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!

A patriotic weekend

On Sunday, we kicked off Independence Day by speaking at the Freedom Festival Patriotic Service. Then on Tuesday we celebrated with 300,000 fellow Utahns attending the Freedom Festival parade in Provo!

The Fourth of July is a great opportunity to reflect on what it means to be an American and what it means to be a patriot. Being a patriot is about work. It’s about making things better for the people around us. It’s about protecting life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. 

Our country’s Founding Fathers and Mothers did just that. And we, as Americans, can continue to do the work that makes America the envy of the world. We hope you had a happy, and safe, Independence Day! View photos from the events here.

Wildfire Safety 

Over the next several weeks, Utah is expected to have an increased wildfire risk with red flag conditions. Temperatures are expected to be above-average, and precipitation below-average during mid to late July. And, because of the wet spring and snowy winter, there is more grass that can burn. Stay safe by using good “fire sense.” By exercising fire sense, we can prevent up to 70% of wildfires. Here are some tips to prevent wildfires: 

• Keep campfires contained by using a designated ring or pit, never leave your fire unattended, and make sure it is cool to touch when extinguishing! 

• Know the ways your car can cause fires. To make sure your vehicle won’t cause a fire, be sure to secure chains so that they don’t drag, avoid parking in dry brush, and keep your tires in good condition. 

• When shooting your firearm outdoors, be sure to aim away from dry grass or rocks, never use exploding targets and tracer rounds, and don’t shoot outdoors on hot and windy days. 

• Make sure to know where and when fireworks are permitted this summer, and always have water handy. 

To learn more about using good fire sense to prevent wildfires, click here.

An insider’s look at the Governor’s Mansion  

Have you ever wanted to learn more about the historic Governor’s Mansion? Click the link above to hear our daughter Emma Kate tell the fascinating story of this state treasure. 

Visit the Governor’s Mansion Webpage to learn more, including how to schedule a tour of the people’s house.

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, Department of Public Safety rollout domestic violence tools for law enforcement

This July marks a new chapter for Utah’s statewide response to domestic violence incidents.

Last Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Jess Anderson announced the rollout of S.B. 117, a bill championed by the lieutenant governor after her cousin Mandy Mayne died in August 2022.

The bill mandates law enforcement agencies in Utah to perform lethality assessments after every intimate partner incident. The evaluation is a researched-back tool to identify risks for victims and law enforcement. And it’s not the only tool law enforcement will have at their disposal.

The Department of Public Safety also rolled out a portal for law enforcement to share and receive information about offenders with 24/7 case support from analysts at the Statewide Information and Analysis Center S.B. 117 requires law enforcement to connect at-risk Utahns with a domestic violence service provider on the scene.

We’re already seeing results. During its demo phase, law enforcement agencies submitted 206 lethality assessments, and 128 indicated a lethal risk for the victims.

We believe this will save lives. You can read more about the announcement here.

Helping rural communities thrive

You can’t put a price on collaboration, but you can collaborate in Price!

Lt. Gov. Henderson convened a group of commissioners, mayors, legislators, and state officials for a roundtable discussion about energy, water, and rural economic development in the heart of Carbon County on Thursday.

Leaders from the Office of Energy Development, Division of Water Resources, and Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity were on hand to listen to concerns, share their expertise, and identify ways the state can help rural economies like those in Emery and Carbon counties to succeed.

Supporting local on your next road trip

Utah’s small towns often boast some of our state’s best and most popular natural wonders. That’s why it's important to support the small and local businesses that rely on tourism spending when you take your next adventure. Supporting local means that you are helping support families, raising economic activity, and contributing to local sales tax revenues which go towards public infrastructure and government services. Here are a few ways you can contribute to local businesses next time you visit:

• Take a stroll in the downtown area of where you are visiting and pop into a local restaurant or gift shop. 

• Read and write reviews on websites such as TripAdvisor or Yelp. Reviews are vital to smaller businesses and help travelers find something unique and fun to do. 

• Take an adventure with a local guide. They are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their landscapes and cultural amenities. You might come back with canyoneering or rafting as a new hobby, or a great recommendation from your guide!

• Focus on the “intangibles”. Word of mouth recommendations or social media posts go a long way! Be sure to share your favorite local spots with your friends and family. 

To read more about the impact of supporting local businesses, click here.

Coming up

• July 12: We’re excited to attend the National Governors Association Summer Meeting in Atlantic City next week! Stay tuned for an exciting announcement on July 14!

• July 13: Lt. Gov. Henderson will meet with local leaders in Hildale.

• July 17: We’re touring our national forests with officials from the U.S. Forest Service, Utah Department of Natural Resources, Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office and more!

• July 18: The annual Days of ‘47 Cattle Drive in downtown Salt Lake City is happening! We’re excited to be participating once again this year. 

• July 24: Happy Pioneer Day, Utah! Our office will be closed. 

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!