#OneUtah: A weekly update from the office of Gov. Spencer J. Cox. 

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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! ([link removed])


** Happy New Year, Utah!
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We hope the past few weeks have been filled with quality time with your loved ones. The holidays are always a great chance to recharge and reconnect. The new year presents new opportunities, but one thing won’t change – we’ll keep working hard for the people of this great state!


** Resolving to ‘Disagree Better’
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2024 is a great time for all of us to learn how to disagree better. Need some ideas for New Year’s resolutions? Click here ([link removed]) to see some suggestions from Starts With Us.

And check out the January issue of Deseret Magazine. It’s chock-full of thoughtful commentary and features – from Rachel Kleinfeld, Thomas Griffith, Ezra Klein, Alexandra Hudson and more – about why healthy conflict and depolarization helps our country and ourselves.

Thanks, Deseret Magazine, for highlighting this important topic!


** Helping candidates
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Lt. Gov. Henderson’s office has been working hard this week to help candidates file for office. Interested in running for political office yourself? Running for office is exhilarating, but the requirements can be complicated, especially if you are new to the process.

Candidate filing is held in the Capitol Boardroom at the Utah State Capitol. The filing deadline ends Monday, Jan. 8 at 5 p.m. To learn more about candidate filing, visitvote.utah.gov and click on "2024 Election Information."


** Talking Olympics
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We were excited to talk about Utah’s bid for the 2034 Winter Games with Catherine Raney Norman, director of the Salt Lake City-Utah Bid for the Games, and Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall on an episode of “The Last Chair” with Tom Kelly.

With more than 80% of Utahns supporting the bid, Utah is clearly excited to welcome the world back to the Beehive State!

Photo credit: Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office.


** Having good Fire Sense
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We were honored to welcome leadership from the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Utah Division of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and BonCom to the Capitol this week to recognize the effectiveness of the Fire Sense campaign.

Fire Sense is a program designed to prevent wildfires and decrease human-caused wildfires. In 2023, there were 288 human-caused wildfires compared to 1,176 in 2020. There’s been a whopping 56% total reduction over the past two years in human-caused wildfires which is unprecedented and incredible. This past summer was Utah’s quietest wildfire season in at least two decades and we’re not done yet! We’ll continue to invest in reducing human-caused wildfires and protecting the natural beauty of Utah. Learn more about Fire Sense here ([link removed]) .


** Governor’s Award for Excellence Highlight
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Each week, we’re highlighting a state employee who was recently awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence. This week we’re recognizing Gordon Larsen from the Governor’s Office!

Gordon’s dedication and tireless efforts in spearheading the Disagree Better initiative while effectively managing a substantial federal portfolio have been remarkable. Over the past year, he has carried the heavy burden of advancing this critical project, all while skillfully balancing the demands of our federal responsibilities. In the face of immense pressure and the intricacies of planning and coordination with administrations at the national level, Gordon has consistently demonstrated an impressive ability to keep the interests of our cabinet and staff at the forefront of our delegation’s priorities. His unwavering commitment to advocating for the well-being of Utahns is truly commendable. Gordon’s dedication, perseverance, and exemplary leadership make him a worthy recipient for the Governor’s Award for Excellence.

Thank you, Gordon, for your dedication to the state of Utah. Keep up the great work! To read about the Governor’s Awards for Excellence, click here ([link removed]) .


** ICYMI
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* Happy Birthday, Utah! On this day in 1896, we became the 45th state in the nation, and it’s only gotten better since then!
* Utah was ranked #1 in social mobility in the nation! Read more here ([link removed]) .
* Last month we released our proposed budget for FY25. View our full recommendations at gopb.utah.gov. ([link removed])


** Coming up
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* Jan. 8: We’re hosting “Why We Serve: A Symposium on State and National Service.. The day will feature local and national experts about how service changes lives as well as some initiatives we’re launching to make sure service remains central to Utah’s culture, so please join us on our livestream here ([link removed]) starting at 10 a.m.!
* Jan. 9: We’re holding a press conference focusing on new licensing for behavioral health professionals that will increase employment opportunities in Utah. Stay tuned for more!
* Jan. 11: Excited to speak at the What’s Up Down South event in St. George.
* Jan. 12: Looking forward to attending Utah’s Economic Outlook and Public Policy Summit.

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** Get involved!
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Looking for a new job opportunity? From great employee benefits ([link removed]) to versatile work schedules ([link removed]) , the career opportunities with the state are truly endless. Join Team Utah today ([link removed]) !

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


** Get in touch!
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You can reach the Governor's Office here ([link removed]) . And you can follow us on X ([link removed]) , Facebook ([link removed]) ,Instagram ([link removed]) , and YouTube ([link removed]) for the latest news and updates.
Contact the Governor's Office ([link removed])

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Copyright © 2024 Office of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, All rights reserved.
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Office of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox
350 N. State Street
Suite 200 P.O. Box 142220
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2220
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