In preparation for the upcoming Utah Congressional District 2 Republican Primary on September 5, 2023, and General Election on November 21, 2023, the Salt Lake Chamber asked candidates to provide their stances regarding federal priorities important to the business community.
Topics:
- Permitting Reform: What legislative initiatives will you support to modernize our nation’s permitting process, streamline bureaucracy and reduce the time required for businesses to obtain permits?
- Immigration Reform: What measures do you propose to increase legal immigration and address Utah’s critical workforce shortage crisis?
- Fiscal Stability: How will you work to promote fiscal responsibility and long-term financial stability at the federal level?
- Market Freedom and Corporate Governance: How do you plan to approach federal mandates related to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues?
- EPA Regulation: How will you ensure that federal regulations are well-designed, based on sound science and do not impose unnecessary costs and burdens on businesses?
Candidate responses are listed in alphabetical order.
Disclaimer: We encourage members of Utah’s business community to actively participate in the political process. Any reference obtained from this blog to a specific initiative or issue does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the Salt Lake Chamber. The views and opinions expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect those of the Salt Lake Chamber.
CASSIE EASLEY, Constitution Party
Permitting Reform: What legislative initiatives will you support to modernize our nation’s permitting process, streamline bureaucracy and reduce the time required for businesses to obtain permits?
I will support any initiative that takes the federal government out of all business that does not include interstate commerce. They have no Constitutional authority. Interstate business should be able to get required permits quickly and without the bureaucracy that is now a hindrance.
Immigration Reform: What measures do you propose to increase legal immigration and address Utah’s critical workforce shortage crisis?
I believe that legal immigration is an asset to America. Unfortunately, due to the invasion of the United States at the southern border, we need to stop all incoming immigration temporarily to assess the legal situation of those that are currently here. We must get Americans back to work and off social programs like unemployment and welfare. When we are able to stabilize the economy, we will be able to start allowing legal immigration to resume.
Fiscal Stability: How will you work to promote fiscal responsibility and long-term financial stability at the federal level?
The best way to achieve fiscal responsibility is to stop spending money on social programs. To make major cutbacks on regulatory agencies and allow the States to recover from the federal government’s mismanagement of the funds they receive from the citizenry. Balance the budget.
Market Freedom and Corporate Governance: How do you plan to approach federal mandates related to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues?
All federal mandates are unconstitutional, and I will fight every one. I think ESG needs to be abolished immediately.
EPA Regulation: How will you ensure that federal regulations are well-designed, based on sound science, and do not impose unnecessary costs and burdens on businesses?
The EPA’s only regulations should apply to known proven hazardous materials and ensure that businesses handle them appropriately. Businesses should only be liable for mishandling. I believe in a free market economy without the extra burdens the federal government is imposing and will vote against any new burden proposed against business owners.
Permitting Reform: What legislative initiatives will you support to modernize our nation’s permitting process, streamline bureaucracy and reduce the time required for businesses to obtain permits?
I have been frustrated by the lack of progress on permitting reform in Congress. Our current permitting process is arduous and harms American domestic energy production and innovation across energy sectors. Failing to pass comprehensive permitting reform holds back the free market’s ability to innovate and provide tangible solutions to our air quality problems – as well as good-paying jobs to residents of Utah’s second congressional district.
I would have voted and advocated for HR 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act – bipartisan legislation which would have helped pave the way for comprehensive permitting reform. Further, as part of any permitting reform efforts, I am strongly supportive of advancing administrative assessments which streamline efficiencies in the permitting process. As we did while I was in the Utah legislature, finding where government bureaucracy gets in the way of innovation is absolutely critical.
Immigration Reform: What measures do you propose to increase legal immigration and address Utah’s critical workforce shortage crisis?
I support the landmark Utah Compact and fully ascribe to its principles for immigration reform discussions – we must protect the security of our nation as well as approach immigration reform using the principles of inclusion, human dignity, strong families, and economic growth and opportunity. Any immigration reform measure which promotes the policies found in the Utah Compact will garner my support.
I am particularly supportive of efforts to bolster our economy by expediting the process for qualified foreign workers to work in sectors that see significant shortages. I have spoken with businesses in Utah that face economic challenges due to workforce shortage issues. I am thoroughly concerned by the politics that is played over immigration which has a direct impact on Utah businesses and their ability to grow and thrive.
Fiscal Stability: How will you work to promote fiscal responsibility and long-term financial stability at the federal level?
When I was in the Utah legislature, we passed a balanced budget every year, as required by our state constitution. I joined the legislature in the immediate aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. We had to make difficult choices to ensure our fiscal house was in order. And, as a result, Utah was consistently recognized as one of the best-managed states in the country. Our constitutional prerogative to balance the budget helped ensure fiscal responsibility – even when it was hard. Promoting a federal balanced budget amendment is the only way to ensure that stakeholders come to the table to promote fiscally stable policies. Doing so requires a supermajority vote of both chambers of Congress. I am the only candidate in this race with the ability to work across the political spectrum to advance common-sense conservative solutions, which uniquely qualifies me to work for a balanced budget amendment. Until there is a constitutional prerogative, substantial progress is unlikely to occur.
Market Freedom and Corporate Governance: How do you plan to approach federal mandates related to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues?
I believe that we should empower markets to innovate – unburdened by needless government regulation. While environmentally conscious investment is critical, I have concerns with any program which would require certain political benchmarks to be met in order to receive market benefits. I support any individual’s right to invest how they see fit, consistent with their own values. However, I am opposed to any system which requires investment inconsistent with those values. Insofar as ESG does not conflict with the fiduciary interests of stockholders, the market should be the ultimate decider. However, there may be a role when such interests are shown to not be protected.
EPA Regulation: How will you ensure that federal regulations are well-designed, based on sound science and do not impose unnecessary costs and burdens on businesses?
In the legislature, I was a champion for cleaner air. I co-chaired the Clean Air Caucus, passed bills to reduce emissions through transit-oriented development, and supported important efforts like bringing tier-three gasoline to cars across the state. Air quality is not a political issue in Utah. Throughout my district, we have seen the impact of poor air quality, resulting from wildfires and poor management throughout our country. I see the need for a federal role in promulgating regulations which protect our environment. However, I also see that top-down regulation also gets in the way of state, local, and market innovation.
I’m the only candidate in this primary with a legislative record of providing oversight to administrative agencies. I will ensure that a level of rigorous oversight is given to EPA programs and regulations which have the potential to hinder growth, with little-to-no tangible environmental impact. I also am supportive of reconsidering the implementation of a Cost-Benefit rule, which requires environmental agencies to substantiate how their regulatory policies are better than market forces.
Permitting Reform: What legislative initiatives will you support to modernize our nation’s permitting process, streamline bureaucracy and reduce the time required for businesses to obtain permits?
Regarding permitting reform, I believe that the federal government does not have the Constitutional authority to require a permit for any business operating inside our nation’s borders. That authority is reserved for the States or the People respectively. In the case of international business, it is critical that any regulations be restrained to only those absolutely necessary and that we streamline approval processes. I will support any initiative that will end the Federal Permissions Racket or reduce the federal government’s regulatory burden on businesses.
Immigration Reform: What measures do you propose to increase legal immigration and address Utah’s critical workforce shortage crisis?
I support drastically reforming immigration laws in this nation. I own and operate a multinational enterprise, and have learned how hard it is to get employees into this country legally; I have been trying for 5 years to bring my manager in the Philippines here on vacation and he keeps getting denied legal entrance. I want to “Make Immigration Legal Again.” For me, that’s a 3-part plan:
- Make legal immigration reasonable. Verify the immigrant isn’t a fugitive from the law, isn’t an invader, and has a plan of what to do to survive here.
- Enforce the laws. Arrest or deport those breaking our immigration laws. A wall may help, but enforcement is critical because we believe in the superiority of the “rule of law.”
- Create a reasonable path for citizenship for those immigrants who are already here. Stop playing politics with people’s lives; with reasonable rules, immigrants can come into compliance with those laws.
Fiscal Stability: How will you work to promote fiscal responsibility and long-term financial stability at the federal level?
I think the government should do less with less. Personally, my approach to reign in the federal government is to repeal the Federal Income Tax and make the federal government get its funding from the States again, as it was prior to the 16th Amendment. Ted Cruz is pushing a repeal bill in the Senate, and I would push it in the House. With States responsible for funding the federal government again, Congress would have to pass a budget again, and there is much power in financial planning and sticking to that plan. Make Washington live within its means, and we will again have the strongest, most resilient economy in the world. I also support returning to sound currency, we should restore the gold standard.
Market Freedom and Corporate Governance: How do you plan to approach federal mandates related to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues?
The market will govern itself. I will vote for every bill reigning in governmental meddling in the marketplace and will vote against every bill that expands or reinforces the government’s involvement. “Picking winners and losers” is not the Government’s role, it is the People’s role; this separation of powers between government branches and The People is the most important. Our freedom relies on our freedom to choose for ourselves, and not have our choices limited artificially by government fiat.
EPA Regulation: How will you ensure that federal regulations are well-designed, based on sound science and do not impose unnecessary costs and burdens on businesses?
The EPA has exceeded its Congressional directive to such an extent that I think this agency should be eliminated. Congress can pass rules ensuring state-to-state environmental impact without having an organization that appears to think humans are the carbon that needs to be eliminated from our environment. States should govern environmental impact inside their borders, and courts should handle any deficiencies in that regard.
Permitting Reform: What legislative initiatives will you support to modernize our nation’s permitting process, streamline bureaucracy and reduce the time required for businesses to obtain permits?
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has proposed adopting the Bipartisan Permitting Reform Implementation Rule as part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Public hearings will begin this month and interested parties should engage in this hearing process to provide input.
One of the most important issues in permitting is having a start date and “Shot clock” on permitting. Currently, starting a permitting process can be frustrating due to an agency’s practice of not “starting” the clock immediately for the process to begin. And secondly, there must be a “shot clock” that gives the permittee the opportunity to plan projects within a defined time.
Permitting must be streamlined to allow permittees to operate and plan their projects with a level of certainty. As a member of Congress, I would push regulatory reform to accelerate the process and establish practical, predictable, and certain timelines.
Immigration Reform: What measures do you propose to increase legal immigration and address Utah’s critical workforce shortage crisis?
I will propose increasing H-1B specialty occupation visas and streamlining the process and modifying the current arbitrary immigration quotas last established in 1990 to match our current and future flexible needs.
Besides increasing work visas, we should allow spouses of high-skilled visa holders to work as well, and reform the system for year-round jobs, especially in agriculture, hospitality, and construction.
The U.S. currently has a green card cap that not only includes the skilled worker but their family members. The family members should be exempted from the annual cap, and we should increase annual limits and eliminate per-country limits. If a temporary worker is caught in a bureaucratic backlog, they should be allowed to stay in the U.S. until they are through the backlog. We should make STEM-trained immigrants a priority and provide exemptions for those who advance U.S. interests.
Fiscal Stability: How will you work to promote fiscal responsibility and long-term financial stability at the federal level?
In principle, we must slow the growth of the government to at least 1% to begin the reduction of our debt. The $32+ Trillion in debt is unsustainable and must be tackled as a first priority.
I support a balanced budget amendment and will push for Congress to create and pass a budget rather than govern by continuing resolutions. We need to claw back some of the unspent “Covid” relief funds, infrastructure funds, and Inflation Reduction Act Funds.
We must keep our covenant with those seniors or those close to retirement age as it relates to entitlements, but entitlements must be on the table for reform if we are being honest about long-term financial stability. This includes everything from raising the retirement age (longevity has increased actuarially) to private investment accounts. Low-risk, zero-load index funds would provide a much better return than Social Security over time.
Congress has the power of the purse and can defund or push federal funding to states from regulators and agencies. Unrestricted block grants of K-12 funds would add $30,000 per classroom.
Market Freedom and Corporate Governance: How do you plan to approach federal mandates related to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues?
I am happy to see that some companies are now removing ESG scoring from their public communications platforms. I support the Utah State Treasurer’s statement that he objects to any ESG ratings, ESG credit indicators, or any other ESG scoring system that calls out ESG factors separate from, in addition to, or apart from traditional credit ratings. The SEC should pursue potential violations of fiduciary duties.
EPA Regulation: How will you ensure that federal regulations are well-designed, based on sound science, and do not impose unnecessary costs and burdens on businesses?
We all want clean air and clean water, but the EPA has had one of the most egregious records in over-reaching congressionally authorized regulations.
I support the Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency Supreme Court decision which marks the official arrival of the major questions doctrine into the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence. Better than the court, however, is the Congress defunding the EPA and certain EPA functions when it overreaches. Politicized science is the worst science and peer-reviewed non-political scientists should be engaged rather than in-house public appointees. The bureaucracy tends to exist in an echo chamber of politicized science. This is one reason I will be proposing that no federal D.C. public employee be allowed to work for the same agency for more than 10 years. This will help minimize Congress being run by lifetime staffers.
Permitting Reform: What legislative initiatives will you support to modernize our nation’s permitting process, streamline bureaucracy and reduce the time required for businesses to obtain permits?
NEPA reform is absolutely essential. Passing the REINS Act would be a top priority as well. We need to reassert Congress’ legislative authority and prevent excessive overreach by the executive branch in the federal rulemaking process. The Founding Fathers didn’t fight for independence so we could be beholden to a massive bureaucracy. They wanted us to pursue happiness, not permits! Businesses, cities, and counties are increasingly bogged down by bureaucratic delays and stifle ingenuity and innovation.
Working both with local governments and in Congressman Stewart’s office, I have seen countless projects that are delayed for years and costs escalate to the point that the projects are no longer economically viable. This is simply unacceptable. The worst part is that taxpayers are paying for the delays, the onerous oversight, and the increased costs. The state of Utah has taken several steps to streamline permitting and licensing, and I think D.C. could learn a lot from these local efforts. I will support any and all efforts in Washington that cut the red tape and give our businesses room to grow.
Immigration Reform: What measures do you propose to increase legal immigration and address Utah’s critical workforce shortage crisis?
First, we need to have total control of our border. A sovereign nation must control its own border or it is not sovereign. We need to know exactly who and what is entering our country. This will help solve major issues that we see as a result of a non-secured border such as fentanyl and other drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the rise in violent gang activities. We secure the border by finishing the wall, ending catch-and-release, reinstating the Remain-in-Mexico program, enforcing the immigration laws on the books, and ending incentives that just fuel the crisis.
At the same time, it is imperative to also recognize that businesses are still hurting for labor, and we need more visas. These are problems that need to be solved concurrently so that we can have bipartisan support, and create truly effective legislation.
I support measures that move more toward a merit-based visa system and would be open to legislation that would expand and create new visa categories to accommodate a broader range of immigrants, including skilled workers, seasonal laborers, agricultural workers, etc. I will also support legislation that will streamline the visa application process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and processing times for legal immigrants. We should also look at creating visas specifically designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and startup founders who want to contribute to the U.S. economy, as well as measures that provide incentives for international students who graduate from U.S. universities in STEM fields to stay and work in the country. And finally, I support pilot programs that allocate visas based on regional economic needs and demands, allowing certain areas to attract legal immigrants who contribute to local industries.
Fiscal Stability: How will you work to promote fiscal responsibility and long-term financial stability at the federal level?
Out-of-control spending and a growing national debt threaten our economic future. The gross national debt has now surpassed $32 trillion dollars. $32 trillion equates to $244k per American household, or $96k per person. We are spending nearly $2 billion per day on interest payments on the debt. Interest is on course to be the single largest government program.
The federal government has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. Last year, the federal government took in 4.9 trillion dollars in revenue. This is the highest ever as a percentage of GDP (19.6% of GDP). Spending under Democrats and President Biden has driven inflation to record levels. Inflation is a hidden tax on every single American. To get our inflation under control, we have to get our spending under control. I will support efforts to pass a constitutional amendment to require a Balanced Budget and will be part of the fiscal responsibility caucus in Washington.
I will strive to bring common sense back to Washington budgeting practices. We need to be spending less than the revenue we take in. A solid first step to limit wasteful government spending would be to examine which executive agencies are using their funds to operate outside of their congressionally granted statutory authority. During the appropriations process, Congress ought to define exactly which actions are going to be funded by every agency’s budget and cut any funds that are not expressly authorized by Congress. We need to put these agencies back in their statutory boxes and cut funding for their extracurricular activities that have not been authorized. This will not only lower our spending, but it will help keep executive agencies in check.
Market Freedom and Corporate Governance: How do you plan to approach federal mandates related to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues?
First and foremost, federal ESG mandates are government overreach. The federal government has no place mandating businesses to do anything outside of standard business practices and consumer protection. Just as local governments know what is best for their communities, businesses know how to best help their communities – should they choose to – and don’t need the federal government imposing a “one-size-fits-all” mandate to help them be good corporate citizens. The federal government is not authorized to impose these ESG regulations, and they definitely should not be using federal funds to do it.
EPA Regulation: How will you ensure that federal regulations are well-designed, based on sound science, and do not impose unnecessary costs and burdens on businesses?
Executive branch agencies like the EPA write, interpret, and enforce their own rules. Having all of those functions performed by the same agency doesn’t provide any checks on agency policies. The lack of checks and balances allows agencies to implement regulations that are overly complicated and not always well founded in science.
The first, and most obvious solution is to spread out those responsibilities. Congress needs to do a better job of drafting bills so that the agencies aren’t left with as much interpretation. Enforcement of rules and regulations should be left to law enforcement, not specialized bureaucrats.
The result would be that agencies would need to have regulations that are well crafted and easily understood. The people who are trying to comply with administrative rules would not need specialized help to understand what is required of them. Simpler rules and regulations would reduce the cost burden of compliance.
Additionally, the requirement to accept public comment on draft regulations needs to be taken more seriously as a way to improve the end result rather than a necessary exercise. Comment periods should be part of crafting regulations and not a check-the-box exercise at the end of the process.
KATHLEEN RIEBE, Democrat Party
Permitting Reform: What legislative initiatives will you support to modernize our nation’s permitting process, streamline bureaucracy and reduce the time required for businesses to obtain permits?
At the federal level, I support permitting reform to accelerate investment in energy solutions, infrastructure, and business development. The debt ceiling bill did some to move the needle on permitting reform with bipartisan support, but there is more ground to be made up legislatively. Our infrastructure, especially for energy transmission and transportation, can not afford to endure the lengthy permitting processes required under current rules.
Immigration Reform: What measures do you propose to increase legal immigration and address Utah’s critical workforce shortage crisis?
I propose a two-pronged approach to the immigration crisis and our workforce shortages: investment in border security and processes, and expansion of pathways for foreign nationals to live in the United States and work towards citizenship. Our systems for retaining foreign nationals who attend US colleges and universities after graduation should be robust. Transferring the burden of green card eligibility from a specific employer to a level of education, intent, and skillset will allow highly educated graduates to contribute their skills to our workforce with less uncertainty and greater stability. Maximizing legal immigration opportunities for workers who will fill jobs in industries with critical workforce shortages, from medical fields to seasonal positions, is a major step in encouraging legal entry and lawful residence. Lastly, a pathway to citizenship for childhood arrivals is something I support. I believe a strong majority of Utah businesses and citizens do, too. We need these conversations at the national level, and I hope Congress begins earnest work on bills like the bipartisan Dream Act.
Fiscal Stability: How will you work to promote fiscal responsibility and long-term financial stability at the federal level?
I’m a believer in fiscal responsibility and careful spending. Congress needs to audit spending across government agencies and hold over budget, underperforming initiatives accountable. The practice of last minute, line item additions and earmarks to large omnibus bills needs to be reduced, as it drains taxpayer funds and increases non-essential spending. On the State School Board, I served on the finance committee and was committed to transparency in spending. I’ll bring the same mindset of accountability and responsible spending to Congress.
Market Freedom and Corporate Governance: How do you plan to approach federal mandates related to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues?
From where I stand, the federal government is not mandating ESG measures at any level beyond what the median of the business world self-imposes. I support many of our largest corporations taking voluntary action to mitigate environmental impacts – this demonstrates the best of the ways our free market catalyzes meaningful change. I will push back against federal efforts to bring identity politics into business and the workplace, though I don’t foresee this becoming a significant issue. Our government remains closely divided, which will moderate federal overstepping.
EPA Regulation: How will you ensure that federal regulations are well-designed, based on sound science, and do not impose unnecessary costs and burdens on businesses?
For environmental regulation, I return to this thought: a safe environment supports prosperity. Tourism based on Utah’s natural beauty is a large economic driver in the 2nd District and across our state. It’s our responsibility to protect these resources, as environmental carelessness has wide-ranging impacts. EPA regulations should be in service of these ideas. If a causal relationship has not been established between a business operation and a specific protected environmental impact, it should not be regulated in a way that impacts the functioning of the business or imposes additional costs and burdens. Investment in scientific data, measurement, and research at the federal level is an investment in sound rule-making and limiting economic impacts.
JANUARY WALKER, Utah United Party
Permitting Reform: What legislative initiatives will you support to modernize our nation’s permitting process, streamline bureaucracy and reduce the time required for businesses to obtain permits?
I support a Unified ePermitting Platform that leverages blockchain, AI, and Machine Learning to simplify the navigation of multiple systems and standardize the permitting process between States and Government.
This ePermitting platform would allow for Transparent Tracking of blockchain permits that would leverage AI to automatically update businesses about the status of their permits, and use Machine Learning to provide personal insights such as predicting which permits they might need in the future or estimating how long a particular application might take.
Immigration Reform: What measures do you propose to increase legal immigration and address Utah’s critical workforce shortage crisis?
I support a Real-Time Public Transparent Labor Demand System to provide up-to-date information on job vacancies, required skills, and other labor market indicators to help businesses, job seekers, and policymakers make informed decisions.
I support the introduction of legislation aimed at establishing Identity Credentials, similar to those employed by various nations worldwide, for validating the educational background, professional history, and personal identity of immigrants
I support State-Sponsored Visa Programs to allow states, like Utah, to sponsor visas based on their specific labor needs and implement pilot programs to test the effectiveness of state-sponsored visa initiatives.
Fiscal Stability: How will you work to promote fiscal responsibility and long-term financial stability at the federal level?
I support legislation that transforms how government spending is monitored and audited with technology ensuring every dollar’s journey is traceable from allocation to expenditure. Further data insights would allow a visualized budget through intuitive dashboards, making it easier for the public and auditors to understand government spending. This heightened transparency can act as a deterrent against unnecessary expenses.
I support the adoption of a balanced budget amendment or legislation, compelling the federal government to operate within its revenue confines while reviewing & restructuring non-discretionary spending.
Market Freedom and Corporate Governance: How do you plan to approach federal mandates related to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues?
I support initiatives that allow ESG to play a factor in decisions but do not support a mandate for it to be the primary factor for fund managers.
I support ESG legislation if it is based on data and has clear, specific, and measurable goals using quantifiable metrics in order to reduce the risk of litigation and is aimed at solving problems – not creating new ones.
I support public feedback on ESG legislation through Direct Democracy to ensure that legislation reflects collaboration with stakeholders.
EPA Regulation: How will you ensure that federal regulations are well-designed, based on sound science, and do not impose unnecessary costs and burdens on businesses?
I support leveraging Predictive Analysis with Machine Learning algorithms to analyze historical EPA data to predict the potential future impact of regulations. This tech can also help determine if existing regulations are still relevant.
I support including Phased Implementation for new regulations adopted in order to give businesses time to adapt and make necessary changes.
I support Cost-Benefit Analysis of proposals through AI and Machine Learning. These tools evaluate if proposed regulations merit their costs while also considering job impacts and economic effects.
