Utah House Democrats

Minority Leader David Litvack
Salt Lake City

Cost Cutting Strategies in Corrections

This session highlighted the experiences of three states (Pennsylvania, Colorado & Connecticut) in addressing the high costs of Corrections and the impact on state budgets.

In general, the conversation focused on three primary strategies to reducing costs associated with prisons and jails, while not compromising public safety or the holding of offenders accountable for criminal behavior:

• Finding cost-savings through operating efficiencies
• Reducing Recidivism
• Examining Sentencing and Release Policies

Cost Saving Strategies in Medicaid

This session focused on creative ways in which states are addressing the impact of the Medicaid on the overall state budget.  What was particularly valuable and relevant for Utah policy was the discussion on payment reform as a means to help provide better care to those on Medicaid and save critical dollars.  In other words, saving money does not need to be simply a choice of providing or reducing important services.  There are ways to accomplish cost-savings without compromising the care of Medicaid recipients.

Repeal of the Death Penalty: Two States Experiences

This session focused on the experiences of New Jersey and New Mexico’s recent repeal of the Death Penalty in their respective states.  Many states are now considering repealing or limiting the use of the death penalty to the most egregious situations in exchange for a Life Sentence without the Possibility of Parole.  The discussion highlighted the high costs of the death penalty, the impact on victims and victims’ families of the lengthy process, the moral dilemma of “state-sanctioned killing” and concerns that have arisen about innocence and the death penalty as a result of the advent of DNA evidence.

Health Care Reform in States

This session highlighted the experiences of three state efforts in Health Care Reform (Massachusetts, Utah and Pennsylvania).  This session was very timely as the health care reform debate takes shape nationally.

A Green Economy

This session focused on the evolving partnership between economic development and environmental protection and sustainability.  This session looked at the value to the economy and the environment of the “Green Industry” and the partnership that is forming between these interests throughout the United States.  Of particular interest was the discussion of the role community colleges and other institutions of higher education can and must play in developing programs to train and provide the necessary skills to students in this growing movement.

Moving the Middle on Equality for Gay and Lesbian Americans

This session took a closer look at what was defined as the “movable middle”; 46% of Americans that are not on either extremes of the Gay Rights debate (i.e., Pro or Con).  The “movable middle” has a more nuanced view of Gay Rights that revolves around tradition and change.  It is this segment of the population that truly holds the key on advancement in equal rights for Gay and Lesbian Americans.