It calls for our leaders to: take the time to understand how the world has changed, and how it has affected our families' ability to cope with the new problems brought about by change; come up with creative solutions; eliminate (yes, eliminate) outdated policies that impede the ability to cope with change; and create innovative solutions to help support families.

The challenge for our elected leaders is to see with "new eyes" rather than simply doing more of the same with more money. Tax policies, especially, play a key role in the renewal process, not only for individuals, but also for employers. And if we really want to help families meet their health needs, should the burden be placed on employers or should that be a social cost for all? Such a shift could well allow employers to create more jobs, better pay and family leave policies.

Policies should focus on allowing parents to earn a living while allowing time to do the most important thing parents do, spend time in teaching the values and the skills needed to become healthy adults. Ninety percent of parenting is being there to say, "yes," "no," "great job," or to give a hug or provide discipline. That's how values are learned. Our families must fight not just the television but the World Wide Web for the hearts and minds of their children.

If we are to stop outsourcing jobs and keep our children from leaving the state, we must create an economic climate that will allow for the creation of new businesses by having an educational system that is flexible and prepares children and adults for a constantly changing job market. Our institutions of higher education, both public and private, should have the resources needed to create new ideas and make Utah the mecca for innovation. Let's move from the symbolism of protecting families to policies that actually help parents meet the basic needs of their families.

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Utah native John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations, served on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch and on more than 45 state, local and volunteer boards. He also has been deputy assistant secretary of labor. E-mail: jdflorez@comcast.net