Affordability is a Right

Affordability is an emergent property of good governance. When the economy prices goods and services beyond the reach of its participants, it's time to question the quality of our government's policies. 

Life is getting more expensive

I am committed to addressing the systemic reasons why costs are rising beyond the reach of most Utahns:

  • Housing and housing-related expenses
  • Affordable health insurance
  • Child care

Housing

I fully agree with Rep. Bennion. The solution does not rest in simply building more housing. What must happen is to dissuade corporate buyers from cornering the market (pricing out home buyers). Speculators are the ones driving the costs beyond the reach of most Utahns. For this reason I am committed to reintroduce the "Bennion Bill" which aims at preventing corporate buyers from pricing out families who need a home.  

Health Insurance

The Federal Government is currently a mess and middle and lower income families are left fearing the possibility of being squeezed out of their health insurance.  This is a time for our state government to use its budget surplus to expand Medicaid and CHIP coverage and make sure every person is afforded the care they need.
Also, from personal experience. The Utah Insurance Department needs to update and better communicate with the public what insurance companies are actually licensed and can sell Medicare supplemental (Medigap) plans in Utah.

Universal child care

We can no longer be the first, but we could still be the second state to offer no-cost universal child care. In average Utah families pay between 10% to 24% of their household income in child care.  As a sustainable growth strategy, New Mexico's Governor Lujan Grisham makes perfect sense: 
"By investing in universal child care, we are giving families financial relief, supporting our economy, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive."

What are we waiting for?

Share your story

Are you experiencing hardship due to the affordability crisis? Reach out, share your story and let's find common sense solutions to help us all navigate these turbulent economic times.