One-of-a-kind stained-glass dome will top Utah’s new Capitol building

By Brigham Tomco

Brigham is a staff writer on the politics team covering Utah politics and the conservative movement.

KEY POINTS

• A colorful stained-glass dome was completed for the new Utah North Capitol Building.

• The skylight contains scenes and materials from all 29 Utah counties.

• The $1.6 million price tag is part of growing costs for the project since its announcement.

The crown jewel of Utah’s new North Capitol Building is a $1.6 million, one-of-a-kind stained-glass dome designed to take visitors’ breath away even as it unites them in shared appreciation for the state’s beauty.

The custom-made vaulted ceiling will flood a multistory atrium with the diverse colors of the Utah landscapes it depicts once the expanded state office building, which will also house Utah’s first state history museum, is opened to the public in 2026.

“This stained glass laylight is a powerful reminder that Utah’s strength lies in our shared roots and our commitment to building a brighter future together,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said in a statement.

Composed of 14,000 individual glass pieces, the 25-by-25-foot window carries the colors of Utah’s four central ecosystems, with detailed paintings of state symbols like the honeybee, sego lily and California gull against the backdrop of state and national parks like Wasatch Mountain, Goblin Valley and Bryce Canyon.

One artistic element has a special connection to Utah: a pair of bristlecone pines containing sand, rock and wood from each of Utah’s 29 counties. The Great Basin, or ancient, bristlecone pine is one of the oldest-living organisms on the planet and is found in only three states, including Utah.

Identifiable landmarks like Dead Horse Point, Rainbow Bridge arch and Mount Olympus stand below the deep blues, golden yellows and whites of a sky centered around crystals taken from decommissioned government telescopes that will scatter rainbows down to the second floor where tourists can pick out their favorite Utah destinations.

Orr works for Holdman Studios, a Lehi-based company that has done stained-glass displays for a number of public and private facilities, including a 200-foot wall at the Utah Valley University library, and for several temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

While it is not their biggest project ever, it is by far the largest skylight they have built, according to James Graham, the project manager at Holdman Studios.

The difficulty of applying stained glass to curved architecture meant they had to build each of the 89 glass panels on uniquely shaped forms at their workshop in Lehi before their installation at the Capitol, which was completed on May 2, Graham said.

Graham hopes the project can elevate the quality of conversations on Capitol Hill as concerned citizens and elected officials stand in awe of the same piece of art.

“It’s really an opportunity for us to come together and enjoy something on a very emotional, personal level,” Graham said.

How much did the new building cost?

The artwork was procured through the Division of Facilities and Construction Management with input from some members of the Capitol Preservation Board and the Department of Government Operations.
Coming in at $1.6 million, according to the preservation board’s executive director, Dana Jones, the stained-glass dome was not part of the original plans for the North Capitol Building.

In 2022, the state’s 60-year-old office building, used mainly for executive agency staff, was torn down to make room for a new five-story, 151,535-square-foot building that would replace the former building’s mid-20th century design with a neoclassical style matching the historic Capitol building dedicated in 1916.

The size and cost of the project has grown throughout the process.

At the 2022 groundbreaking ceremony, the project was expected to come in at $168 million, but is now projected to cost a total of $281 million, which includes renovations to the central plaza, and the construction of a 400-spot underground parking garage, as the Deseret News previously reported.

While much of this increase was reportedly caused by inflated construction costs, it was also impacted by add-ons like the stained-glass dome.

But the building‘s first-of-its-kind stained-glass double-dome marks an important investment in the future, according to Jones. It will become “part of the historic fabric” of the Capitol complex for generations into the future, she said.

“We had a vision that we wanted Utahns to connect with this building,” Jones said. “For anybody that comes into this building to have a ‘wow’ moment and to find their own way to connect with Utah.”

Lessons from the state GOP convention

By Renae Cowley & Frank Pignanelli

The recently concluded Utah Republican Organizing Convention results offer an interesting insight into what may happen in the near future. We offer our perspectives.

Current GOP chair Rob Axson prevailed over his opponent, former state representative Phil Lyman 52%-48%. This was more than just a contest to see who would be the next chairman. This election was influenced by external forces and signaled direction for the state’s majority party. What does Axson’s reelection mean?

COWLEY: President Trump and Sen. Mike Lee are the darlings of delegates, and their endorsements tipped the scales in this contest. It wasn’t Lee’s endorsement of Axson that I found more notable from the convention. It was his urging that the Legislature repeal SB54, which allowed candidates to bypass the convention process. Both Axson and Lyman campaigned on eliminating the signature path, but were split on who has the authority to implement the change.

Trump’s policies may be popular with delegates, but many MAGA Republicans side-eye the usurpation of the 22nd Amendment regarding a third presidential term. Delegates narrowly voted down a resolution to “oppose and condemn any measure or action” that would allow the president to serve more than two terms. With one faction of delegates opposing a third Trump term, juxtaposed with another faction donning Trump 2028 hats, the upcoming presidential election will be interesting, to say the least.

Delegates’ clear penchant for Trump and Lee is the antithesis of their sentiment toward Gov. Spencer Cox. Nobody can blame the governor for not attending this year’s convention after the delegates’ crass behavior last year. Disagreeing with a politician is one thing, but boos and jeers for our state’s highest office holder is unbecoming of our party and Utah as a whole.

PIGNANELLI: “What we have in our power is gratitude. It can be culturally contagious.”— Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review

Various conditions can plague successful people and prevent them from enjoying their achievements. Something similar is affecting the local GOP. Republicans control the congressional delegation, over two-thirds of the state Legislature, all the statewide offices, most county governments, etc. Utah is continually honored for a well-managed government and strong economy. Thus, activists should have spent Saturday morning congratulating themselves, thanking voters, and re-electing Axson by acclamation.

Instead, they engaged once again in this silly fight over minutia, which blemishes positive messaging to the general public. The closeness of the race defies reason because Axson is a solid chairman.

Without strong Democratic opposition to focus their energies, Republican delegates are instead chewing on other party members.

Although delegates deferred a decision on the proposed resolution to the party constitution revoking membership of candidates seeking nomination through signatures, it’s still a major issue for the party’s activists. Where is this issue heading into the next legislative session and beyond?

COWLEY: Let’s examine why delegates support only one path to party nomination. Some believe delegates are more engaged and better informed for candidate vetting. As a former delegate, I can fully endorse that statement. Others say the convention is harder to manipulate and produces more conservative candidates. Since the passage of SB54, I haven’t observed Republican candidates becoming less conservative, and both processes yield creative campaign tactics - caucus stacking and coordinated, paid signature gathering. Convention-only arguments seem to be rooted in protectionism while signature gathering favors wealthy candidates. Neither path is without its shortcomings.

As candidates, legislators conduct a cost-benefit analysis. Signature gathering is costly, but it’s an insurance policy. Convention-only can be expensive without any guarantee of making it to the Primary. As policymakers, legislators are divided on the best approach for candidate selection.

PIGNANELLI: Delegates comprise less than 1% of Republican voters. But they want control over the nominating process restored. Because they are more engaged than the average citizen, their activism cannot be dismissed.

But on the other side of the conundrum is the fact that, should the Legislature eliminate the signature gathering process, many events would be triggered. A referendum, an initiative, and a restricting of resources to the party will likely occur should delegates regain control of the nominating process.

What’s likely to happen? The existing passive-aggressive strategy will continue. Many elected Republican officials will grumble about the signature gathering process, praise legislation that reverses it, but ensure the bill fades away in the last days of the session. This will keep the peace. Such is practical politics.

COWLEY: Congressional holdouts are conservative hardliners. They like the “big beautiful budget bill” but feel it doesn’t go far enough to reduce the deficit. Moody’s downgrading of the U.S. credit rating fuels these concerns. Comparable budget hawks also serve in Utah’s Legislature, but because of our constitutionally mandated balanced budget, similar dynamics don’t arise.

PIGNANELLI: The Utah delegation has perfected the ability of throwing red meat to the activists but working behind the scenes to ensure a working relationship with the president, his team and their colleagues. Similar dynamics occur in the Legislature, in which local MAGA lawmakers receive attention but the necessary work (budgets, appropriations, infrastructure, economic features, etc.) are always a priority.

Polling clarifies Utah’s views on Trump

By Renae Cowley, Frank Pignanelli

Republican Renae Cowley is a political consultant, lobbyist, social media influencer and professional rodeo athlete. Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser who served as a Democrat in the Utah State Legislature.

We’re now more than 100 days into President Donald Trump’s second term, and recent surveys show how Utahns are reacting. We opine.

A recent poll from the Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics revealed that 54% of Utahns somewhat or strongly approve of Trump’s performance. (42% disapprove, and 5% don’t know). 44% of respondents said the impacts of tariffs would be positive, while 51% disagreed. Almost 70% oppose Canada becoming the 51st state, and 78% are uncomfortable forcing Greenland to become a U.S. territory. What can we glean from these results?

Cowley: Trump voters want radical change, and they are getting it — opposing activist judges, fighting higher ed’s woke culture, deportations, banning dyes in food, lowering drug prices, direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, bringing the last American hostage home from Gaza, cease-fire between India and Pakistan, temporary trade deal with China, and slashing billions in federal waste, just for starters.

Respondents are reacting to the reality that it takes time for tariffs to course-correct trade deficiencies, but it’s about more than just the economy; it’s about national security. We cannot be beholden to foreign superpowers for critical goods and technology. Trump is using every political bullet in his arsenal, but Americans can help by consuming less. Tightening our belts, buying American and withholding our purchasing power from China would end the trade war faster than any tariff.

Ironically, Trump is strengthening the southern border while erasing the northern one. The “51 Nifty United States” doesn’t have the same ring to it. In lieu of welcoming our neighbors from the north into the Union, I propose a trade. We get the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team, affordable prescription drugs, and Bamff in the summertime. They get Robert De Niro and the St. Louis Arch, but they have to keep Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Pignanelli: “In the first 100 days, a valued metric is to compare a president to what he promised in the campaign. Six of 10 Americans said Trump is doing what he said. Of course, there are differences of whether they like that or not.“ — Anthony Salvanto, CBS News

Last week, for the first time in over eight years, the most famous American in the world was not Donald Trump but a Chicago-born priest who spent decades helping the poor and downtrodden. This humble demeanor may explain Pope Leo XIV’s affinity for the White Sox.

CBS and NBC News surveyed Americans and achieved identical results: 45% of Americans approved and 55% disapproved of Trump’s performance. Utah’s redness explains Trump’s higher marks, which spill into other responses. Approximately 70% of Utah Republicans believe the tariffs will help the local and U.S. economy. (Had Biden proposed them, would the results be different?)

The opposition to annexing Canada and Greenland demonstrates Utahns are selectively choosing Trump policies. This is similar to their fellow Americans. Although a majority of Americans question Trump, they also state he is fulfilling campaign promises and approve of his program to deport illegal immigrants (although 73% oppose removing legal U.S. residents).

Both national and local polling indicate Trump’s popularity hinges on his ability to reduce inflation and strengthen domestic manufacturing. How he fixes the trade issues will determine his standing with Americans and Utahns.

In the same Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics survey, 46% of Utahns approve of Elon Musk and DOGE (43% disapprove). Many Utahns believe there is too much foreign aid (56%) but too little federal funds directed to education (59%) and assistance to the poor (47%). Is there any pattern here?

Cowley: It is hard to argue against eliminating wasteful spending, but detractors of DOGE are more consumed with HOW he’s doing it than WHAT he’s doing. Musk enrolling in charm school would surely boost these approval numbers.

The 72% of Utah Republicans who approve of DOGE will be pleased with a Beehive State version: Government Reform, Innovation, and Transparency, or “GRIT.” Utah has a constitutionally mandated balanced budget (something the federal government could benefit from), but there is room for improvement.

Pignanelli: When DOGE was first implemented, three-quarters of Americans supported the concept. Within three months, that flipped, and almost 60% disapprove of DOGE and Musk. This dissipation of extraordinary political capital is also reflected in the responses by Utah voters.

Utah’s traditional compassion is evident in supporting programs that help the impoverished. Interestingly, many support a greater infusion of federal dollars in education, while the Trump administration targets the Education Department for elimination.

How will Utahns’ view of Trump affect Utah’s congressional relationships and local elected officials?

Cowley: Utah’s U.S. House delegation voted for Trump’s Gulf of Mexico bill and will likely support other policies from the president. Expect Utah’s Legislature to both copy and paste several Trump policies (Utah’s version of DOGE) and even inspire a few (banning fluoride in drinking water and combating higher ed’s woke agenda).

Pignanelli: Many Republican officials are frustrated with how Trump is implementing policies with which they concur. However, they utilize “behind-the-scenes” approaches to protect state interests effectively. Candidates in several municipal elections this year must address potential funding shortfalls because of the elimination of grants and other federal programs.

What do survey results tell us about the state of politics in Utah?

By Renae Cowley, Frank Pignanelli

Republican Renae Cowley is a political consultant, lobbyist, social media influencer and professional rodeo athlete. Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser who served as a Democrat in the Utah State Legislature.

We are proud of the Deseret News’ 175-year legacy of providing news, insight and commentary to Utahns. As political hacks, we are deeply grateful for the paper’s commitment to frequent polling. We gleefully examine recent surveys.

The latest Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll interviewed over 880 Utahns last month. 52% approved of the job performance by Governor Spencer Cox, a decrease from two years ago. The Legislature received 49% approval, slightly less than 2023. What does this reveal?

Cowley: Surveys are like inkblots — everyone sees different meaning in the numbers. Headlines acknowledge a slight dip in approval of both the governor and Legislature, but when GOP lawmakers look at the poll, they see steady support among fellow Republicans. However, even their own party has factions — Lyman Republicans don’t think they go far enough, while moderates want more bipartisanship on big-ticket items.

The evidence is conclusive. The surest way to get people to dislike you is to run for office.

The governor’s “Disagree Better” campaign should appeal to anyone who doesn’t believe politics is a blood sport, so why the dip? My hypothesis mirrors what he said in the last State Republican Convention: “You hate that I don’t hate enough.” Hate enough, veto enough, not supporting Trump, then supporting Trump — it is hard to please both sides of the aisle.

What I see in the ink blots of this survey is Utah trending more moderate. This may impact deliberations next session (an election year), especially for Republicans in swing districts.

Pignanelli: “Latest survey shows that 3 out of 4 people make up 75% of the world’s population.” — Unknown

With age, I have become more circumspect (my wife prefers the term “curmudgeonly”) and increasingly frustrated with the “approval ratings” of local officials.

Of course, registered Democrats are down on the GOP-controlled government. The poll indicates 66% of Republicans approve of Cox and the Legislature — a relatively high rating. But it does beg the question: Why are a third of GOP activists upset? The governor and Legislature consistently offer a robust conservative agenda while the state is well-managed. I understand that voters dislike the institutions but have affection for their representative. But is this significant dissatisfaction justified?

I rarely hear a strong rationale from active Republicans when they express anger at the Legislature or the governor.

Thus, I’ll play the same game and grumble at the grumblers.

Other interesting revelations from the surveys include that 62% of respondents supported the new law requiring that only official flags can be flown in schools and on government property. 56% were disappointed by the departure of Sundance Film Festival, and 47% agreed with banning fluoride from drinking water. What does this reveal?

Cowley: The flag survey results have more to do with parents being fed up with liberal values foisted upon their kids than it does with an aversion to nylon-polyester blend banners. Classrooms are for education, not political ideology demonstrations.

Breakups are hard, and the split between the globally recognized festival and the state where its movie magic began is tough. Citing irreconcilable differences, it is safe to say we’ve grown apart. Sundance films have increasingly flirted with vulgarity and liberal propaganda while Utah remains devoted to family values. I’m convinced this is just a brief hiatus in the tumultuous romance between the festival and its first love. It’s okay, Sundance, you’ll be back.

People clearly don’t want to be force-fed chemicals. If someone wants to ingest fluoride, they can take tablets, but with competing studies about the harmful impacts to children, why risk it? I will exercise my free will by chugging filtered, alkaline, oxygenated, fluoride-free water, and others can consume all the chemicals (or Diet Cokes) they choose.

Pignanelli: The high percentage supporting the flag legislation signifies fatigue by citizens with social battles, which they do not want in the classroom. Yet, legitimate doubts exist over whether this concern extends to government offices.

Sundance has a reputation as a “lefty” event, yet most Utahns enjoyed hosting this famous cinematic endeavor. This demonstrates an essential inclusionary attitude.

Proponents and opponents of fluoride possess strong documentation for their cause. But the pandemic eroded confidence in health mandates. This attitude was exhibited in legislative deliberations and the polls.

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Unions have dramatically exceeded the requirements to have the referendum vote to repeal the legislative ban on collective bargaining. 34% of respondents support the law, 38% oppose and 28% are undecided. What does this bode for the referendum?

Cowley: Since we are looking at numbers, here’s a few more. Unions collected over 320,000 signatures as of our print deadline (they only needed 140,000), and have qualified in 23 Senate districts (they only needed 15). In some districts, they are two to three times above the threshold. They didn’t just qualify in the Avenues of Salt Lake; they surpassed the threshold in Vineyard, Herriman and Logan.

Two questions remain: Will the governor put it on the ballot this November, and how will dynamics shift once the Republican campaign machine gets activated? Utah just became ground zero for a labor battle with national implications.

Pignanelli: The signature gathering results and the poll indicate the battle is up for grabs. The winner will be the conveyor of the most compelling message.

Are universities responding to reform demands?

By Renae Cowley, Frank Pignanelli

Republican Renae Cowley is a political consultant, lobbyist, social media influencer and professional rodeo athlete. Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser who served as a Democrat in the Utah State Legislature.

In previous columns, we analyzed political reforms in higher education. The attention continues, so your columnists must now opine on universities’ response and the impacts to students past, present and future.

After an intense legislative session, Utah’s institutions of higher education must reallocate millions of dollars. The University of Utah will grant credit for missionary and military service, while Utah State combines colleges and cancels programs. How are both being received?

Cowley: The Legislature intended to break things with their reforms, like traditions and conventionality. College campuses should be hotbeds of innovation, not institutional relics of the past. Change is hard. Utah’s universities have been handed a difficult task. It is now up to them to meet the challenge and reimagine what a 21st-century college education should be, or cling to outdated norms and lose funding permanently.

The University of Utah is “leaning into a moment of reinvention” by thinking outside the box to better serve students and taxpayers. The U’s landmark decision to award college credit for church missions and military service recognizes the merits of such transformative life experiences.

My alma mater, Utah State, is merging several colleges and eliminating 14 programs, degrees and certificates — one of which is the major I enrolled in as a plucky, young freshman. After explaining far too many times that, no, Agricultural Communications does not teach you how to speak to cows, I changed my major. For me, change was a good thing, and I believe it will be for my beloved Aggies, too. I eagerly await the selection of our next president (fingers crossed that it’s a Utahn) who will refocus on the great things happening in Logan: the new vet school, space dynamics lab and engineering program.

Pignanelli: “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” — John Dewey

Political operative G. Gordon Liddy personified everything wrong with the Watergate crisis, yet my friends and I eagerly read his biography detailing nefarious activities. As student leaders, we approved his appearance on campus so we could watch the much-heralded debate between him and liberal professors. (Liddy decimated all the lefties with little effort.)

Universities exist to challenge preconceived notions and facilitate rigorous arguments. However, the perception, and often the reality, is otherwise. Concerns exist that the diversity of opinion is struggling, and institutions have become bloated and unresponsive to the practical needs of graduates in the workplace.

These are difficult allegations. My alma mater, the University of Utah, has been remarkably adept in pivoting to safeguard traditional academic principles while restructuring to satisfy the demands of leaders and citizens. Credit for missionary and medical experience acknowledges that learning extends beyond the classroom. Although receiving criticism from several fronts, President Taylor Randall is demonstrating that creative solutions can still flourish in a collegiate environment.

The Trump administration is reinstating collections on defaulted student loans and eliminating grants to Harvard and other universities. The elite colleges are fighting back. How does this affect politics?

Cowley: Those who didn’t attend college should never have to pay for those who did. I’m aghast at those who, of their own free will, took out student loans, got meaningless degrees to nowhere, if they even graduated at all, and then have the audacity to act like they are victims deserving of restitution.

Our national debt is already in dire straits, and I’m grateful Americans rejected Biden’s pathetic campaign gimmick to buy votes by promising to cancel student loan debt.

Republicans are giving a side eye to conservative commentator Candace Owens for supporting Harvard’s First Amendment rights and criticizing Trump. Harvard released reports proving antisemitism on campus is even worse than imagined, proving Trump right, yet again.

Harvard is a private institution, and if it chooses to be mired by DEI policies or study llama spit causing earthquakes, be my guest. The billions in its endowments can fund such causes, not our tax dollars. I support free speech, but no university should promote bigotry.

Pignanelli: Student loans are funded by tax partners of all stripes, regardless of whether they have the benefits of a college education. So, to forgive borrowers is a transfer of wealth and plays to the characterization of Democrats as elitists. Many blue-collar workers never forgave the insult, especially in the 2024 election.

Trump picked another target of elitism, knowing that there would be few tears shed for Harvard. The reports of rampant antisemitism and Islamophobia at the 400-year-old institution will cripple its defenses. Harvard’s funding loss will benefit the more inclusive universities.

What is the future of higher education in America and Utah?

Cowley: Degrees are an economic calculation — consumers are purchasing knowledge, skills and experiences to improve their lives and earning potential. The benefit must match or outweigh the cost, which, for many, isn’t the case anymore. Politicians can keep triaging the impacts of skyrocketing tuition, or they can implement meaningful reforms, making the dream of a college education more attainable and beneficial without the crippling debt.

Pignanelli: Much of technological innovation and benefits to human lifestyles are due to higher education. The future is bright because so many, like our local colleges, are making the necessary changes while preserving essential principles.

Unions’ victories shake Utah politics

By Frank Pignanelli, Renae Cowley

Republican Renae Cowley is a political consultant, lobbyist, social media influencer and professional rodeo athlete. Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser who served as a Democrat in the Utah State Legislature.

Last week, public employee associations and trade unions racked up two significant victories. We discuss the political ramifications.

The Utah Education Association (UEA) submitted more than 320,000 signatures on the referendum. This was far in excess of the 140,000 needed to place the issue on a ballot overturning HB267, which prohibited collective bargaining by public unions. What happens now, and how does this affect potential special sessions and the next legislative session?

Cowley: Many said it couldn’t be done (including some union supporters), but the UEA, public safety unions, volunteers and a paid signature-gathering firm defied the odds. Gov. Spencer Cox offered his congratulations to union organizers. Personal ideology aside, as a political operative, even I can acknowledge the impressive campaign prowess it took to pull this off.

County clerks are now undertaking the tedious signature verification process. There is almost zero chance that invalidation rates and senate district dispersion will fall below the requirement. The Legislature now faces the difficult decision to fight it on the ballot or repeal, and maybe replace, the bill as they did with Our Schools Now and tax reform.

Pignanelli: “Message matters. Message matters almost as much as actions.” — Ron Suskind

The UEA aggressively defends member interests, as it should. However, this intensity can strain relationships with state leaders. When serving as a lawmaker, my mother served on the UEA Political Action Committee. So, when I occasionally veered from the organization’s agenda, family Sunday evening dinners became reminders of campaign assistance wrapped in Catholic guilt. I doubt other state legislators endured this torture.

As stated in prior columns, my legal experience included representing school employees, firefighters and law enforcement officers. These are beloved members of the community who deserve assistance when negotiating (and defending) their interests with employers. Thus, it was easy for them to solicit petition signatures, as there was minimal opposing messaging.

This is a clear signal to the supporters of the legislation that they have a communication problem. A recent strike by these employees would have piqued voters’ interest. But when no problem is identified, the vacuum is filled by others.

If the referendum is placed on the next general election ballot, decisions will be compelled. The governor is already sour on the legislation. Lawmakers should consider revisiting the issue and making adjustments to avoid a protracted fight at the ballot box.

District Court Judge Laura Scott declared the “Utah Fits All” scholarship program unconstitutional. The state will appeal to the Supreme Court. How will state leaders navigate this controversy?

Cowley: A successful signature-gathering effort, punctuated by a massive court victory — this is UEA’s best week ever since defeating school vouchers in 2007.

Considering my own public school experience (it wasn’t great), COVID’s exposure of public school shortcomings, and UEA’s liberal agenda, it’s no wonder parents are seeking education alternatives. Judge Scott said, “It must satisfy the constitutional requirements applicable to the ‘public education system.’”

Many voters don’t subscribe to the “public money for public schools” precept anymore. It should serve students, be it in traditional public ed, charter schools, private schools or homeschooling. We’re not a one-size-fits-all society. Everything is customized from your curated Facebook feed to the position of your car’s seat — even your dirty soda order is tailored to your preferences. Education, and how we pay for it, should fit students’ unique needs.

Homeschoolers make up nearly 80% of UFA participants. They are some of the most well-organized and formidable activists on the Hill. Political onlookers, grab your popcorn, this is only the beginning of a battle royal between UEA and homeschoolers.

The biggest losers, aside from students whose education may be upended, will be judges during next legislative session.

Pignanelli: After the vouchers legislation was passed in 2007, UEA obtained the necessary signatures to have the issue on the general election ballot. 62% of Utahns rejected private school financing, and the matter remained dormant.

Then the pandemic hit. Utah parents were frustrated with school district officials and became open to alternatives. Legislative leaders sensed this shift and tasked Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Herriman, to successfully sponsor the scholarship program legislation. This was a wise choice, as Pierucci is an articulate and intelligent lawmaker who possessed the good sense to marry an Italian.

Most private institutions are well-regarded. While well-developed homeschools offer a valuable option in certain circumstances, this alternative remains a subject of controversy and will drive heated political deliberations across the state.

Cowley: We can put to bed any claims that Utah’s referendum laws are too stringent. A gaggle of volunteers were successful in 2020, and now organized labor has far surpassed the threshold.

Legislators will not go quietly into the night, allowing an activist judge to dismantle Utah’s school choice program. Expect legislation to shore up the program, and judges to once again be recipients of legislative ire.

Pignanelli: Unless resolved soon, the role of public employee associations will be a feature in political party conventions and swing legislative districts. The Supreme Court’s ultimate ruling on the scholarship program could foster another constitutional ballot proposition.

The new politics of food and health

By Renae Cowley, Frank Pignanelli

Republican Renae Cowley is a political consultant, lobbyist, social media influencer and professional rodeo athlete. Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser who served as a Democrat in the Utah State Legislature.

Federal government discussions regarding health have revolved around insurance and food pyramids for decades. Like everything else, this too is changing in dramatic fashion. As foodies, we want to comment.

The Trump administration and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are revamping how the federal government addresses health, medical research, vaccines and other issues. How and why is this happening?

Cowley: The world’s turned upside down. Unions are becoming less Democratic controlled, Republicans are now anti-global conflict and there is a Kennedy serving in a Republican administration! Health is among these shifting political paradigms.

Republicans have become the party of single-ingredient foods, grounding and sunlight exposure. It used to be liberal hippies demonstrating their resistance to the man by creating co-op farms and refusing to eat GMO produce drenched in pesticides. Now, the biggest podcaster in the world, former Democrat Joe Rogan, often discusses clean eating and healthy lifestyles on his show. Crunchy moms who refuse to feed their kids processed sugar, treat seed oils like radioactive waste, and practically bathe in beef tallow are mainstream Republicans. It begs the question: If you aren’t raising chickens in your backyard, are you even a Republican?

Aside from vaccines, food is the focus of the MAHA movement. Fast-food chains are becoming healthier. Farm-to-table restaurants are in vogue, charging a premium for hormone-free dishes. Dare I say, Trader Joe’s is not just for liberals anymore.

Trump recently canceled what should have always been temporary COVID-era funding. The pandemic is over, and thankfully, so is the reckless overspending and overreaction.

Pignanelli: “There’s nothing more political than food.” — Anthony Bourdain

The dining habits of American citizens are a long-time target of federal government agencies. I remember the great debate of whether ketchup could be classified as a vegetable for school lunch programs early in the Reagan administration.

The Department of Agriculture provided nutritional advice for a century, which was a battleground for lobbyists to ensure their clients were well-represented in such recommendations. Yet, suggestions for dietary restrictions from officials or experts were dismissed by many, opining that citizens have freedom of choice, regardless of consequences. Alternatively, recommendations from other healthcare entities and agencies regarding vaccines were implicitly followed as the memories of epidemics lingered.

This long-established order is being flipped. The libertarian viewpoint is now applied to vaccines, fluoride and other traditional mandates. Federal and state officials focus on government pressure for healthier eating. Furthermore, research grants to prestigious universities and medical facilities are subject to new “anti-woke” requirements. This could drive alterations in how health concerns are addressed. Technology, ever present in our lives, has shifted long-held beliefs.

All available vaccines course through my veins while I aggressively pursue nutritional food options. Like many of my generation, I am aghast at — but also embrace some of — these unexpected changes. Such is life in the 2020s.

The Utah Legislature passed several bills aimed at making Utahns healthier or altering how they receive care. This garnered praise from RFK and others. Why is Utah following, or perhaps leading, this trend?

Cowley: Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follow a divine law for health and well-being, making Utah MAHA before MAHA was cool. Despite a strong penchant for Dirty Dr. Pepper and enormous cookies, Utahns are consistently recognized for overall health, due to low rates of smoking and alcohol consumption.

My favorite bill this year was Rep. Gricius’ landmark legislation making Utah the first to ban fluoride, something EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said he’s considering implementing nationwide. Expect the Utah Legislature to continue pioneering public policies that advance clean air, water and food. Admittedly, Utah has a lot of work to do on clean air.

Obesity is a public health crisis with significant economic costs. Utah Congressman Blake Moore is chairing the Budget Committee’s Health Care Task Force, tackling health care spending. When it comes to physical and fiscal health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of gold in the federal reserve.

Pignanelli: Because of the Church’s influence, Utah enjoys a reputation for healthy lifestyles. Also, our citizens are respectful but effective challengers of authority, especially from Washington, D.C. Utah is an entrepreneurial haven with a mindset that pervades most residents and impacts lifestyles. Utahns consistently reevaluate what is working and what is not fulfilling expectations, including health and food.

In government finances and economic development, Utah is a leader across the country. Does wellness provide another opportunity to showcase the “Utah Way”?

Cowley: Utah is making major investments in public health and seeing global impacts. University of Utah Health announced a campus in West Valley. BYU will soon enroll students in its medical school. The Huntsman Cancer Institute just broke ground on its new facility in Vineyard. Utah is also setting the standard for holistic, healthy communities through investments in mental health.

Pignanelli: Regardless of where one stands on fluoride, vaccines, red dye or whatever, information exists to support or counter these positions. Thus, shrewd local officials must frequently evaluate data and research, not just emotions. The best results for citizens will require the collaborative approach of the “Utah Way,” which will be an invaluable guide to the country.

How is Utah responding to Trump tariffs?

By Renae Cowley, Frank Pignanelli

Republican Renae Cowley is a political consultant, lobbyist, social media influencer and professional rodeo athlete. Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser who served as a Democrat in the Utah State Legislature.

The cherry blossom bloom at the nation’s capital ended last weekend, and a wonderful version of it will soon retire at Utah’s Capitol. But the politics in both locales continue to thrive.

Special election outcomes in Florida and Wisconsin still reverberate. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., broke a record for the longest speech on the U.S. Senate floor with his verbal attack on President Donald Trump. Do these reveal significant trends?

Cowley: Despite being significantly outspent, Susan Crawford (D) won Wisconsin’s circuit judge seat, and Sen. Randy Fine (R) won Florida’s congressional race. Despite Elon Musk spending $20+ million to put a Republican on the bench, money talks but can’t buy elections. If it did, we would be writing about President Kamala Harris right now.

Long-winded speeches that barely last one news cycle won’t save the Democrats’ sinking ship. They don’t have a plan, a viable presidential candidate or a message. They ignore overwhelming bipartisan support for Trump policies like banning men from women’s sports and securing elections, and ignore pleas from the middle class to rebuild the economy.

Despite zero evidence of efficacy, physicians used bloodletting for centuries to remedy patients’ ills. Similarly, despite their unreliability, political commentators analyze special and off-season elections as predictors of future contests. However, politicos like us cannot help ourselves and will try to glean some nuggets that may prove worthwhile.

Wisconsin voters who placed a liberal into their Supreme Court also approved enshrinement into their state constitution of the requirement of a photo ID before a person can obtain a ballot. This is a lesson for Democrats across the country.

Booker performed a favor to U.S. history by ensuring the longest speech in the Senate is no longer a segregationist rant against voting rights. Despite the attention from national media, serious questions exist about how this 25-hour publicity tactic (only heard by a handful) helps in messaging for future Democratic candidates. Booker’s impressive bladder strength was noted, but few of his statements were covered or will be remembered.

Any additional prognostications for these activities would be akin to using leeches.

Trump is making waves, history and headlines, but not international friends, with his recent imposition of reciprocal tariffs. Utah imports and exports considerable amounts. What are the political ramifications?

Cowley: Millennials like me came of age during the 2008 Great Recession, then endured the 2020 global pandemic. We’ve barely seen a good economy, so another downturn doesn’t phase us — we’re used to a ramen noodle diet.

Tariffs aim to secure better global trade terms and restore domestic manufacturing. Trump said this will cause short-term pain but is necessary to right the economic wrongs of previous short-sighted administrations. You don’t snap your fingers and “voila,” instantaneous return of domestic manufacturing. This could take the entirety of Trump’s term or longer.

COVID-19 demonstrated America’s vulnerabilities in the supply chain. Our limited manufacturing heavily relies on foreign inputs and materials. We must bolster domestic production of energy, steel, microchips and rare earth minerals. Utah could play a part in this strategy with our troves of rare earth minerals and vast energy resources.

America remains the most important consumer market. Companies like Ford are making moves to serve American consumers, duty-free. The E.U. and others are already floating zero for zero tariffs. This is the highest-stakes game of economic chicken ever played. I’m betting on the guy who wrote “Art of the Deal” to win.

Pignanelli: Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., correctly emphasized that when Republicans imposed tariffs in 1890 and 1930, they were hammered in the next elections. A repeat could happen in 2026 if the stock market plunges and inflation explodes. This could significantly impact Utah’s swing districts and possibly a congressional seat.

But the tariffs of the 19th and 20th centuries were enacted by Congress, which means the modern story is unfinished. The president has greater flexibility to modify or Congress may feel forced to intervene, which would change the outcome.

Commentators (including me) have been opining that the political parties are undergoing realignment in multiple demographics, as was apparent in 2024. The eventual outcome of the recent actions by Trump may supercharge political transformations to the extent not seen since the 1850s.

Utah suffered in the 1890s and 1930s. Our diverse and sophisticated economy could again be negatively affected unless the trajectory changes. Thus, intra- and inter-party dynamics in the next several years may be even more extreme than the current environment.

How are other elected officials, including Utah’s delegation, reacting to Trump’s big swings? How might this change politics in perpetuity?

Cowley: Democrats can’t even denounce Tesla vandalism, let alone come up with a cogent counter to Trump’s bold and decisive agenda. Most Republicans are either complicit or silently acquiesce to Trump. Meanwhile, Utah legislators are decisively MAGA/MAHA, basking in praise from RFK Jr. and other Trump secretaries.

Pignanelli: Politicians love to be on the right side of history, but there is no crystal ball to decipher recent events. We may be amidst a massive economic upheaval that reorients political coalitions. So our officials express concern, combined with a desire to help the “hollowed out“ former industrial centers, while offering hope of eventual resolution.