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!

Welcome back to school, Utah!

Students and teachers in Utah deserve the best, and we’re working hard to ensure that. Our FY24 budget contained historic education funding, including an increase in teacher pay, and we’re keeping that momentum going! Thanks, Mr. Wegener’s class and Magna Elementary School in the Granite School District for having us on Friday. Always enjoy connecting with Utah’s youth! We hope everyone has a great school year!

An exciting transportation announcement

We joined the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) to announce a new project that Utahns have been asking for! UDOT is currently in the process of re-striping Utah freeways as a part of a $26 million project that is first of its kind in size and scope, as it is a stand alone project and not a part of other highway construction. 

It’s been a challenge to keep striping refreshed with weather, truck traffic, and snow plow operations. That’s why we’re excited about the beginning of this long-term program, with more resources than ever, dedicated to keeping our pavement markings in good condition. These efforts should significantly improve lane markings and make our roads safer. 

Last year, the Legislature approved UDOT’s request for $6 million per year in additional funds to maintain lane striping - we appreciate their support. Thank you to Carlos Braceras and the UDOT team for all they do to improve transportation and our quality of life here in Utah! You can see more about the announcement here.

Doing our part – donating to the American Red Cross

We all know the importance the American Red Cross plays in protecting our health, and now they need our help. Trauma patients, transplant recipients and those undergoing cancer treatment all depend on the generosity of blood donors. But the Red Cross has seen a decline in donations throughout the summer, which makes it hard to keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood products. 

This week, I donated blood at the American Red Cross and the process is easy, quick, and most importantly: it saves lives. Thanks to all those who donate! 

To view eligibility requirements for donating blood and to make an appointment visit here.

You’ve got mail!

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson is encouraging Utahns to check their mailboxes.

County clerks began mailing ballots to all eligible Utah voters on Tuesday ahead of the Sept. 5 municipal primary elections and special election for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District. 

If you’re unsure if your community is holding a primary, visit vote.utah.gov to learn about candidates, verify your registration, find a secure dropbox, and track your ballot from start to finish.

Once you’ve made your picks, we encourage voters to return their ballots as soon as possible. You can drop it off at a secure dropbox, polling place, or your county clerk’s office. You must have your ballot postmarked by the USPS by Sept. 5.

As always, your vote is your voice. Use it!

Monthly News Conference

We joined PBS Utah this week for our Monthly News Conference. Here are some highlights:

Q: Should the inland port be built so close to the Great Salt Lake given the trouble that it’s in? And how do you balance the desire for a port versus saving the lake? 

A: I feel great about the direction of the inland port, especially the changes that have been made in the last year. I feel very confident with the leadership there that this is going to be the most environmentally friendly inland port in the country. You’ll see the partnership with Salt Lake City has greatly improved. I appreciate the Mayor and the City Council, we’ve been able to move forward in a positive way. I don’t have concerns about the location as long as we build it the right way, and I’m confident that we will. I don’t think that building the port and saving the lake have anything to do with each other, we’re going to fill the salt lake and we’re building in places where the lake doesn’t go and where there are no bird refuges. We’re building in places where trains have gone before and will continue to go. 

Q: What can the executive branch and legislative branch do to bolster housing accessibility for the growing aging population in the state? 

A: Being the youngest state in the nation, we’re blessed with a different set of challenges historically. But with the “silver tsunami” coming as baby boomers are aging and moving into retirement years and struggling with healthcare and housing we have set aside money for housing in the low-income area and we’re using some of that. I believe there is a newer facility that is opening to an aging population for those that are struggling with shelter. We’re working with municipalities on this issue. We desperately need more of these care facilities, nursing homes, different levels of care and we need them in a lot of different places. I would hope our municipalities are working on this, but it’s a business model decision as well, and we certainly need to make sure we have the funding necessary through insurance and other mechanisms to pay for our seniors who need those services. This is one of the issues the legislature and executive branch are going to have to be much more engaged in. I don’t know if any state is completely prepared for what’s on the horizon with this issue. 

Q: Earlier this year you said the state was planning on suing social media companies, when does the state plan to file a lawsuit? 

A: We’re already in the middle of that with TikTok, the first one. We’ve been taking preliminary steps by requesting information to prepare the lawsuits. They have refused to give us that information so we have taken them to court to get it. That’s a preliminary step moving towards a potential lawsuit. I met recently with our attorneys internally as we see what this looks like. There is some multi-state litigation that is being worked on as well. We’re having conversations there as well to see what piece Utah will take and where we will participate in multi-state litigation. This will be decided in the coming months.

Spirit of Service Award: Jill Anderson

Meet Jill Anderson, one of the 2023 Governor’s Spirit of Service Award recipients. Jill is the CEO of CAPSA (Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse), has dedicated her career to providing vital support and resources to survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse in northern Utah.

Congratulations, Jill, and thank you for your service to our state!

The NLGA takes on the Iowa State Fair

Lieutenant governors from across the country got a taste for Iowa this week at the National Lieutenant Governors Association Annual Meeting in Des Moines.

Lt. Gov. Henderson joined the bipartisan group of seconds-in-command to share ideas and solve problems facing the nation. Yes, she even got to see the famous Iowa State Fair butter cow.

Thanks to Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg for your hospitality. Utah loves the Hawkeye State.

Agriculture in Utah

The agriculture industry is as tough as it’s been in a long time. We’re grateful to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food for all the hard work they do in supporting farming and ranching here in Utah and protecting our food supply. UDAF is one of Utah’s oldest state agencies and oversees dozens of legislatively mandated programs that promote the healthy way of Utah agriculture, conservation of natural resources and protecting food supplies including inspecting the state's 4,000 retail stores. 

We got to visit UDAF this week and learn more about the important work they’re doing. Learn more about UDAF here.

ICYMI

• We hosted Utah rodeo grand marshals at the Governor’s Mansion this week! See photos here.

• The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is excited to bring you a new podcast, AgTalk! AgTalk will explore different agricultural topics by having conversations with experts to discuss tough issues such as water use. We will also take a look at programs and resources available for Utah’s farmers and ranchers, and give our listeners an inside scoop on how their food is grown. You can listen to the first episode here.

   

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!

Get in touch!