Michael Melendez

Michael Melendez

Executive Vice President

michael@libertas.org

Michael is the Executive Vice President, overseeing Libertas’ policy operations, including policy analysis, government affairs, and organizational strategy.

Prior to joining Libertas he was a legislative aide for a Utah state senator and the state government affairs manager for Waterford Institute, a digital education non-profit. Michael has also managed and worked on dozens of campaigns around the country, which included directing the Trafalgar Group’s nationally recognized polling operations in 2016.

Michael Melendez's Articles

Personal Freedom

Blow Dry Bars: Another Successful Example for Licensure Reform

This legislation does not put customers in any danger, but it does create the ability for more individuals to become employed and avoid all of the challenges surrounding the lengthy licensing process.

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Personal Freedom

The Revolution Continues

So, as you celebrate the Fourth of July, just remember that the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution were not an ending point, but a beginning.

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2021 Bills

A Mix of Tax Cuts for Utahns in 2021

Going into the 2021 session, legislative leaders were committed to a tax cut of at least $80 million, but that number ended up being closer to $100 million. Though there were proposals for a broad income tax rate cut, the Legislature settled on three targeted income tax cut proposals.

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Education Empowerment

School Attendance Reforms Put Parents Back in the Driver’s Seat

These bills not only help protect parental rights (as dictated in Utah’s Constitution), but they also provide important support to Utah’s children. Routines and normalcy have been disrupted and it would be wise to give families and students as much flexibility as possible.

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Personal Freedom

A Win for Free Speech at Utah Universities

While private universities have the right to impose limits on the free speech opportunities of their students, government-funded universities must allow students to exercise their rights to speech without any intervention unless there is actual harassment or legitimate danger to public safety.

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Op-Eds

These two Utah bills would give property tax relief to seniors

The earning potential for an individual in the middle of their career is much different than that of a retiree. Income drops and becomes fixed instead of steadily increasing. This leads to homeowners who are “house rich” and “cash poor” — in a home, but unable to afford the rising taxes that are annually owed. The Utah Legislature is considering two bills this session to address this issue.

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