Many Utah voters have become disenchanted with the political system.
Mistrust, disappointment and frustration have deterred many from the political process and civic participation. However, to achieve favorable electoral outcomes, the business community needs to elevate its political engagement. A volatile election season yields many risks for business, chief of which includes the election of anti-business individuals to office. The election of anti-business candidates would result in serious negative consequences for the community and state economies.
Why Business Should be Engaged
The private sector drives innovation and powers the economy, while the government makes and executes public policy. A strong relationship between the business community and government is essential for effective economic development. The Utah community as a whole desires a healthy and vibrant economy leading to the creation of additional jobs, increased revenue, higher wages and a better standard of living. Because of this, advocates are needed at each level of government to best represent the business community’s interests on issues ranging from regulations and taxes to infrastructure and education. The business community cannot afford to take a step back without fighting to ensure advocates for healthy economic and pro-business interests are elected at each level of government.
A Business Call to Action
There are multiple ways in which the business community may act to ensure pro-business candidates are elected. Every year the Salt Lake Chamber in conjunction with its Executive Board creates the Top 10 Legislative Priorities to outline the business community’s policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session and calendar year. At the end of each legislative session, the Chamber publishes a Legislative Recap which outlines the priority bills that the Chamber tracked during the session. In addition, it designates those state legislators who demonstrated a willingness to prioritize the success of Utah’s economy as “Business Champions,” as well as a stand-out “Legislator of the Year”. Businesses and citizens alike are invited to read and assess these publications to know who best to support during this year’s elections.
The following list provides additional ways to get involved this election cycle:
- Contribute/Donate to campaigns
- Sponsor campaign events
- Sponsor candidate forums/debates
- Publicly support candidates
- Learn how to become a county/state Delegate: HERE
- Recognize pro-business candidates by reading the Salt Lake Chamber 2018 Top 10 Legislative Priorities: HERE & Legislative Recap: HERE
- Provide candidate information to employees
- Help employees register to vote
- Allow adequate time for employees to participate civically
- Become a member of the Salt Lake Chamber
