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!

Utah’s #1!

For the second year in a row, U.S. News and World Report has named Utah the best state in the nation! 

Utah has a vibrant, diverse economy with unsurpassed natural beauty. But what truly sets our state apart is our people. Utahns are charitable, collaborative, innovative and work together to strengthen families and individuals. U.S. News and World Report analyzes thousands of data points to determine the best state rankings. We’re proud that the Beehive State is getting the recognition it deserves! Read more here.

Public Service Recognition Week

It’s Public Service Recognition Week! This week we stopped by the Taylorsville State Office Building and the Multi-Agency State Office Building to visit with state employees. Lt. Gov. Henderson celebrated by visiting our friends at the Department of Cultural and Community Engagement and the Department of Workforce Services, meeting with many of those workers who are the backbone of our state's progress, making a difference in Utahns' lives daily.  

Public servants vary in occupation and responsibility – military personnel, public employees, law enforcement, firefighters, health care professionals and others – but are unified in their commitment to improving their communities and the people around them. 

Grateful for the 23,000 dedicated state employees who serve the people of Utah!

Honoring the Fallen

This week our state experienced a heartbreaking tragedy when Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser was intentionally struck and killed by a semi-truck while on duty Sunday morning. Sgt. Hooser died a hero, and our deepest condolences go to his family and friends during this difficult time. 

We’re indebted to our state’s law enforcement officers who apprehended the individual behind this senseless crime. All of Utah is mourning this great loss. 

Military Spouse Appreciation Night

Military spouses make great sacrifices as the sole providers for their families while their partners are deployed overseas. During the first-ever Utah National Guard Military Spouse Appreciation Paint Night, Lt. Gov. Henderson expressed her gratitude and appreciation for all they do. See photos here.

Visiting our nation’s capital

As part of our National Governors Association initiative, we visited Washington, D.C., this week and were honored to speak at the Library of Congress with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore about the importance of healthy conflict. We also spoke at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation about how Disagree Better will help us learn how to disagree without hating each other. Listen to our full conversation here. Finally, we were honored to speak at the Washington and Lee University School of Law commencement. It was great to be back on campus! Congratulations to the graduates!

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 Sgt. Brian Spillman with the Utah Department of Public Safety.

Sgt. Spillman’s unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership have been instrumental in the statewide success and implementation of the 24/7 Program within the Utah Highway Patrol. One of Sgt. Spillman’s key achievements lie in his ability to cultivate trust and credibility through open, respectful communication and accountability. He invests substantial time and effort in coaching and mentoring his staff, effectively developing their potential and helping them achieve personal growth and professional success. The 24/7 sobriety program began as a pilot program in 2019, and expanded to a permanent statewide program in 2021. The program provides an opportunity for those convicted of multiple DUI violations to enter a structured daily monitored sobriety program while being able to maintain their driving privilege. A total of 782 individuals have participated in the program, with an impressive 462 graduating from it. We are confident that his achievements will continue to inspire others to strive for excellence in management and leadership.

Thank you, Sgt. Spillman, 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

• Honored to attend Snow College’s commencement ceremony last week and recognize one of my greatest role models, my dad Eddie Cox, who was awarded an honorary doctorate for a lifetime of service!

• It’s National Teacher Appreciation Week! Thank you to our educators for their hard work and dedication to the children of Utah. You inspire, motivate, mentor and help students succeed.

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!