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!

‘Breaking the ice’ for the NHL in Utah

This week we officially welcomed the National Hockey League to the Beehive State! We were thrilled to gather with thousands of Utahns and hockey fans at the Delta Center to celebrate the arrival of the team formerly known as the Arizona Coyotes. What a welcome!

Thanks to Ryan and Ashley Smith for believing in Utah! We can’t wait to see a new generation of fans grow around this team and we’ll be cheering when the Stanley Cup comes to Utah!

Visiting Utah businesses

This week we visited MX Technologies and LoanPro, two fine fintech companies here in Utah. In the past few years, Utah has become a hub for finance and technology, with an economic impact of $21.8 billion and over 160,000 Utahns employed in the finance and technology fields. Fintech is a rapidly growing industry in Utah, and we have a strategic plan to further cultivate a rich fintech ecosystem, support the rising generation of fintech founders and leaders and promote a balanced approach to data rights, privacy and governance. 

Great to see two companies here in Utah boosting this industry! See photos here.

An update on cybersecurity

We appreciated the update from the Cybersecurity Commission this week at the Capitol.

The security of our data is of the utmost importance to the state and the people of Utah. We’re grateful for the work of the Cybersecurity Commission – a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors – to develop policies and procedures that protect Utahns from potential cyber threats.

SUU Commencement

Utah colleges are currently holding graduation ceremonies to celebrate the achievements of their students. Congratulations to the class of 2024 in Utah! 

This week, Lt. Gov. Henderson attended the Southern Utah University Convocation Ceremony as a special guest to recognize the hard work of the students about to embark on a new journey.

‘Improving Lives and Communities’ Award

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson attended the National Lieutenant Governors Association Spring Meeting. She received the Improving Lives and Communities Award for her collaboration in implementing life-saving reforms to the way law enforcement responds to domestic violence between intimate partners in Utah. Well deserved! 

Lt. Gov. Henderson has been the driving force behind the state of Utah's historic investment in resources for domestic violence victims' services. See pictures here.

Nominations still open for Spirit of Service Award

The spirit of service is alive and well in Utah. Each year, we have honored individuals and organizations across Utah with the Governor’s Spirit of Service Award. Utahns lead the nation in volunteering and charitable giving each year, and we want to recognize those who contribute to our culture of giving back! 

Just a few more days to submit nominees, so be sure to nominate an individual or organization by Tuesday, April 30, here. 

Become a fellow in the Office of the Governor

Applications are still open for our fall fellowship program! 

We offer a number of fellowships intended to help emerging leaders and recent college grads gain a wide variety of professional experience and a unique perspective into state government, public service and the duties of the governor and lieutenant governor. 

Apply here before Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

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 Jeff Hawley, Ph.D., with the Utah Department of Insurance.

Jeff is responsible for managing all aspects of the Health and Life Division’s Research area and truly embraces the definition of research innovation and implementation. He most notably produces the Utah Health Insurance Market Report which is the hallmark of the department and is relied upon by the Utah Legislature and the health insurance industry. Jeff designed and successfully executed the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act and Utah Pharmacy Premium Impact Reporting. Jeff and the research team proactively contacted the pharmacy drug manufacturers to clarify expectations and develop a level of trust and understanding that encouraged voluntary compliance. Jeff worked closely with the National Academy for State Health Policy to seek and share information with other states around this issue. He is a consummate professional, who is friendly, willingly shares his knowledge, and remains humble in serving Utah consumers.

Thank you, Jeff, 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

• What makes Utah Home? A new video series explores how state government improves the lives of individuals and families in the Beehive State. Check it out!

• It’s National Park Week! Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks are a great way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of our state. And near the Mighty 5, and all across Utah, are state parks that you can visit year round. The weather’s warming up – let’s get outside!

• The pause on U.S. liquified natural gas exports is threatening market stability and hurting our allies. We joined our fellow republican governors in urging President Biden to end the pause on LNG exports. More information 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!