The Legislature does not deliberate in a vacuum. We explain this with examples.
Conservative television and radio personality Glenn Beck recently called the Utah Legislature “hypocrites,” stating that a bill to expand the number of Supreme Court justices and create a constitutional court could be the “end of the Republic.” Is his warning accurate?
Cowley: Although not from the Beehive State, many consider Mr. Beck an honorary Utahn due to his affiliation with the state’s predominant faith. Too bad his desire to chase clicks and clout has clouded his judgment, demonstrated by his recent criticism of legislative action. The bill that was signed into law provides for constitutional court appointments to be selected at random, so it is a stretch to suggest it is court stacking. Expanding from five to seven justices isn’t novel — it’s the norm in numerous other states. Yet, I’m not sure that adding two more justices will yield more accurate outcomes. The thorough vetting of judges is the best remedy.
Democrats accused Trump of such an offense for his November 2020 appointment of Amy Coney Barrett. It’s a politically advantageous barb, utilized by both parties when it suits them, but shifting political tides seem to dissipate the impact over time.
Pignanelli: “I don’t fancy myself a political commentator. I hate politics. I hate it.” — Glenn Beck
Legitimate arguments abound on both sides of the controversy surrounding the expansion of the judiciary. A majority of state supreme courts have seven justices, but allegations of court packing in Utah still circulate. Regardless, I strongly doubt this alteration to the third branch will lead to the apocalypse.
Beck’s comments are a reminder that he is a shrewd businessman, political commentator (despite his denials) and entertainer. He built his empire on a series of outrageous comments, and this is the latest edition.
In my interactions with interested citizens, I am consistently asked if our republic is on the verge of extinction. These inquiries emanate from the left and the right. My passionate response is that our nation has overcome challenges before. Having faith in the strength of Americans may not be as profitable as doubting them, but our 250 years of history verify this emotion.
The “Mississippi Miracle” describes a recent phenomenon in that state, with elementary literacy rankings rising from the nation’s worst to nearly the top in a few years. Utah legislators and Gov. Spencer Cox wish to replicate this after a recent report found that younger students are reading below minimum proficiency levels. They hope to mirror our Southern neighbor’s success with a law requiring that third graders suffering from reading difficulties repeat the school year. Should we attempt such an effort?
Cowley: States are meant to be laboratories of innovation. Holding kids back to ensure reading proficiency early in educational pathways worked wonders down South, rocketing Mississippi into the top 10 of reading scores. The policy merits consideration, especially in light of the recent report indicating that nearly half of Utah’s 3rd graders are below reading proficiency. Reading competence is likely the No. 1 building block of education, and early intervention is the best solution. Utah parents agree.
I’m quick to dismiss concerns about impacts on social dynamics. I skipped a grade in school, making me the youngest in my class. It never came up unless I brought it up (as the youngest child in my family, I enjoyed the attention that came with it). Besides, educational outcomes far exceed popularity in terms of building a bright future.
Pignanelli: It is not all doom and gloom for elementary schools in Utah. We are consistently ranked as the number one state by U.S. News & World Report. Utah earns this award because we are performing well across many areas, including K-12 education.
A recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll reveals that 67% support the proposal to hold back third-graders who can’t pass the reading test. Despite this public support, some experts feel that such actions will harm students and increase classroom sizes.
Is technology inside or outside of the classroom a problem for Utah K-12 students? There are several bills this legislative session addressing in-classroom technology use.
Cowley: Our great state is a notable leader in many areas of innovation and paves the way for uncharted policies for the rest of our nation. Artificial intelligence and technology are among the top issues this session.
There are two bills making their way through the legislative process that seek to regulate the use of technology in classrooms by limiting screen time and creating standards for software that is utilized in our elementary schools. Although I am an advocate for trading a blue screen for green pastures, one has to ask whether the supervised technology use in the classroom is the real culprit, or whether it’s the excessive unsupervised use outside the classroom.
Pignanelli: I am an old guy who remembers when the rich kids had the massive Encyclopedia Britannica in their homes, and the rest of us had to march to the public library to complete our school reports. Now, almost every child has access to the internet and the same information, regardless of affluence. Technology is the great equalizer. That should always be our highest priority.
(Note: We represent companies and organizations with interests in the issues described above.)