The Hinckley Report

As the Utah Legislature prepares to pass a final budget, they will have less money to work with than originally estimated. Lawmakers received new estimates this week showing that projected revenue for the state is down about $112 million total. Our expert panel discusses what this means for state programs, and where cuts could be made. Plus, will there still be a tax cut? Governor Spencer Cox had...

The Utah Legislature is considering a potentially historic number of constitutional amendments this year. One appears to be in direct response to decisions made by the Utah Supreme Court in the Fall of 2024 regarding a requirement that proposed amendments be published in newspapers. Another would change the percentage of "yes" votes needed to approve some voter ballot measures. Our expert panel ex...

In the third week of the Utah Legislative Session, lawmakers passed a controversial bill that bars public employee unions from collective bargaining. Debate over the proposed legislation had been extensive, with union members negotiating behind the scenes for a better version of the bill. But in the end, the original bill passed the Utah House and Senate. Advocates are now urging Governor Spencer...

In Week 2 of the 2025 Legislative Session, Utah lawmakers work to allocate funds in a tight budget year after extra federal spending from the COVID-19 pandemic has dried up. Proposed legislation could affect how voters pass ballot initiatives and how the state manages elections. Lawmakers also discuss shoring up the state's resources as Federal grant and loan funding for state and local programs i...

Following his inauguration, President Donald Trump signed a flood of executive orders including actions on immigration, public safety, and birthright citizenship. He also pardoned approximately 1,500 people convicted of crimes related to the events of January 6th, 2021, including 18 Uthans. Governor Spencer Cox focused his State of the State Address on building affordable homes, energy production,...

With just a few days until Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, people close to his incoming administration say he is planning extensive executive action on his first day in office. Our panel examines how Utah could be impacted, including potential changes to the boundaries of national monuments like Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. Plus, what will be th...

The inauguration ceremony for members of Utah's Executive Branch was held this week at the Eccles Theatre in downtown Salt Lake City. Governor Spencer Cox and Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson both took the oath of office and delivered an inaugural address. Our panel examines the tone of their speeches, and what it signals about their next four years in office. Plus, with about a week and a half until...

As the 2025 Legislative Session quickly approaches, Utah lawmakers are beginning to numerous propose bills. Our expert panel of political insiders discusses potential changes to higher education funding, election integrity, mail-in balloting, and judicial appointments, along with cuts to taxes on Social Security and shrinking the overall state budget. Plus, we remember the legacy of Former Preside...

2024 has proven to be a busy year in the world of politics. From a tumultuous presidential election on the national stage to some decisive policy shifts here at home — our expert panel dives into the major headlines and their impact. Utah Sen. Mitt Romney's term ends in just a few days. We explore the impact of his time in the Senate, what he accomplished for Utah, and what his legacy will be. We...

As a divided Congress struggles to keep the federal government open and funded, our expert panel examines how bipartisanship can work in Washington. The members of Utah's federal delegation have secured some key committee assignments. We examine how that will impact the Beehive State's standing on the national stage. Plus, Utah's newest Senator said this week he does not intent to be a rubber stam...

As the transition to a new Administration takes place, moderate Republican Senator Mitt Romney's tenure in Washington came to a close with a farewell speech in which he called for unity. In this episode of The Hinckley Report, our panel of politcial insiders discusses his replacment John Curtis's record of bridging the political divide with efforts like his Conservative Climate Caucus in the U.S....

This week Utah Governor Spencer Cox released his budget proposals for the upcoming Utah legislative session. His budget calls for cutting all state income taxes on Social Security benefits - a move that could save more than 150,000 older Utahns about $1,000 each year. Cox also wants the state to invest more than $20 million into nuclear and geothermal electricity. But will his key proposals actual...

Even before any votes were cast in the 2024 election, questions about election denialism, overall election security, and the safety of vote-by-mail were in the headlines across the country - even here in Utah. In this episode, our expert panel takes a close look at the safeguards in place to protect election systems. What makes an election secure? And how much confidence do Utahns have in the powe...

As congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. begin preparing for a new term next year, Utah's representatives are jokeying for important committee assignments. Our panel examines how this behind-the-scenes maneuvering impacts the work of Congress, and how it benefits Utah voters in the long-run. New polling suggests public trust in institutions like Congress and the media is much lower than it use...

As county clerks in Utah wrap up counting final votes, political parties in the state and country are already assessing what went wrong and right for them in the recent election. New polling suggests Republicans and Democrats across the country had vastly different priorities when they cast their ballots. Our panel examines how those priorities translated to wins and losses, and what they suggest...

While county clerks around the state are still counting some ballots, the results of many races are in. Pres. Donald Trump will be returning to the White House in January and Utah voters have given Gov. Spencer Cox another four years to lead the Beehive State. Our expert panel evaluates what messaging resonated with the electorate, which demographics played a decisive role, and what the results te...

With just a few days left until the 2024 election, new poll numbers are painting a clearer picture of what we can expect in some key Utah races. Our panel examines what this all means in the race for president between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. And, will there be any surprises in the race for Utah governor? The Utah County Clerk is facing scrutiny this week after it was revealed that his offi...

Political disagreement is nothing new in the United States. The Founding Fathers certainly didn't see eye-to-eye at all times when they were drafting documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. But their disagreements always gave way to compromise, a pattern that helped develop the country we know today. In recent years, however, political disagreement seems to have reache...

This week, Utah voters are receiving their ballots in the mail. In addition to choosing candidates for a variety of political races, you will be asked about important questions about judges, constitutional amendments, property tax changes, and much more, all depending on where you live. Our expert panel breaks down what you can expect, and where you can find resources to be a more informed voter....

As county clerks prepare for a historic election, candidates are making their final push to reach undecided voters. Our panel examines the unique circumstances at play in 2024. Plus, Sen. Mitt Romney weighs in on the presidential race. Journalists Doug Wilks and Jeff Parrott join political insider Becki Wright on this episode of The Hinckley Report with Jason Perry.

The candidates for Vice President of the United States meet up for their only debate of the 2024 election cycle. Our panel examines how the exchange likely impacted Utah voters. Plus, why Utah's Lt. Governor is being outspoken about election security. Utah Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost joins political insiders Greg Hughes and Damon Cann on this episode of The Hinckley Report with Jason Perry.

In recent years, citizen-led ballot initiatives have played a major role in Utah politics. Our expert panel examines the power guaranteed to the people by Utah's Constitution. Plus, how have initiatives shaped state policy and are there any winners and losers in the process? Political strategists Rich McKeown, Maura Carabello, and Marty Carpenter join host Jason Perry on The Hinckley Report.   Edi...

After a quick campaign stop in Utah, the FBI says former Pres. Donald Trump was the focus of another assassination attempt. Our expert panel discusses what the rise of political violence means for our country. Plus, the Utah Supreme Court agrees to hear an appeal on Amendment D. Journalists Daniel Woodruff and Heidi Hatch join political insider Chris Bleak on The Hinckley Report with Jason Perry.

The major candidates for U.S. President and Utah Governor face off in televised debates. Our panel evaluates their comments and how voters could be influenced. Plus, a major court ruling that could impact ballots in Utah. Political insiders Frank Pignanelli and Kate Bradshaw join journalist Ben Winslow on this episode of The Hinckley Report with Jason Perry.

With Utah's 2024 general election quickly approaching, our panel discusses how heated races and historic surprises are affecting the ballot this November. Plus, the push to amend the state constitution, and those fighting against the change. Journalists Max Roth and Lindsay Aerts join political insider Glen Mills on this episode of The Hinckley Report with Jason Perry.