How Utahns feel about the economy, protecting public unions, and big-name political visitors

Organizers of a ballot referendum to overturn HB267 submitted their final batches of signatures this week. State law requires about 140,000 signatures, but supporters more than doubled that total with more than 330,000. Now county clerks across the state will work to verify the signatures and determine if they meet the minimum thresholds in 15 of Utah's 29 senate districts. Groups who are opposed to the proposal also have 45 days to convince signers to remove their signatures from the referendum petition. This all revolves around a bill passed by the legislature earlier this year that bans public employee unions from collective bargaining.

New polling is out about how Utahns feel about the state legislature and Gov. Spencer Cox. Are their views shifting at all? Our expert panel examines the results and explores how recent headlines may be impacting public opinion.

Plus, this week Utah was named the state with the best economic outlook for the 18th year in a row according to the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Legislative leaders adn Gov. Cox welcomed the news, but acknowledged the reality that Pres. Donald Trump's tariff agenda could lead to an economic slowdown. We discuss how the state is preparing for that scenario, and how public perception of the economy is faring.

Plus, Utah had some big-name political visitors this week. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) brought their "Fight Oligarchy Tour" to Salt Lake City on Sunday. An estimated 20,000 people came out to hear the pair speak. We examine what the big crows potentially says about politics in the Beehive State, and why two well-known progressives went out of their way to visit a deep red state like Utah.

Host Jason Perry is joined by Holly Richardson, editor of Utah Policy — Daniel Woodruff, reporter with KSL 5 News — and Ben Winslow, reporter with Fox 13 News.

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