Happy Friday from #OneUtah, a weekly update from the office of Gov. Spencer J. Cox. Here’s your recap of what we did this week, what's on the horizon, and more. Reply to this email with any questions or suggestions regarding the newsletter. And thank you for subscribing!

Wrapping up our Connecting Utah Tour

That’s a wrap on our Connecting Utah Tour! We stopped in Salt Lake County this week and visited Mountain Ridge High School. 

Over the past few months, we visited one high school in each of our 29 counties to talk to students and community members about what’s on their minds. Our young people are aware of the challenges we all face – the price of housing, the impact of social media, their futures – but they are remarkably resilient and are ready to join us in solving problems. It’s been refreshing to hear their insights and ideas. 

Visiting every county and corner of Utah just affirms what I already knew: That we truly are the best state in the nation! Thanks to everyone who joined us on the Connecting Utah Tour. 

Meeting with Commissioners

This week we had the pleasure of hosting county commissioners at the Governor’s Mansion for dinner.  

They were able to tour the State Capitol building before heading over to the mansion for a BBQ dinner and a tour of the “people’s house”. 

County commissioners do so much for the areas they serve – much of it under the radar – and are integral members of their communities. We’re all fortunate for their willingness to serve, and for all their hard work.  

Recognizing Utah Artists 

Utah has a great tradition of honoring and supporting artists and we were so pleased to present the Utah Governor’s Mansion Artist Award to two artists who have brought us beauty that can be both seen and felt. 

Caitlin Connolly is an artist and writer living in Provo working with many mediums – most often drawing, painting, sculpture and language. Caitlin’s artworks usually include a human figure, can contain both levity and gravity, sometimes they are autobiographical and other times they are conceptual, some are black and white, while others are stunningly colorful.

Marshall McDonald is a musician and piano is his primary instrument. Marshall has played for Utah’s best musical theaters, famously accompanying an auditioning singer even as his sheet music blew off the piano. He continued to play, reading from the floor without missing a beat. They both received a standing ovation at our gathering this week. 

Read more about the awardees here. 

‘Zero Fatalities’ campaign ramps up

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and Department of Public Safety (DPS) are urging motorists to stay safe with a new Zero Fatalities “Back to Basics” campaign. 

Between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days” when road fatalities nearly double compared to the rest of the year. The top four leading causes for all crashes on Utah highways are following too closely, failing to yield right-of-way, driving too fast for the conditions, and making unsafe lane changes/failing to keep in the proper lane. 

The roads will be busy this holiday weekend, so drive safely! Learn more here. 

Utah Children’s Collaborative

Yesterday, we launched a first-in-the-nation effort to support children who have lost a caregiver or parent. In Utah, one in 15 kids will lose a parent or caregiver before turning 18 years old. We won’t let these children suffer alone. 

The Children’s Collaborative will connect children who’ve lost a parent or caregiver with organizations and resources that will support them through their grief journey. Utah is ideal state to launch this initiative because of a strong track record by state and local governments, local organizations, schools, and universities to solve problems. We’re grateful for all the stakeholders that helped with this effort and were honored to join this announcement! 

Following through on a promise in San Juan County

In April, a small group of Utah Navajo girls asked Lt. Gov. Henderson if she would visit them at Monument Valley High School in San Juan County. This week she made good on her promise.

At an assembly, just two days before graduation, Lt. Gov. Henderson and Division of Indian Affairs Director Dustin Jansen answered questions, offered advice, and listened to 7-12th grade students at the rural high school. Situated a mile from the Utah-Arizona border, some students travel two hours on a bus to school in the morning.

The school has made huge strides expanding internet access to students, increasing graduation rates, and recruiting and retaining talented teachers. The future for these students and the San Juan School District is bright.

ICYMI

• We got to see the progress of the North Capitol Building firsthand this week! Grateful for the workers who are putting in great effort to get this completed. 

• Lt. Gov. Henderson visited local leaders in Grand County and San Juan County this week.

   

Coming up

• May 29: Happy Memorial Day, Utah! Our offices will be closed, but please join us for a Memorial Day observance on the south steps of the Capitol at 10 a.m.

• May 30: We’ll stop by the VA Medical Center to thank our veteran patients for their sacrifice and service. 

• May 30: We’re excited to host UDOT snowfighters at the Governor’s Mansion!

• May 31: Looking forward to joining Junior Achievement students at their annual breakfast.

Get involved!

Looking for a new job opportunity? From great employee benefits to versatile work schedules, the career opportunities with the state are truly endless. Join Team Utah today! 

Those looking to volunteer can also consider more than 300 boards and commissions. Find out which openings are available and how you can get involved here!

Get in touch!