Definition of “gaslighting”: psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories; typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one’s emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator.
The past Utah legislative session was a challenge on many fronts and was not the success it should have been for all the children of Utah. Among many of our community partners, as well as legislators I regularly speak with, there has been consistent concern expressed about the way this session was conducted.
The session opened with a $193 million tax cut, because, we were told, Utah can afford to both cut taxes and address our unmet needs. What followed was predictable, as appropriations subcommittee funding recommendations were slashed due to a “lack of available funds.” After we were told money was tight, we then saw a $1 billion infrastructure line item get included in the final budget package with no public input —and still no details about how it’s financed.
Throughout the session, legislative leaders told the public not to worry, that children-related issues were a priority. In the end, though, we were simply told that there was not enough funding available to do right by our state’s children.
We saw a 9% increase in education funding. However, when you break down the net increase, the number is not so impressive. Neighboring states, such as Idaho and New Mexico, dramatically increased education funding and salary structures for teachers. Meanwhile, we watched important bills like full-day kindergarten receive far less than the requested funding, with no guarantee of future funding increases, despite overwhelming support among parents and educators.
Over the course of the pandemic, Utah had the largest per-capita increase of uninsured children. Accordingly, this session, a bill was introduced that would have provided an opportunity for every child in Utah to access health coverage. The cost was $5.7 million and would have saved the state more than $9 million. The bill had strong support in the Senate but was never allowed to come before the House for a floor vote with a full week left in the session.
Throughout the session, an undercurrent of misinformation and bigotry running through much of the public testimony and public discussion by policymakers. Countless bills addressed “divisive or unacceptable” content in our school, when our local education authorities have policies in place to address these issues.
We heard numerous anti-immigrant comments, justified by misinformation that went largely unchallenged by legislative leaders. Utah has a large immigrant population that we should be proud to support. This constant demonization of our neighbors and friends who are here to provide a better life for their families is heartbreaking.
We heard about the “Utah Way” many times throughout the session, describing a wide variety of completely different practices and philosophies, while being used to justify all sorts of completely unjustifiable approaches to policymaking.
We need to recognize that in practice, there is no “Utah Way.” What has emerged this session from the Legislature is gaslighting that has left the public confused and with a loss of confidence in the process and an unhealthy dependence. A worthy “Utah Way” would involve transparency, inclusive coalitions, integrity and prioritizing the needs of our most vulnerable community members.
We at Voices are committed to building coalitions that care for our children and are willing to come together to create a “Utah Way” that has real meaning which all our children will benefit from and support.
Moe Hickey | Voices for Utah Children Executive Director
Moe Hickey is executive director of Voices for Utah Children