Let’s prepare for Utah’s future economy
The state must be forward-looking as we recover from COVID-19, and ensure we cultivate an economy that can allow small and large businesses alike to thrive for decades to come. That is where a “regulatory sandbox” can be both a...
SB 95 & SB 96: More Funding for Economic and Workforce Development
These bills remove USTAR from code and move $15 million of funding to economic and workforce development programs.
SB 81: More Cash Rebates and Tax Credits for the Film Industry
This bill increases the cash rebates and tax incentives that can be given to film companies.
SB 56: Transparency in Local Economic Development
This bill requires cities counties to produce a transparency website showing tax exemptions they provide to favored businesses.
HB 386: Forcing Taxpayers to Fund Business Loans
This bill carves out 1.3% of sales tax revenue to fund loans for businesses who wish to apply.
SB108: Protecting Birthing Centers from Protectionist Prohibitions
This bill passed the Senate 24-2 and passed the House 62-4. Libertas Institute supports this bill. At present hospitals are able to shield themselves from competition by birthing centers, operated by midwives, by denying them the...
Utah Spends Over $176,000 to Create a Single Job
Update: The article has been edited to include reference to a second audit conducted. We have often argued that government agents are not economic developers, though they often engage in the practice. And despite repeated...
Selling Our Birthright for a Mess of Pottage
The following op-ed by our president Connor Boyack was published in today’s Standard Examiner. If you remember your Bible stories, you’ll recall Esau and Jacob, the twin sons of Isaac and grandsons of Abraham. By being born...
Recipient of GOED Funds Explains Why They’re Not Necessary
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development exists, in its own words, to “provide rich business resources for the creation, growth and recruitment of companies to Utah and to increase tourism and film production in...
Provo Restaurant Received Federal Funding, Closed Doors After Three Months
Nilsen Septon had a dream of owning his own restaurant—considering himself, in his own words, “crazy enough” to do so. Thus began an arduous path towards his restaurant, Nellie’s Diner, opening for business in...