Sutherland Institute

Originally published by the Deseret News. Despite its complexity and absence of empathy, math always has served as the arbiter of fact vs. opinion. But when the math itself comes into question, we are left to partisan interpretations — and…

Operation Rio Grande was a crucial short-term solution to a growing problem in Salt Lake City. In the long run, however, it will take impassioned private efforts, not government programs, to avoid Operation Rio Grande 2.0 next year (or in…

Originally published by the Deseret News. Another annual general session of the state Legislature is in the books. What a remarkable process. We have much to appreciate about this annual forum: the reasons we have it, the people that make…

Originally published by Utah Policy. A recent television ad campaign calls for a complete and permanent halt to chaining on Utah’s BLM lands. Chaining is the practice of dragging a heavy chain between two tractors to rip out large woody plants, and it’s…

If you choose to participate in a protest, remember that it is not the end. It’s a start. There is no shortage of things to protest for or against in our country. Our protest culture has become the only way…

The following two charts illustrate the stark economic differences between urbanized areas of the state and rural Utah by comparing unemployment rates. This chart shows three snapshots in unemployment data for four selected regions. The Wasatch Front is the most…

Originally published by the Deseret News. On its way to the governor’s desk is legislation proposed by Utah Rep. Keith Grover that would create a scholarship for students to attend a vocational school. Here’s why it’s great: Any student from any background…

Originally published by Utah Policy. In the final days of the 2018 session, Utah’s legislative leaders have agreed to raise property taxes (freezing the state property tax rate) and put a gas tax increase on the ballot to fund public schools, in…

Originally published in the Deseret News. Headlines describe an America in decline. Our better angels seem absent, and every vice that can be labeled uniquely American is on full display. Our United States of America feels anything but united. We…

Presented before the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee of the Utah Legislature by Stan Rasmussen, Sutherland Institute vice president. Thank you, Mr. Chair and good afternoon, Representatives. Stan Rasmussen with Sutherland Institute. What a privilege it is to speak…