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!

Happy Pioneer Day, Utah!

This Pioneer Day, we were able to celebrate our state's history by participating in the Days of ‘47 Parade. What better way than on horseback riding down the historic streets of downtown Salt Lake! 

Utah’s pioneers exemplified perseverance, courage, and faith. Pioneer Day is a day to celebrate and show gratitude for the hard work and sacrifices of all the pioneers who settled the great state of Utah. Even if you just moved to Utah yesterday, Pioneer Day is a day to celebrate people believing in each other and creating something better. Their history is ours to build on, and as Utahns we have the opportunity to work together to continue building on what the pioneers started in 1847.

Celebrating Utah’s Spirit of Service

We honored individuals and organizations who have rendered exemplary service to others throughout the state this week with the second annual Governor’s Spirit of Service Award ceremony. Four individuals and four organizations received this award and were selected from hundreds of nominations submitted to our office earlier this year.

The Spirit of Service winners are amazing examples of why Utah leads the nation in volunteerism and service, and we’re honored to pay them tribute and recognize the good they are doing in our great state. You can learn more about this year's awardees here. 

Muslim Heritage Month Celebration

July is Muslim Heritage Month in Utah and we were honored to join members of the Muslim Community in Utah this week. Our administration believes in One Utah, the idea that we need to increase opportunity for everyone. Thank you for having us, Muslim Civic League! View our gubernatorial declaration for July as Muslim American Heritage Month in Utah here.

An update on the USS Utah

Construction on a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine bearing Utah’s name is coming along swimmingly, according to the captain and crew of the USS Utah.

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson welcomed the special unit to the Capitol on Tuesday for a progress update on the Virginia-class submarine (SSN-801). The U.S. Navy vessel is the second to bear Utah’s name, following the dreadnought battleship that sank during the attack on Pearl Harbor, killing 58.

The Virginia-class submarine is set for christening in 2024 and commissioning in 2025. The state-of-the-art vessel will carry out global missions, projecting power ashore, providing surveillance, and engaging in support missions.

We’re grateful for our service members who represent Utah with pride.

Visiting the Northwestern Band of Shoshone Nation

The Northwestern Band of Shoshone Nation welcomed Lt. Gov. Henderson to their headquarters on Tuesday for a discussion on government-to-government relations.

Headquartered in Box Elder County, members of the tribal nation live in northern Utah and portions of southern Idaho. 

We’re grateful for their partnership and friendship with the state of Utah.

ICYMI

• We were honored to meet the captain of the USS Utah submarine this week! 

• Learn more about our NGA “Disagree Better” initiative with Scott Simon on NPR here. 

• Check out our interview with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on CNN’s State of the Union with Dana Bash here, where we discussed the importance of disagreeing better and depolarization in our politics. 

• Utah’s poetry ambassador, Lisa Bickmore, is one of 23 poets laureates across the United States to receive an award of $50,000 for creative projects from the Academy of American Poets. Congratulations, Lisa!

• The Sept. 5 primary election is closer than you think! Visit vote.utah.gov to register to vote, update your mailing address, and sign up to track your ballot.

• Lt. Gov. Henderson and the Department of Corrections met with Sarah Sun aka Miss Utah for a discussion on strengthening Utah’s workforce and reducing recidivism.

Coming up

• Aug. 1: We’re excited to meet with Impact Opportunity: Refugee girls + World Cup!

• Aug. 1: Honored to be attending the 100 Businesses Championing Women event.

• Aug. 3: Lt. Gov. Henderson will attend the Tribal Governance & Leadership Conference at Southern Utah University.

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!