR, or Approval voting methods) that reduce costs, encourage civility, and better reflect public will.

Increased government accountability.  We support term limits that will reduce incumbent advantages. We support campaign finance laws that will limit the influence of moneyed special interests.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Balanced Budgets.  We support sound fiscal policies that create viable, long-term balance between government revenues and expenditures for the benefit of current and future generations.

Economic Growth. We support preservation of the free market system as the engine for future economic growth. This growth must “raise all boats”; public policy must promote economic opportunity for all, regardless of social and economic class, including the poor and needy.

Education. We support increased funding for public education as a vehicle for sustained economic growth, an engaged citizenry, and to equip students for a rapidly changing world . Promote policies that balance the empowerment of teachers with accountability to ensure that funds are used effectively.

Environmental Stewardship. We advocate for stewardship for Utah’s natural resources over the long term. We promote policies that protect our air, water, and land to provide quality of life and economic benefits for the many and across generations.

Taxes and Regulations. We support a more efficient tax system that minimizes loopholes, reduces negative effects on working families, and ensures a fair contribution from all. Review regulations and policies to continually assess their value in a changing economy.

SOUND PUBLIC POLICY

Equal Opportunity.  We support laws that provide protection against discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, or sexual orientation. Every individual is of inherent worth, has a right to be respected, and deserves to fully participate in our shared political and economic life.

Faith. We support protection of religious belief and its role in public life, as well as the constitutional right to free exercise of religious expression for all.

Family. We support the family as the basic unit of society and uphold the sanctity of human life including opposition to abortion except in cases of rape, incest, fatal fetal deformities, or serious jeopardy to the life or health of the mother.

Healthcare. We promote reforms that extend healthcare, including mental healthcare, to more people. Reforms should also seek to reduce costs, improve outcomes, and the quality of care.

Immigration. We endorse policy reforms that respect the dignity of individuals and the unity of families. We advocate for a healthy immigration system that includes fair, enforceable laws and that promote the economic benefits of immigration.

Second Amendment.  We support the right of Utahns to possess firearms, while recognizing the need for safeguards to keep them out of the hands of those who would use them irresponsibly.