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As a dedicated advocate and steward for Utah’s economy and the prosperity of its people, the Salt Lake Chamber has championed big-picture issues that shape the economic landscape of our great state. From taxation and regulation to international trade, labor laws, energy and infrastructure, we are focused on fostering a robust economic environment in Utah.
However, we recognize that Utah’s economic well-being is intricately linked to the health of the national economy. With this understanding, we have broadened our focus to encompass a diverse range of federal priorities that are instrumental in ensuring a long-term, strong national economy — critical to Utah’s ongoing economic prosperity.
While core economic issues remain relevant and significant, we also want to emphasize the following key priorities of permitting reform, improving foreign relations, advocating for immigration reform, addressing fiscal policy, promoting free markets, improving grid resiliency, access to Reagan National Airport, and promoting civility in political engagement.
By prioritizing these emergent critical issues, the Salt Lake Chamber seeks to ensure a strong, vibrant and resilient economy in Utah — one that is interconnected with and contributes to the long-term success of our nation.
We thank our entire Federal Delegation, and invite you to collaborate with the Utah business community in shaping policies that pave the way for economic prosperity and opportunities for every citizen. Together, we can build a future that benefits not just Utah but the entire nation, fostering an enduring legacy of growth and stability.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to public service. We eagerly anticipate working alongside you to achieve our shared vision of a prosperous and thriving America.
In recent years, incivility in politics has become a significant problem. Many elected officials have engaged in personal attacks, used derogatory language, and refused to work with one another on critical issues. This type of behavior undermines the democratic process and erodes trust in our elected leaders. Utahns are known for their collaborative spirit, working together to achieve common goals and find solutions to complex challenges. This spirit of collaboration is deeply ingrained in the state’s culture and reflected in everything from our strong community ties to our innovative businesses and public institutions.
We Call Upon Congress to:
The Colorado River Compact is a legal agreement that was signed in 1922 between seven western U.S. states, including Arizona, California, and Utah. The compact allocates the use of water from the Colorado River and its tributaries, which is a crucial source of water for the region’s agriculture, industry, and growing populations. Under the compact, the upper basin states (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) are required to deliver a certain amount of water to the lower basin states (Arizona, California, and Nevada) each year. Arizona, California, and Nevada are allowed to use a specific amount of water each year, with California receiving the largest allocation. Arizona, California, and Utah have a shared water interest in the compact because they all rely on the Colorado River for water. Therefore, they have a stake in ensuring the water is fairly allocated and the river is properly managed to meet their needs. This has become particularly important in recent years, as drought conditions have reduced the flow of the Colorado River, putting pressure on the compact’s allocation system and prompting discussions about how to adapt to a changing climate.
We Call Upon Congress to:
Misguided regulations can create more harm than good to economic conditions by imposing unnecessary costs and burdens on businesses, reducing their competitiveness and ability to create jobs. Regulations that are not well-designed or based on sound science can lead to unintended consequences, such as stifling innovation and reducing productivity. Regulations can play an important role in protecting public health and the environment, but they must be carefully designed and based on sound science to avoid unintended consequences and unnecessary costs. Regulatory agencies must balance the need for protection with the costs of compliance, and engage in ongoing evaluation and improvement of their regulatory programs to ensure they are achieving their intended goals in the most efficient and effective way possible.
We Call Upon Congress to:
Ronald Reagan International Airport (DCA) has been governed by a perimeter rule since 1966. Over the years, that rule has changed to allow flights from further and further away, but the same basic principle has remained: DCA is to serve as a short-and medium-haul airport in the Washington D.C. area. The larger Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is to be the area’s primary international and longer domestic hub. The perimeter rule currently allows for flights within 1,250 miles of the airport. Only 20 daily roundtrip flights are allowed to operate from DCA to airports outside this perimeter.
Currently, there is only one flight per day from SLC to DCA, which can limit scheduling flexibility and cause delays or missed opportunities for important meetings. This can impact the ability of Utah-based businesses to compete effectively in the national and global marketplace. By adding a second flight to/from Salt Lake City, business travelers would have increased options and flexibility in scheduling, leading to greater productivity and opportunities for growth.
We Call Upon Congress to:
Bailouts can have long-term consequences for the federal budget. When the government provides financial support to troubled financial institutions, it is essentially taking on their liabilities. This can create a significant burden on the federal budget and limit the government’s ability to fund other important priorities. While bailouts may be necessary in some circumstances to prevent systemic collapse, they should be used sparingly and with caution. It is important for the government to carefully consider the costs and benefits of bailouts, and to explore alternative solutions that can help prevent financial crises in the first place.
We Call Upon Congress to:
The foreign relations between the United States and China have entered a period of escalating strain, marked by a trade war that has sparked tariffs and economic uncertainty. Alongside economic tensions, military competition has contributed to the mounting pressures between the two nations. However, it is not only in these traditional arenas that the strain is felt. The rise of cybersecurity concerns has further complicated our already intricate relationships. As cyberattacks become increasingly frequent and sophisticated, the United States finds itself grappling with a pressing challenge that intersects with the broader landscape of foreign relations. These multifaceted tensions create a challenging environment, impacting areas of cooperation and communication between the U.S. and China.
We Call Upon Congress to:
The electric grid is a critical component of our national infrastructure, providing power to homes, businesses, and public institutions across the country. Any disruptions to the grid can have widespread impacts on public health and safety, as well as economic stability. Modern society has become increasingly dependent on electricity for everything from communication and transportation to healthcare and emergency response.
Given these facts, grid disruptions can lead to significant disruptions in our daily life, especially in the event of extreme weather events, natural disasters, or cyberattacks. Congress has a responsibility to ensure that the electric grid is capable of withstanding potential threats and disruptions and to invest in measures that will improve grid resiliency and protect the American people.
We Call Upon Congress to:
The United States faces a critical workforce shortage crisis across many industries and sectors. This shortage has been exacerbated by several factors, including an aging population, declining birth rates, and a mismatch between the skills of the workforce and the demands of the job market. The shortage is particularly acute in industries such as healthcare, technology, construction, and manufacturing, where the demand for skilled workers is high and the supply of qualified candidates is low. This has led to increased competition for workers, higher labor costs, and slower economic growth.
We Call Upon Congress to:
The American economic system thrives on the principles of free enterprise, enabling businesses to nurture groundbreaking ideas, become industry leaders, and establish organizational structures that suit their needs. The government’s role in the free market is vital, ensuring fair competition and adherence to established regulations, and helping to create a dynamic marketplace that fosters growth, expands opportunities, and bolsters community prosperity.
Free markets facilitate the opportunity for a business to achieve both environmental stewardship and financial success. In fact, the Utah business community has long been actively contributing to environmental improvements and social impact. This demonstration of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a critical component of the positive developments taking place in our state, all without the need for required federal overreach through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) mandates.
We Call Upon Congress to:
When seeking permits, onerous regulations and red tape can cause delays, increase costs, and reduce flexibility. The process can be time-consuming, which can delay projects and limit the ability of businesses to respond to market demands. In addition, complying with regulations and red tape can be costly, as businesses may need to hire specialized consultants or lawyers to navigate the process. The complexity of the permitting process can create uncertainty, which can deter investment and discourage economic growth.
We Call Upon Congress to: