Video: Kem C. Gardner’s Natalie Gochnour on Utah’s post-pandemic economy

| Apr 19, 2021 | Utah

Natalie Gochnour, executive director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, was one of the speakers on the afternoon Keynote at last week’s 2021 Utah State of Reform Health Policy Conference. The seasoned economist spoke with State of Reform Host DJ Wilson about what Utah’s economy looks like going forward.

She described the economic “bounce” that Utah currently finds itself in. The increased administration of vaccines is improving consumer confidence, businesses are becoming more adapted to operating during COVID-19 and many Utahns have accumulated excess savings — and thus “pent up demand” — due to their hesitance to spend money during the crisis.

 

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“It’s really interesting, in the short-term, to know that as we come out of this pandemic, there will be a significant bump in economic activity.”

When asked about the likelihood of inflation resulting from the significant amount of federal funding the state has received, Gochnour said inflation has been difficult in the pandemic economy. She believes this doesn’t merit too much concern, and is more worried about increasing prices in the commodities market and speculation.