An Accounting of Our Values

by DAISY THOMAS

Utah is known for its well-functioning economy, touted as a great example of industrial spirit and often, deservedly. The Beehive State is currently one of the best economically recovering states in our nation, which is expected to recover just not nearly as eciently as Utah.

The Dallas Federal Reserve President Robert Kaplan has repeatedly gone on record that he "expects the U.S. economy to grow at about a 5% pace this year," and Utah stands by its ability to lead the nation in its economic outlook with the release of its 2021 Economic Report to the Governor. Hope, positivity, and determination are needed for progress, so things seem to be looking up in 2021, right?

However, as wonderful as Utah is for businesses, as widely reported and as we wrote earlier this year, many are suffering and each day those numbers grow.

How can a state be doing well if its people, who make up the population, are in a near-constant state of struggle, anger, depression, anxiety, and/or fear? What are we prioritizing over the lives that are increasingly at risk of detriment? The disconnect is real.

A recent open letter to state and local policymakers, hopes to address just that. "What if we expanded our definition of the bottom line to include the well-being of our citizens

- their access to stable work, quality child care, healthy foods, and safe communities?"

What if, indeed. Why, we may just live up to our professed values of family, community, and stewardship instead of the idolatry of profits.

"Don't tell me what you value, show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value."

― President Joe Biden, while serving as the 47th United States Vice-President.