Alliance for a Better Utah

New Report Details How the Federal Shutdown Hit Utah Families, Workers, and Communities

Elizabeth Hutchings — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:28:21 +0000

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Following Congress’s vote to reopen the federal government, the Alliance for a Better Utah today released its Q3 2025 Congressional Quarterly Report, offering the first look at how the shutdown affected Utah’s economy, families, and public services.

The report finds that the weeks-long impasse over skyrocketing healthcare premiums came with serious consequences for the state, including an estimated $680 million in lost economic output per month, delayed paychecks for nearly 58,000 federal workers, and halted SNAP food benefits for more than 169,000 Utahns.

“This shutdown wasn’t an accident. It was the direct result of political gamesmanship in Washington,” said Chase Thomas, Deputy Director of Alliance for a Better Utah. “While Utahns were missing paychecks and losing access to food and healthcare, members of Congress were posturing instead of problem-solving. That’s not leadership—it’s negligence.”

The report breaks down the economic, workforce, tourism, and health impacts of the 2025 shutdown, showing how federal dysfunction in Washington cascaded into local pain across Utah.

“Utahns value responsibility, cooperation, and service,” Thomas added. “We deserve representatives who reflect those values, not ones who use everyday Utah families as bargaining chips in ideological fights.”

The Congressional Quarterly Report is part of Better Utah’s ongoing effort to hold Utah’s federal delegation accountable to the people they represent. Each edition tracks how members of Congress are voting, communicating, and prioritizing Utah’s interests in Washington. The full Q3 2025 Congressional Quarterly Report is available at https://betterutah.org/cqreport

Utah Gets Fair Maps After Seven-Year Fight

Better Utah — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:32:39 +0000

(SALT LAKE CITY, UT) — On November 10th, a Third District Court judge ruled just before midnight that Utah will use fair congressional maps in 2026, upholding what Utahns voted for in 2018 and our courts have protected, now three times.

“Utahns are finally getting what we voted for,” said Taylor Knuth, Executive Director of Alliance for a Better Utah. “When Utahns vote for something, politicians can’t just ignore us. The courts protected our constitutional right to reform our government when politicians refused to follow the law.”

This is the third time the Legislature tried to overturn what voters chose, and the third time courts said no:

2020: SB 200 gutted Prop 4, deemed unconstitutional
2024: Amendment D tried to weaken initiatives, courts voided
2025: Maps drawn with partisan data, again– rejected

The Legislature has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money fighting the will of Utahns and the rulings of judges that they appointed. Instead of wasting our money to protect their own power, they could have increased pay for Utah teachers or funded services for families across the state.

“To legislative leadership: Respect the court’s ruling. Stop wasting our money,” Knuth said. “Voters should choose their politicians. Politicians shouldn’t choose their voters. That’s the Utah way in action. This victory belongs to every Utahn who refused to accept politicians rigging the system.”

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Alliance for a Better Utah is a nonprofit that holds politicians accountable and advocates for progressive policies that make Utah an even better place. The organization improves the lives of all Utahns through advocacy, transparency, and accountability in Utah politics, policy, and government. More information at www.betterutah.org.

Utah Legislature Undermines Proposition 4 with New Maps and Tests

Elizabeth Hutchings — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:38:48 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 6, 2025

Utah Legislature Undermines Proposition 4 with New Maps and Tests

Salt Lake City, UT – Today, the Republican supermajority of the Utah Legislature adopted a new congressional map, S.B. 1012, and codified tests used to judge that map by lawmakers and the courts, S.B. 1011.

Taylor Knuth, Executive Director for Alliance for a Better Utah, issued the following statement:

“What we saw today was politicians choosing power over people, again.

“The Legislature had six maps to choose from. They picked the least competitive map right after the Utah GOP told members it would ‘stop the Democrats.’ Then they passed Brammer’s bill to change how maps get judged, again.

“That’s their game: pick the most rigged map, then change the test so it passes. That’s not following Proposition 4. That’s undermining it.

“Utahns voted for fair maps in 2018. The Legislature has spent seven years and hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars fighting that vote. SB200. Amendment D. Now SB1011 and SB1012.

“The Court will review both the map and Brammer’s bill. The Court has already ruled once that the Legislature violated Utahns’ constitutional right to reform government.

“We support the courts’ power in checking the Legislature on drawing fair maps and hope to see the Courts side with the people of Utah again.”

###Alliance for a Better Utah is a nonprofit that holds politicians accountable and advocates for progressive policies that make Utah an even better place. The organization improves the lives of all Utahns through advocacy, transparency, and accountability in Utah politics, policy, and government. More information at www.betterutah.org.

Better Utah Institute Releases Redistricting Map Analysis During the Public Comment Period

Elizabeth Hutchings — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 21:35:57 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 29, 2025

Better Utah Institute Releases Redistricting Map Analysis During the Public Comment Period

(SALT LAKE CITY, UT) — As Utah is in a pivotal phase in the court-ordered redistricting process, Better Utah Institute has released an in-depth analysis of the congressional map proposals currently under consideration by the Utah Legislature. This release is intended to inform the public during the official comment period and promote transparency, accountability, and voter awareness.

The analysis evaluates each map based on four key criteria widely used by redistricting experts and supported by the standards included in Proposition 4:

Evaluation Criteria:

City Splits: The number of cities that are divided across multiple districts. Proposition 4 emphasized the importance of minimizing splits to preserve community representation.
County Splits: The number of counties split across multiple districts. Keeping counties whole helps maintain consistent local governance and representation.
Compactness: A measurement of how geographically compact each district is, based on a 0–100 scale. More compact districts reduce the likelihood of gerrymandering.
Competitiveness: Indicates the likelihood that more than one political party can viably compete in an election within a given district. Higher scores reflect greater electoral fairness.
Proportionality: Assesses how closely the share of seats aligns with each party’s share of the statewide vote. A higher score suggests the map better reflects voters’ preferences.

The proposed maps, identified by options A through E, and the Escamilla/Owens map, are scored accordingly to allow for public comparison. The full analysis, including maps and methodology, is available as an attachment to this release and at https://betterutahinstitute.org/maps.

Better Utah encourages all Utahns to participate in the public comment period and demand congressional maps that reflect the will of the people, not partisan interests.

Are Your Members Of Congress Doing Their Job?

Elizabeth Hutchings — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:25:39 +0000

We believe information is power.

Each year since 2019, we’ve created the annual Progress Report to help you evaluate how your state legislators are doing their job, and if their votes align with progressive values. Now, we’ve created a tool that helps you understand what your members of Congress have been up to in the last quarter.

Much like a quarterly report to investors (although with a lot less numerical data to crunch) this document is an easy, visual tool for you to read and evaluate if your congressional delegation is performing in a way that adds value to your life. And it’s meant to be shared with your community. We hope it sparks conversation, questions and action. Share it with your friends, family, neighbors and colleagues .

Why We Created The Utah Congressional Report

You already know us for our annual Progress Report that tracks how state legislators vote on issues that matter to Utah progressives. Now, we’re bringing that same easily digestible evaluation to Washington. Every quarter, we’ll track how Utah’s congressional delegation is representing you—their key votes, their statements, and whether their work reflects Utah values.

What you'll find inside

Think of this as your quarterly investor report, but instead of stock performance, we’re tracking something far more important: how well your representatives are performing for you and your community. We’ve designed this to be visual and accessible with facts, context, and insights you won’t find in any press release, including who their top donor industries were of the quarter.

This quarter's focus

Q2 was dominated by one big issue: H.R. 1, aka the big (not-so) beautiful bill, which was a massive piece of sprawling legislation that touched everything from Medicaid expansion to school funding. We break down how Utah’s delegation approached this critical vote and what it means for families across our state.

Your Tool For Civic Engagement

We believe information is power, and this report is designed to empower you. Read it, share it with your neighbors, discuss it over a beverage with friends. We hope it sparks conversation, questions and action for your community.

Questions? Thoughts? We’d love to hear from you – just send us an email!

To stay up to date on what Utah’s representatives in Congress are up to, join the Beehive Briefing!

This Isn’t Just About LGBTQ People—It’s About All of Us

Chase Thomas — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 21:39:13 +0000

Over the past several years, Utah has seen a sharp increase in anti-LGBTQ legislation—particularly targeting transgender youth.

These laws aren’t coming out of nowhere. They’re part of a broader national movement to roll back civil rights and enforce rigid social norms under the guise of “protecting children” and “preserving traditional values.”

But make no mistake: these laws are not about safety or fairness. They are about control, fear, and distraction. And while LGBTQ Utahns are the immediate targets, the consequences ripple far beyond any one community.

How Did We Get Here? Utah’s Anti-LGBTQ Turn

In just the past few legislative sessions, Utah lawmakers have introduced and passed laws that would have been unthinkable a decade ago.

2022: Restrictions in Social Activities/Athletics

In 2022, the Utah Legislature overrode Governor Spencer Cox’s veto to enact a ban on transgender girls participating in school sports.

2023: Controlling What Healthcare People Choose

In 2023, lawmakers passed a ban on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors—blocking young people from receiving medically recommended care that has been shown to improve mental health and well-being.

2024: Encouraging Toilet Police & Censoring Libraries

In 2024, lawmakers targeted transgender Utahns by attempting to ban their use of public restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender. We also saw efforts to restrict discussions of LGBTQ topics in schools and public libraries, and proposals to “review” books for so-called “sensitive content”—language that often just means “any story that acknowledges LGBTQ people exist.”

2025: Restricting Free Speech

In 2025, lawmakers passed a ban on the display of flags in public schools, universities, and government buildings, specifically targeting the flying of the Pride flag. They also continued the effort of policing intimate spaces by prohibiting transgender students from living in dorm rooms that align with their gender.

All of this is happening despite polling showing that most Utahns support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people and believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect. So why is the Legislature marching in the opposite direction?

Why Is This Happening? Political Extremism Is Driving This

Let’s be blunt: the increase in anti-LGBTQ legislation in Utah aligns with the far-right’s playbook across the country. Politicians and interest groups—often backed by national organizations with deep pockets—have identified LGBTQ rights, and especially transgender rights, as an effective wedge issue to rile up their base. It’s cynical, it’s cruel, and unfortunately, it works.

We’re witnessing the normalization of political extremism in Utah. Lawmakers increasingly propose bills not based on evidence, community need, or expert guidance, but based on what’s trending in the Fox News outrage cycle or what earns them points at the next Republican state convention. It’s the same dynamic that fuels book bans, whitewashed school curriculums, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and attacks on reproductive rights.

This shift has been years in the making. The Utah Republican Party, once dominated by more traditional conservatives and moderate voices, has been steadily overtaken by a hardline, ideological faction. It’s not just about LGBTQ issues—it’s a worldview that distrusts public education, dismisses science, demonizes “outsiders,” and frames any attempt at inclusion or diversity as a threat.

Why Does This Matter? The Broader Harm

If you don’t identify as LGBTQ, you might wonder why this matters to you. Here’s the truth: when we allow the state to target one group, we normalize policies and politics that make all of us less free and less safe.

1. It Harms Our Kids

These laws hurt kids. Study after study shows that anti-LGBTQ legislation directly correlates with spikes in mental health crises among LGBTQ youth. In Utah, where suicide is already the leading cause of death for young people, this is unconscionable. By banning medically necessary care and erasing affirming education, lawmakers are sending a clear message to LGBTQ kids: “You don’t belong here.” That’s a message no child should ever hear. No parent should have to bury their child because they felt unwelcome in the world.

2. It Threatens Teachers, Doctors & Librarians

Second, this legislation puts teachers, doctors, and public employees in impossible positions. Educators are being told to stay silent about LGBTQ history and issues, or even report students who come out to them. Health care providers are threatened with professional consequences for following best practices. Libraries are seeing organized efforts to remove books by and about LGBTQ authors. The chilling effect is real—and it makes schools and public institutions worse for everyone.

3. It Endangers Our Economy

Third, these laws damage our economy and reputation. Utah has long branded itself as a business-friendly, family-oriented state with strong communities. But when lawmakers push discriminatory policies, we risk driving away talented professionals, students, and companies who don’t want to live or invest in a place where civil rights are up for debate.

4. It’s a Slippery Slope For Our Freedoms

Finally—and perhaps most importantly—these laws erode our democracy. They’re part of a larger strategy that thrives on disinformation, manufactured panic, and political bullying. By turning marginalized people into scapegoats, politicians distract from real issues like affordable housing, underfunded schools, climate change, and health care access.

We all lose when fear wins.

A National Playbook, a Local Fight

If this sounds familiar, that’s because Utah isn’t alone. Since 2021, we’ve seen a tidal wave of anti-LGBTQ bills in states across the country. Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law. Texas’s efforts to classify gender-affirming care as child abuse. Missouri’s restrictions on trans athletes and drag performances. It’s a coordinated campaign—and Utah lawmakers are willingly importing it.

Groups like the Alliance Defending Freedom and the Heritage Foundation have been instrumental in crafting model legislation and pushing lawmakers to adopt it at the state level. Their goal isn’t just to pass laws—they want to reshape American culture in their image, and they’re using the machinery of government to do it.

But local resistance matters. Utahns are organizing. Parents, students, educators, and faith leaders are speaking out. LGBTQ advocacy groups are showing up at the Capitol. Some lawmakers, though too few, are beginning to push back. That momentum must grow.

What You Can Do

This moment calls for more than just passive support. Here’s what you can do to fight back:

Stay informed. Sign up for daily updates from trusted local organizations (like us!) that track these issues and explain what’s happening in plain language.
Show up. Attend rallies, school board meetings, and legislative hearings. Public pressure works.
Call your lawmakers. Even if they usually vote the wrong way, they need to hear from constituents who care about inclusion and equality.
Support LGBTQ youth. Make your support visible—in your workplace, your schools, your congregations, and your family.
Vote. Vote. Vote. Extremism thrives when turnout is low. Mobilize your networks and vote in every election—especially local ones.

We All Deserve Better

At the end of the day, this is about the kind of Utah we want to live in. Do we want a state where people live in fear, or one where everyone can thrive? Do we want a government that bullies kids and censors books, or one that builds a better future for all?

The anti-LGBTQ agenda may be gaining ground in the Legislature, but it doesn’t reflect who we are. Utahns believe in fairness. We believe in compassion. And we believe that everyone—everyone—deserves to be treated with dignity.

Let’s prove it.

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“Dear Utah” Letter Writing Campaign Has Over 550 Attendees Sending Senator Mike Lee Over 2,000 Letters

Elizabeth Hutchings — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 22:25:24 +0000

(SALT LAKE CITY, UT) — Last night, Alliance for a Better Utah, Elevate Utah, and others hosted a letter-writing event to remind Senator Lee who he works for: Utahns. There were over 550 people in attendance from across the state who wrote over 2,000 letters. The issues ranged from public lands to Senator Lee’s spread of disinformation to his appalling comments about the Minnesota tragedy.

“People are hungry for community,” said Taylor Knuth, Executive Director of Alliance for a Better Utah. “There isn’t just frustration, but a hunger to do something. Last night reminded folks they are not alone. People wrote letters, not just venting online. This is about building power in a thoughtful and respectful way. Everyone at this event last night, and even more not attending, love this state, and are frustrated with the direction it is going.”

Alliance for a Better Utah, along with other partners, will be hosting more of these events across the state and continue to create community to truly make a better Utah.

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A Flag Worth Fighting For

Better Utah — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 22:22:02 +0000

In Utah, a flag can now say too much.

Earlier this year, the passage of HB 77 quietly transformed public spaces into zones of selective silence. Under this law, only certain flags are allowed to fly like the American flag, state symbols, and a few government-approved emblems. Flags representing identity, advocacy, or belonging are now banned.

The Myth of Neutrality

This legislation claims to promote “political neutrality,” but in reality, it enforces selective censorship. After all, there is nothing “politically neutral” about limiting free speech. HB 77 disguises discrimination under the pretense of neutrality and erases the visibility of many Utahns from public life. As critics of the bill have warned, the law invites free speech litigation, chills expression in schools, and leaves vulnerable communities feeling erased and unwelcome. What HB 77 truly represents is not neutrality, but raw fear: fear of difference, fear of identity, and fear of change.

Moreover, the language used to frame the bill is vague and excluding. “Display” is defined as placing a flag in a prominent, visible location on government property, and the law carves out exceptions only for flags that align with state-sanctioned “causes.” By selectively allowing only some perspectives to be visible, the bill restricts expressive speech in public institutions and sends a clear message: only some people belong here.

The Cost to Classrooms

Now, more than ever teachers and administrators are afraid of displaying flags, of showing their support. This ingrained fear may lead to educators simply opting out of showing any symbols that indicate inclusion. Ultimately, this absence creates an environment where marginalized students feel unseen and unsupported. This leads to detrimental effects in learning retention as research shows that students thrive when they feel a sense of belonging. They are more engaged, more motivated, and more likely to succeed academically. With the implementation of HB 77 this is sure to decrease as HB 77 violates this essential sense of safety.

Even in Utah’s most diverse schools, students still face barriers toward expression. For them, seeing a pride flag or a heritage symbol in a classroom is more than a political statement – it’s a lifeline. A signal that, here I can belong, here I can be myself. Without these signals of safety, students are more likely to experience anxiety and suppress parts of their identity. Teachers lose the ability to build authentic relationships with their students. That loss is not only educational, it is deeply human.

Worse yet, HB 77 contains enforcement mechanisms including potential fines. These punitive measures introduce fear and ambiguity into schools and government workplaces, pressuring administrators and teachers to over-correct to avoid penalties. Salt Lake City, understanding the profound transcendental impacts this bill has, took fast action and public stand against HB 77. It was due to this quick thinking that Salt Lake can still fly their flags high.

Erasure Beyond Education

While much of the discussion around HB 77 has centered on schools and students, the bill extends far beyond the classroom. This legislation applies to all government property across Utah, including city halls, public libraries, courthouses, and other public institutions. Anywhere considered a government entity is now subject to the same restrictions on flag displays.

That means a Pride flag in a public library window, a cultural celebration banner at a city event, or a symbol of solidarity displayed in a government office is now prohibited. These public spaces are being stripped of identity.

The result is a quiet but powerful erasure. By banning certain flags from all government-owned spaces, Utah is signaling whose voices matter, and whose do not. And it sends a chilling message to the people: either conform or disappear. HB 77 isn’t just targeting student expression; it’s shrinking the public square for everyone.

The Illusion of “No Politics”

Today, it’s flags. Tomorrow, it could be books, curriculum, classroom discussions, or even free thought. The logic of HB 77; the government determining which identities are too “controversial” to be seen, paves a dangerous path. As Governor Spencer Cox acknowledged, HB 77 is “one of the most divisive bills of the session.” Though he signed it into law, he simultaneously offered words of comfort to Utah’s LGBTQ+ community: “I know that recent legislation has been difficult… I want you to know that I love and appreciate you… I know these words may ring hollow.” Indeed, they do. Because love without protection is hollow. Appreciation without policy is meaningless.

However, censorship traverses many realms and here it’s not about what is removed but rather who is removed. Due to the implementation of HB 77, marginalized communities are being stripped of their voices, their symbols, and their flags. HB 77’s slippery slope is no longer a fallacy but rather an impending reality.

Pluralism – defined as the “a state of society in which members of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, or social groups maintain and develop their traditional culture or special interest within the confines of a common civilization”- is a cornerstone of democracy. HB 77 weakens that foundation by silencing minority expression, mandating ideological conformity, and discouraging civic education. When students are told their personal identities are too “political” to be displayed, we are not teaching neutrality, we are teaching exclusion.

The concept of “neutrality” introduced in HB 77 is an illusion. In reality, this so-called neutrality becomes a mechanism for silencing voices that deviate from the mainstream. Even saying nothing says something. By removing Pride and BLM flags while allowing nationalistic symbols, the law is not neutral, it is nationalist. It doesn’t remove politics from classrooms; it replaces one type of politics with another.

This Is Not Just About a Flag

HB 77 is not just about cloth on a pole. It is about visibility, voice, and validation. It asks us: who gets to be seen? Who gets to belong? The answer, under this law, is not everyone.

But here’s the truth: a government that fears a flag fears the people it governs. And a state that silences its most vulnerable does not build unity, it builds resentment. If we truly care about our children, we will not shield them from difference, we will prepare them for it. The future of public education, democracy, and belonging depends on our willingness to protect every student’s right to see themselves reflected in the world around them.

Take a Stand

Let us raise the flag, not just as a symbol, but as a stand. Support Alliance for a Better Utah’s initiative to distribute Pride Flags. Go to thisisnotaprideflag.com and support the initiative.

Author: Aahana Sharmacharya

Aahana was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and raised in Canada before moving to Utah. Here, she attends high school entering junior year this coming fall. An aspiring orthopedic surgeon, she’s passionate about mobility, healthcare access, and building a more equitable future for all Utahns.

Her interest in medicine began with volunteer work at a senior care center and expanded through hands-on experience as a physical therapy technician, where she supported patients working to regain strength and independence. These experiences sparked her deeper curiosity about how policy and advocacy impact public health—especially for underserved communities.

At school, Aahana is an active member of HOSA–Future Health Professionals and participates in initiatives that promote both physical and emotional well-being. She’s also an avid writer and aspiring author, currently working toward publishing her debut book. In her free time, she enjoys skiing at Brighton and going hiking.

Through her internship with Better Utah, Aahana hopes to amplify youth voices in policy conversations and explore how advocacy can shape a healthier, more just society.

The Session Between the Sessions: Why Your Voice Matters Year-Round

Chase Thomas — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 18:53:10 +0000

The Utah Legislature operates on a part-time basis, convening for a 45-day General Session each year from January to March. However, the legislative process doesn’t halt once this session concludes. From May through November (excluding July), lawmakers engage in Interim Sessions—monthly meetings that are a crucial part in shaping their legislative agenda.

What is the Interim Session?

The Interim Session comprises a series of committee meetings and activities that occur monthly between the annual General Sessions. These sessions provide legislators with the opportunity to delve deeper into policy issues, conduct research, gather input from experts and, at times, the public, and draft legislation for future consideration.

Interim committees, composed of members from both the House and Senate, focus on specific policy areas such as education, health, transportation, and judiciary. Appropriations committees, also composed of both representatives and senators, occasionally meet as well to dive into budget issues.

What happens during the Interim Session?

Interim Sessions serve multiple functions:

Policy Development: Committees study key issues facing the state, often based on items not addressed during the General Session. They listen to expert and public testimony to determine whether to recommend legislation and vote to prioritize particular bills for the upcoming General Session or future special sessions.
Budget Preparation: Appropriations subcommittees engage in detailed budgetary reviews, considering every program in the state budget over a five-year cycle. This process allows for budget adjustments, program evaluations, and recommendations for statute amendments, ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective allocation of resources.
Public Engagement: Interim Sessions are open to the public, providing opportunities for citizens to attend committee meetings and stay informed about legislative developments. Meetings are held at the Utah State Capitol complex and are also live-streamed and recorded for broader accessibility. Activists and advocacy groups, such as Better Utah, regularly attend meetings and provide updates to their constituencies on what took place and how you can get involved.

How is the Interim Session different from the General Session?

While the General Session is characterized by a fast-paced environment where bills are introduced, debated, and passed within a limited timeframe, the Interim Session allows for more in-depth exploration of policy matters. Experts and officials from the executive branch are invited to present on policy issues and, at times, lawmakers even take field trips to tour off-site locations related to their subject areas.

This slower pace also gives constituents more of an opportunity to reach out to their representatives and senators and discuss issues that are important to themselves or their communities. Lawmakers are able to start opening bill files at the beginning of May, so they can bring constituent ideas to life if legislation is necessary to address them and work on crafting the language of those bills in a more relaxed environment outside of the legislative session.

During the General Session, standing committees are composed exclusively of members from either the House or Senate. In contrast, Interim Committees are joint committees that include members from both chambers, fostering collaborative discussions and comprehensive policy analysis.

Why is the Interim Session important?

The Interim Session plays a vital role in the legislative process by allowing lawmakers to:

Respond to Emerging Issues: Interim Sessions enable the legislature to address new challenges and evolving needs promptly, ensuring that policies remain relevant and effective.
Thoroughly Vet Legislation: With more time for discussion and analysis, legislators can refine proposed bills, address potential issues, and build consensus before the General Session.

How can you get involved in the Interim Session?

Citizens are encouraged to participate in the Interim Sessions by:

Attending Meetings: Interim committee meetings are open to the public, and schedules are available on the Utah Legislature’s website.
Providing Input: Public comments are sometimes welcomed during interim committee meetings, offering a chance to influence policy discussions and decisions. If there isn’t a public comment period, constituents are encouraged to email their lawmakers with thoughts on the issue or proposed bill.
Staying Informed: By following interim activities, residents can stay updated on legislative priorities and developments that may impact their communities.

In summary, the Utah Legislature’s Interim Session is a critical period for policy development, budget preparation, and public engagement. By participating during the interim period between legislative sessions, you can play an active role in shaping the laws and policies that impact your life and those of your families and communities.

Stay Informed!

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This is (Not) A Pride Flag: Alliance for a Better Utah Launches Pride Merch Line in Response to Statewide LGBTQ+ Flag Ban

Elizabeth Hutchings — Wed, 28 May 2025 16:18:03 +0000

(SALT LAKE CITY, UT) — Alliance for a Better Utah today announced the launch of a new merchandise collection titled “This Is (Not) A Pride Flag,” inspired by Salt Lake City’s newly adopted municipal flags. The collection is a creative, community-driven response to HB77, a recently passed law that bans the display of Pride flags on public school and government property across Utah.

Passed during the 2025 legislative session, HB77 made Utah the first state in the country to formally ban rainbow flags from public institutions. Sponsored by Rep. Trevor Lee and Sen. Daniel McCay, the bill initially failed to prohibit hate symbols such as Nazi flags, an oversight that was only corrected after significant public backlash.

In response, Salt Lake City’s Mayor, Erin Mendenhall, and the Salt Lake City Council introduced and adopted new city flags that incorporate rainbow colors, the state’s official flower (the sego lily), and design elements that honor the LGBTQ+ community, all while remaining fully compliant with the new legislation.

“Salt Lake City’s response was both courageous and strategic,” said Taylor Knuth, Executive Director at Alliance for a Better Utah. “They demonstrated what it means to stand up for your constituents even when constrained by deeply flawed and discriminatory legislation. This merch collection builds on that leadership and turns it into action.”

Developed in collaboration with local advocacy partners, the “This Is (Not) A Pride Flag” line features a range of apparel and accessories, including flags, t-shirts, hats, and stickers, showcasing Salt Lake City’s new official designs. Additionally, all proceeds from the Salt Lake City flag purchases will benefit local nonprofit organizations working to support and uplift Utah’s LGBTQ+ community.

“This project is about more than merchandise,” said Knuth. “It’s about reclaiming our narrative, reaffirming belonging, and transforming government overreach into an opportunity for collective action. We’re proud to be part of a campaign that celebrates both defiance and resilience.”

The collection underscores a broader truth: when political leaders attempt to silence or erase communities, Utahns respond with creativity, resolve, and unity. By turning restrictive legislation into a moment of cultural and civic expression, This Is (Not) A Pride Flag offers Utahns a new way to engage, support, and show solidarity.

To view all of the merchandise and designs, visit www.thisisnotaprideflag.com.

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