Episode 143 is your weekly recap of some of the items that are being discussed up on the hill during the 2019 Legislative session here in Utah. They are half way through the session officially. The biggest win this week is that a hate crime bill, by Sen. Thatcher who has been trying to get this bill through for quite some time, was being heard by a committee 2.21.19.
Some of the other items of note this past week in legislation: update on the abortion on Down Syndrome law, fake urine law, and allowing nuclear waste in Utah. Also great news, the stupid birth certificate bill has been dropped!! A reminder you can follow along with the sessions on Twitter with the Utah Legislature or on the Utah Legislation website.
Yes, we went down a rabbit hole about socialism in episode 143 because one of our Senators *coughStewartcough* is creating fear-mongering and thinks that it only existed during the Iron Curtain and that it is a threat to the US. So, we pointed out how it is indeed not a threat and how countries actually thrive on it. Bre did some great research and here is what she found:
* China – they are starting to lean toward capitalism but they have a less stressful and more relaxed life than Americans
* Denmark – they have a wide range of welfare benefits but the highest taxes in the world but equality is the most important value and 70% of businesses have < 50 ee’s
* Finland – has the best education systems with no tuition and free meals for students. 100% literacy rate and one of the highest standards of living in the world.
* Denmark – equality is one of the most important values. Gov’t control remains at a minim but they still have a socialist welfare system. They believe all people deserve equal rights and opportunities and even bosses do not discipline or treat subordinates rudely.
* Canada – mostly a free market economy with an extensive welfare system with free health/medical care. Listed as one of the top five countries to live by the UN.
* Sweden – has a large welfare system but high national debt requiring much gov’t involvement.
* Norway – they have one of the best welfare systems in the world and one of the highest standards of living in all of Europe.
* New Zealand – not really socialist but the welfare system is wide-ranging offering housing, unemployment, healthcare, child care and education support.
* Belgium – similar to New Zealand with invalid and old age pensions. They have a budget deficit though.
* Ireland – arguably one of the best welfare systems in the world. About 25% of the GDP goes toward welfare as opposed to 15% in America.
Oh yea, and then there is the LDS church system…
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Music By: Folk Hogan. Bootleggers Dance.