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** Building Utah’s Future: A Call to Action
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As I stood in the House Chamber last week for my State of the State address ([link removed]) , I couldn’t help but think of the pioneers who first looked out at this valley 180 years ago and saw a desert — barren, harsh, and unforgiving. Yet, they chose to build. They chose to fight against the odds, to transform this land into a place of prosperity and hope.

That same spirit lives in all of us today. We are the heirs of those who built Utah from the ground up, and it is now our turn to continue that legacy. Our challenges may look different, but the call to build, to innovate, and to lead remains the same.

This year, I am committed to making sure Utah remains a place where anything is possible — where we continue to build not only infrastructure and energy, but the kind of future we want for our children, our families, and our communities.

Let’s continue to build the future of Utah together.


** Aging with a WISE Purpose
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While Utah remains the youngest state in the nation, there has been a shift: birth rates are declining, and life expectancy is rising — older adults are projected to more than double by 2060. Utah’s aging population has spent decades contributing to the state’s communities, and it’s time to return the favor. It must be ensured that Utahns can age with dignity and independence.

Gov. Cox convened experts in health care and government policy for a symposium called “Aging with a WISE Purpose,” focused on critical issues that will impact older Utahns and those who care for them. At the symposium, Gov. Cox discussed his proposal to invest $170.3 million in the WISE Initiative (Wealth, Independence, Security, and Engagement), which will focus on:

💳 Elimination of the tax on Social Security benefits.

🏠 Expanding home-based care to support seniors aging in place.

🔐 Strengthening protections against senior fraud and exploitation.

🍏 Ensuring access to healthy food for aging Utahns.

💪 Promoting overall well-being with resources that support aging with dignity and independence.

Read more from Deseret News > ([link removed])
Read more from KSL > ([link removed])


** Cowboy Caucus
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The Cowboy Caucus has long been a pillar of the Utah Legislature. Established more than 40 years ago as the state became increasingly urbanized, the Caucus was created to amplify the voice of rural Utahns.

Last Friday, Governor Cox honored the legacies of four foundational members of the Cowboy Caucus: Tom Hatch, Met Johnson, Mel Brown, and Brad Johnson. These men made critical contributions to Utah’s growth and governance through their leadership in the Caucus, among other endeavors.

The ceremony was attended by Tom Hatch and Mel Brown, along with their families, as well as the families of the late Met Johnson and Brad Johnson. Redge Johnson (pictured above, left), the son of Brad Johnson and current director of the Utah Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office, was also present to honor his father’s legacy.
See more photos > ([link removed])


** Unified Force Boosts Utah’s Outdoor Protection

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On January 13, Gov. Cox swore in 140 dedicated officers as part of the newly formed Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement during a ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda. This unification combines four existing law enforcement agencies into one cohesive unit, ensuring better service, more efficient operations, and stronger protection for Utah’s treasured lands and waterways.

Thank you to all the officers who dedicate themselves to preserving and protecting Utah’s outdoor spaces — and the people who enjoy them.
Read more > ([link removed])
See the photos > ([link removed])


** U.S. Consuls General Visit Utah

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Utah’s booming economy and entrepreneurship are making a significant impact on the global stage, attracting more international attention to our great state. Last week, Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson welcomed Consuls General ([link removed]) from 13 countries during their visit, hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, to the Sundance Film Festival. The meeting underscored Utah’s strong ties with the international community and explored opportunities for future collaboration in trade and shared initiatives.


** Local Officials Day at the Legislature
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Thank you to our friends at the Utah League of Cities and Towns for hosting another fantastic Local Officials Day ([link removed]) at the Legislature. Lt. Gov. Henderson addressed local youth councils and officials, encouraging them to remember the values that make Utah special.

The youth councils had the opportunity to participate in mock floor debates and submitted their own policy proposals for consideration. We always enjoy welcoming students to the Capitol to learn about our government and advocate to their legislators.


** Honorary Colonels: Supporting Utah’s Heroes
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Whether it’s addressing medical challenges or easing financial strain, the Honorary Colonels are always there to support Utah’s first responders who sacrifice so much to keep communities safe. Gov. Cox hosted Utah’s Honorary Colonels at the Governor’s Mansion on January 16 to celebrate their remarkable contributions and devotion to their service in the great state of Utah.
See the photos > ([link removed])


** Agency updates
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The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the Utah Department of Transportation, and other partners completed five projects and two studies to help wildlife and fish safely migrate across Utah in 2024. Read more > ([link removed])

Join Utah’s ‘Point-in-Time’ count, Jan. 30–Feb. 1, to survey unsheltered individuals. Volunteers statewide are needed and virtual training is provided. Your help ensures accurate data for policies supporting Utahns experiencing homelessness. Sign up here > ([link removed])

Timberline Middle School is the first in Utah to earn the Unified Champion Banner, Special Olympics' top award for inclusion ([link removed]) . Unified activities bring students with and without disabilities together. First Lady Abby Cox presented the banner, emphasizing inclusion. For a Unified environment, contact your Adapted P.E. teacher.

The Farm-to-School initiative is creating a tangible impact in rural communities. By hosting workshops and ambassador meetings in places like Boulder & Escalante, the program connects local farms to school districts, encouraging healthier eating while promoting local agriculture.

Last week, First Lady Abby Cox hosted the third annual Show Up for Higher Education Summit with UServeUtah, bringing 60+ students to network, learn from service leaders, and share best practices. The day included panels, presentations, and nonprofit visits, inspiring students to lead in service.

GOEO awarded OxEon Energy ([link removed]) , a company at the forefront of solid oxide technology, a post-performance tax reduction for its expansion in Davis County as part of the EDTIF program. Under the agreement, OxEon projects to add 103 new, high-paying jobs during the next six years.

GOEO marks 20 years of advancing Utah’s economic prosperity. Since its inception in 2005, the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (formerly Economic Development) has fostered economic opportunity for all Utahns.

GOEO partnered with World Trade Center Utah ([link removed]) to welcome Ambassador Francisco Duarte Lopes of Portugal, facilitating connections with over 30 members of Utah’s business community.

Drug overdose deaths hit a record high in 2023 ([link removed].) , with fentanyl involved in nearly 50% of cases. We’re working with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Utah State Legislature to address this crisis and prevent further loss.

DWR conducted helicopter elk captures in Cache and Box Elder counties, marking a crucial step in wildlife management efforts. The captures contribute to ongoing population control and ecosystem balance for elk in these regions.

The December 2024 jobs report ([link removed]) shows Utah's economy added 44,800 jobs last year, a 2.6% increase. Unemployment held steady at 3.5%, with 1.79 million Utahns employed. The year brought stability after pandemic-era volatility.


** 🗞️ ICYMI
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📜 Gov. Cox joins Senate President Adams and House Speaker Schultz in criticizing the EPA’s reclassification of Utah’s Northern Wasatch Front and Uinta Basin. Read more > ([link removed])

👷 The Utah Department of Workforce Services reports that Utah’s economy continues to outpace the national average. Read more > ([link removed])

🏛️ Gov. Cox met with local and state stakeholders to work on combatting homelessness in Utah. See more > ([link removed])

⚛️ Utah Legislature focuses on building Utah’s nuclear energy capacity. Read more > ([link removed])

🚨 Our fentanyl task force convened to hear first reports and determine next steps for action. Read more > ([link removed])

🏡 Clinton receives its first major starter home development in 20 years, boosting housing opportunities for Utah families. Read more > ([link removed])

🐟 The Division of Wildlife Resources and Trout Unlimited delivered thousands of fertilized rainbow trout eggs to Utah classrooms for students to get a hands-on lesson in Utah wildlife! Read more > ([link removed])

📱 Utah continues to lead the charge with legislation, litigation, and education to support parents and protect kids from the dangers of social media. Read more > ([link removed])

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