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!

Welcoming President Biden to Utah

First Lady Abby and I were pleased to welcome President Joe Biden to Utah this week to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the signing of the PACT Act! The PACT Act expands health care and benefits to veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances while serving our nation. It is crucial that our veterans receive the best possible care after they dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms. Utah veterans can find more information at veterans.utah.gov.

Regardless of political party, it is an honor to host the president of the United States. Thank you for visiting, POTUS! We hope you enjoyed your stay. View photos from our visit with President Biden here.

The importance of natural gas

This week, we enjoyed meeting with CEOs of many of the major natural gas companies about what they are doing to innovate the sector. Natural gas is crucial to our energy sector. We have always favored an “all of the above'' approach to energy, as it lowers costs and decreases our dependence on foreign imports. 

Today, more than three-quarters of Utah households heat their homes with natural gas, and it produces almost a third of our electricity. Growing up in Fairview, I remember it being a huge deal when natural gas made it into my rural community. It meant more affordable energy for families to keep their houses warm. 

We’re grateful for the American Gas Association’s work to make their operations safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly.

Spirit of Service Award: Jared Quan

Meet Jared Quan! One of the recipients of this year’s Governor’s Spirit of Service Award. Jared Quan is a writer, mentor, and advocate who has served as a volunteer for numerous events and organizations including the president for the League of Utah Writers, board member of the Cultural Arts Society of West Jordan, grants director of the Eagle Mountain Arts Alliance, executive director of Big World Network, chair of the West Jordan Arts Council, member of the Utah Poet Laureate Selection Committee, recruiting chair of the Association of IT Professional Utah Chapter and others. He was given the Gold Volunteer Service Award by the president of the United States for his over 1,500 hours of service to the writing community from 2015 to 2017.

Congratulations, Jared! You can learn more about the Spirit of Service Awardees here. 

Lt. Gov. Henderson to Utah women: ‘Pull up another chair’

Excited to see Utah Valley Magazine recognize our own Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson!.

The annual women’s edition is filled with remarkable Utahns who are leading the charge in their communities. On Thursday, the lieutenant governor joined the magazine’s publisher for an event with all the women featured in the issue. They connected, shared stories, and got a little advice from Utah’s ninth lieutenant governor – only the second woman to hold the position.

Her message to them: Let’s have an attitude of abundance. Let’s pull up another chair. There is always room for more women at the table. You can read the entire issue here.

The Wild Wild Web

Hundreds of cybersecurity experts from across the United States descended on Utah’s capital city this week for the 16th Annual ISAC Meeting.

Lt. Gov. Henderson welcomed the local, state, tribal, and federal cybersecurity leaders to the Beehive State and touted Utah’s whole-of-government approach to cybersecurity. In 2021, the Division of Technology Services prevented 10,000 malicious attempts to connect to state systems every day.

We’re grateful for all of Utah’s cyber experts who fight to keep us safe on the Wild Wild Web.

It’s wildflower season!

Wildflower season in Utah is finally here! Every year, Utah shows off its natural beauty with stunning displays of wildflowers all across the state. You can view the wildflowers as easily as a drive in the Uintahs, but some of the most beautiful fields you can find by hiking. Take Alpine Loop for a moderately trafficked 2.2 mile hike, or Lava Tube Trail for a similar 2.3 mile hike. Feeling extra adventurous? Mount Timpanogos features stunning views of wildflowers, but is a tough 15 mile out-and-back climb. 

What better way to see our state's beauty than by witnessing the peak wildflower season. Just remember to not pick any wildflowers, stay on marked trails, and remember to leave no trace!

Learn more about the wildflower season in Utah here.

ICYMI

• We were pleased to host the Utah State Board of Higher Education at the Governor’s Mansion this week to discuss our shared goals for higher ed in Utah! We’re grateful for their dedication to our state. 

• We disagree with the new Grand Canyon Monument designation announced this week. You can read the whole statement here. 

• Lt. Gov. Henderson joined KUTV Live to talk about the upcoming primary election and the state’s social media campaign.

• Lt. Gov. Henderson joined the Utah Broadband Outreach Center to kick off the Tri-State Telecommunications Conference in Park City.

   

Coming up

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!

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