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!

Stay weird, Utah

Yesterday we delivered our 2024 State of the State address to the people of Utah, emphasizing why Utah is the top ranked state in the nation and how we can keep it that way. 

We highlighted what makes Utah unique including dramatic landscapes, strangely spelled names and our culture of taking care of each other. We also shared our goals and policy priorities for Utah’s future. 

We believe the single largest threat to our future prosperity is the price of housing. Housing attainability is a crisis in Utah and every state in this country, but we’ve got a bold plan to build 35,000 starter homes in the next five years. The American dream is alive in Utah, but it will be dead soon if we don’t get this right. 

We’re also worried about homelessness, but again, we have a holistic plan that combines emergency shelters, affordable housing and enforcement of our laws. There is nothing compassionate about allowing people to suffer and die on our streets and there is nothing compassionate about allowing laws to be flagrantly ignored and broken. We can provide help and demand accountability.

We also asked the Legislature to support the service initiatives we proposed this session, especially the new paths for high school and college students to give back. 

My friends, the State of the State is as strong as it’s ever been. And we’re convinced with every passing day that the source of our state’s strength is what for the longest time people told us was our weakness. We’re different. We’re weird. The good kind of weird. The kind of weird the rest of the nation is desperate for right now. And I’m praying we can keep it that way.

Read the full text of the 2024 State of the State Address here. Listen to our full remarks here.

Legislative Session Starts

This week we kicked off the 2024 General Legislative Session. Team Utah is ready to put in the work and collaborate with legislators to keep our state thriving. In addition to our housing and homelessness initiatives, our priorities include: 

• Continuing to improve our water and infrastructure management, transportation and air quality, 

• Supporting the growth of rural Utah, 

• Elevating service as a core cultural element of Utah, 

• Adding hundreds of new openings in mental and behavioral health degree programs,

• Continuing to invest in supporting families. 

Stay tuned for more updates throughout the legislative session! To learn more about our legislative priorities, click here. 

FLOTUS visits Hunter High

First Lady Abby was honored to host First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden, and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy in a special event dedicated to celebrating educators in Utah. Each delivered messages of encouragement and gratitude to the teachers and staff at Hunter High School in West Valley, emphasizing the crucial roles educators play and the enduring impact they have on future generations. The first ladies, both educators themselves, connected over the distinctive challenges faced by those in the teaching profession.

Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of both students and staff, Hunter High School was a perfect setting for the visit. Special shout out to two local businesses that contributed in honoring educators — Beehive Meals and Crumbl. We appreciate their support and commitment to recognizing the hard work of educators!

View photos of the event here.

100 Years of Film in Utah

Greatest Snow on Earth

We finally have the snow we’ve been waiting for this winter! 

Whether you ski, snowboard, snowshoe, ice skate or snow tube, there’s something for everyone during winter in Utah. Remember to stay warm and stay safe!

Learn more about the greatest snow on earth here.

ICYMI

• Thanks, Kaysville City Youth Council for stopping by the Capitol this week!

• We had the opportunity to meet with youth leaders and local officials at the Utah League of Cities and Towns. Always a great time! View photos here. 

• According to a new rural report, the rural Utah economy currently comprises 20.5%, 355,900 jobs, of all Utah employment.In a year-over comparison (Fall 2023 / Fall 2022), 23 of Utah’s 25 rural counties experienced positive or neutral job growth.And crude oil production in 2023 is on pace to equal or exceed production from 2022, which broke the previous state record. We’re committed to our rural areas!

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!