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!

Why We Serve

Service is who we are as Utahns and we want to keep it that way. We were excited to host our first ever “Why We Serve” State and National Service Symposium where we learned from local and national experts about the importance of service. Here are some highlights: 

• We announced our One Utah Service Fellowship – a pilot program to provide service opportunities for young people. Our goal is to meet pressing state needs while preparing young people for post-secondary education and training through service. 

• First Lady Abby Cox moderated a panel with young adults from across Utah about how service changes lives. 

• Kirk Aubry with Savage, Clark Ivory with Ivory Homes and Kari Holt Larsen with the Utah Jazz joined us on stage to discuss prioritizing service in corporate America. As a state, we’ve issued two executive orders: one that gives four hours of administrative leave for state employees to participate in state agency service projects, and one that incentivizes service as part of state economic development efforts. Learn more here. 

• Lt. Gov. Henderson moderated a panel with Skyline High School students who said it best – “Serving is fun!” Read more about this panel below. 

• Maj. Gen. Joseph Heck spoke about his own impressive service journey, which began in elementary school, and how one service opportunity leads to the next. 

• The Carnegie Corporation of New York announced a $1.1 million investment in our service initiative. This is part of a #3 million in new funding from the Carnegie Corporation for state and national service programs that mark the corporation’s latest commitment to programs that fortify our democracy by strengthening social cohesion and reducing political polarization in America.

• Secretary Paul Monterio with the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation, Marie Groark with The Schultz Family Foundation, University of Utah President Taylor Randall and Utah Sen. Ann Millner offered their expertise on how service teaches valuable skills that translate to the workplace.

• We ended the day by building mental health kits for students at West High School.

There’s darkness in the world, but service can be a light. Service builds friendships and connections, and states can lead out and implement service initiatives. Learn more about the important role service plays in our democracy from our most recent op-ed in the Dallas Morning News here.

Talking service with high school students

A highlight at our symposium was a panel moderated by Lt. Gov. Henderson. She was joined by Sophie, Mannat, Miguel, and Lucy to discuss the impact service has had on them. They have all participated in service as part of their education experience at Skyline High School. We were all impressed and inspired by their dedication to their communities and stories of service. 

Students like these are why Utah is consistently ranked No. 1 nationally in volunteerism. We hope to spread their message and methods across the state.

Addressing licensing reform in Utah

This week we shared our efforts to fill gaps in our behavioral health system through licensing reform. Our nation is facing a behavioral health crisis with one in five adults experiencing mental illness every year. Part of this problem is there aren’t enough behavioral health workers to meet treatment needs. 

Training smarter, expanding pathways to licensure and expanding the scope of practice are all part of our vision for easier access to behavioral health care. We’re doing this while keeping the safety of patients and providers in mind. Thanks to the Office of Professional Licensing Review, the Department of Commerce and Utah Sen. Curt Bramble for working with us on solutions.

A visit to southern Utah 

This week we traveled to southern Utah and packed in a full day. We kicked off the “What’s Up Down South” economic summit, met with county commissioners, visited with students at Career Tech High School in St. George, spoke with the Iron County Home Builders Association about our housing initiatives and long-term water infrastructure needs. We also learned more about growth and plans at the St. George Airport.

Always love seeing the great things happening in southern Utah!

Native American Caucus

Officials from all of the Native American Tribes from across the state gathered for the Native American Caucus. Lt. Gov. Henderson spoke to the gathered representatives, expressing her appreciation for the privilege of working with and building relationships with the Tribes.

Governor’s Award for Excellence Highlight

Each week, we’re highlighting a state employee who was recently awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence. This week we’re recognizing James Johnston from the Utah Labor Commission! 

Jim has 30 years of exemplary public service. During Jim’s time at the Labor Commission, Utah Occupational Safety and Health Division, he has been a tireless advocate for workplace safety and health. He led a team that has conducted the OSHA 10 Hour Construction Course numerous times, reaching hundreds of employees working in this high-hazard industry. Jim has taught hundreds of high school students about their rights and responsibilities in Utah’s workplace. Jim was selected to lead some of the most complex inspections and accident investigations including those involving Process Safety Management, or PSM which is a standard that requires employers to identify, evaluate, and control highly hazardous chemicals used in their processes. He has led many employers in reaching the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) designation. Jim provides outstanding service in every aspect of what he does, which is always above, beyond, and exceeds expectations.

Thank you, Jim, for your dedication to the state of Utah. Keep up the great work! To read about the Governor’s Awards for Excellence, click here. 

ICYMI

• This week we spoke to the Utah Taxpayers Association about our track record of fiscally conservative tax policies. Over the past three years, we’ve cut taxes by $1 billion, including $850 million in the last year alone, and we aren’t slowing down. We’re proud of what we’ve done to put money back into the pockets of hardworking Utahns! 

• The evidence is clear: Cell phones are a distraction and that’s the last thing our children need when they’re trying to learn. So we’re calling on schools across Utah to put phones away during class time. Phone-free learning environments will help our teachers teach and our students learn. We want to give Utah students every opportunity to succeed. Read more here. 

• January is National Radon Action Month. Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the ground and can only be detected by testing. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer death for non-smokers. Although Utah has the lowest rate of smoking in the nation, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in our state. In Utah, 1 in 3 homes that were tested, and 1 in 2 homes in some areas, have radon levels higher than what are considered safe for humans. You can purchase test kits from the Department of Environmental Quality for $11. If you've already tested your home, tell your family and friends to test.

• Lt. Gov. Henderson was interviewed about the anniversary of a tragic domestic violence event in Enoch. See the interview and read more about what is being done to support victims 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!

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