35A-3-503 - Legislative intent. - Utah Statutes

35A-3-503. Legislative intent.
(1) The Legislature finds that public policy should promote and encourage a strong civicsector. Civic organizations have an important role that cannot be adequately addressed througheither private or public sector action. Important public values such as the condition of ourneighborhoods, the character of our children, and the renewal of our cities directly depend on thestrength of families, neighborhoods, and grassroots community organizations, as well as thevitality of private and religious institutions that care for those in need. Civic organizationstransmit values between generations, encourage cooperation between citizens, and ensure that ourcommunities are livable and nurturing environments. The value provided to the state by civicorganizations is called social capital.
(2) The purpose of this part is to promote the availability of social capital. Using socialcapital, clients of and applicants for services under this chapter may receive a wide array ofservices and supports that cannot be provided by state government alone. Social capital links allparts of our society together by creating opportunities for service and giving. It facilitates trustand cooperation and enhances investments in physical and human capital.
(3) In enacting this part, the Legislature recognizes the constitutional limits of stategovernment to sustain civic institutions that provide social capital. While state government hasalways depended on these institutions, it does not create them nor can it replace them. This partrecognizes that state government must respect, recognize, and, wherever possible, constitutionallyencourage strong civic institutions that sustain a sense of community and humanize our lives.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 174, 1997 General Session