I write as both a concerned citizen and an attorney with experience as a district attorney, an assistant U.S. attorney, and a business immigration attorney. My career has given me firsthand insight into the legal, economic, and policy implications of current government actions — or inactions.
Recently, I reached out to our Utah representatives about the executive overreach of DOGE and was sent a form letter about their legitimate concerns about the national debt and fraud.
Sadly, our Utah representatives are missing the mark. They should sit down and rewatch Republican Rep. David Schweikert’s recent remarks on the house floor that these recent cuts are mere political theater. The real drivers of our mounting national debt are growing entitlement spending and soaring interest payments — problems that cannot be solved by slashing funding for programs like U.S.A.I.D., national parks, the N.I.H., or the Department of Education.
To secure our future, we need structural reforms:
A responsible tax system • Rather than cutting taxes for corporations and the wealthy, we must build a tax structure that funds our obligations.
Attracting skilled foreign labor • With a declining birth rate, sensible immigration policies to welcome skilled workers are essential for sustaining Social Security, Medicare, and our economy.
Genuine spending reform • Comprehensive entitlement reform is necessary, not mere cosmetic cuts.
Salt Lake, our leaders must act decisively. The power to demand change lies with us. Engage with your representatives — call, email and attend town halls. We are the change our nation needs.
Alexandra Serrato Leeflang, Sandy
