A bold initiative to revive federalism took center stage during the Utah Legislature's Federalism Commission meeting on May 13, 2025. Key discussions highlighted a three-pillar approach aimed at empowering states and re-establishing a national federalism commission.

The first pillar focuses on continuing education, spearheaded by Jim and the Center for Constitutional Studies. This educational component is designed to equip stakeholders with the knowledge necessary to navigate federalism effectively.

The second pillar is an upcoming summit scheduled for September, intended to generate momentum and outline clear objectives for the initiative. This summit aims to unite various stakeholders and foster collaboration on federalism-related issues.

The third and perhaps most significant pillar is the reconstitution of a national federalism commission. This move is seen as a critical step in returning decision-making power to the states, a sentiment echoed by several legislators during the meeting. One speaker emphasized the urgency of this initiative, stating, "Now is the time... we need to stand up."

The discussions revealed a strong desire among Utah lawmakers to reclaim state authority, with many expressing that the current political climate presents a unique opportunity for action. As one member noted, "Federalism is really only dead to the party that's in power," underscoring the importance of principles over political convenience.

With a delegation from South Carolina ready to engage in this movement, the momentum is building. The Utah Legislature is poised to take significant steps toward revitalizing federalism, with the summit and educational initiatives set to pave the way for a more empowered state governance structure. The outcomes of these efforts could reshape the landscape of state-federal relations in the coming years.