ALEC in Deseret News: How Utah has had the nation’s best economy for 15 straight years
Instead of cowering to mounting pressure from the liberal media and outside states, Utah remained determined to forgo mandates and unnecessary government overreach and instead focused on personal freedoms and Utahns’ ability to make sound decisions
In 2007, the University of Florida beat Ohio State in the NCAA football championship, the final “Harry Potter” book was published and Apple released the very first iPhone. 2007 was also the first year Utah was ranked the state with the best economic outlook in the Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index.
Since then, Utah has consecutively been awarded the top ranking as the state continues to grow and improve its prosperity. This year is no different. It’s an honor to be ranked once again as the state with the best economic outlook.
In the past 15 years, Utah and our nation navigated difficult events, including the financial and housing crisis of 2008, numerous natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, Utah’s strategic planning, pioneering spirit and determination placed the state on a continued path of success. Utah buckled down during hard times, relying on forward-thinking reserve funds, and made preparations for future downturns during good economic periods.
Smart economic outcomes drive decisions. State leaders use a combination of tried-and-true methods, along with innovative ideas to turn the dial on Utah’s economy. Recently put to the test, Utah’s economy withstood and even thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic as other states and nations experienced drastic downturns.