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** Building a stronger Utah: 2025 legislative wins
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As we close the books on the 2025 legislative session, I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished to build a stronger, more prosperous Utah. This session delivered key legislation that drives economic growth, invests in future generations, and improves quality of life across the state.
* Energy was a top priority, and I’m thrilled that we made major progress in nuclear development through Operation Gigawatt, solidifying Utah’s leadership in next-generation energy solutions.
* We stood with firefighters ([link removed]) from across Utah to celebrate the advancement of HB 65, expanding access to medical support for cancer screenings to protect those who risk their lives for us.
* We reaffirmed our commitment to education, announcing a direct salary increase for teachers and a bonus for education professionals, recognizing their vital role in shaping our future.
* We also took bold steps to protect kids online, passing first-in-the-nation legislation to hold social media companies accountable.
* On the housing front, we made it easier to build condominiums, creating more homeownership opportunities.
* And for our seniors, we delivered much-needed tax relief, helping 90,000 Utahns save on Social Security taxes.

I’m deeply grateful to our legislators who worked tirelessly to make this session a success. Thanks to their efforts, we’ve set the stage for a future of opportunity and prosperity for all Utahns.


** Public lands in public hands.
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Public lands mean nothing if they aren’t open to the public. A recent survey from HarrisX/Deseret News found that 73% of voters in western states support local management of public lands.

We’ll keep fighting for local voices in land management — because those who know the land best should have a say in its future. Utah is committed to keeping public lands truly public and will work with federal partners to make that happen.
Read more > ([link removed])


** Celebrating Utah’s universities
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Many of our higher education institutions are celebrating major milestones. From honoring decades of leadership in athletics to marking historic anniversaries, Gov. Cox recently recognized the lasting impact of Brigham Young University, the University of Utah, and Utah State University on students, communities, and the state as a whole.

Honoring BYU’s longtime athletic director ([link removed]) for his contributions to the university and the state, Gov. Cox declared February 26 as Tom Holmoe Day ([link removed]) .

University of Utah celebrated its 175th anniversary ([link removed]) , recognizing a history of leadership in innovation and research. And as a proud Utah State University graduate, Gov. Cox welcomed USU students to the Capitol, where they shared their famous Aggie ice cream ([link removed]) and discussed the future of Utah’s agricultural and rural communities.


** March for meals

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Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson attended the March for Meals Kickoff Event, highlighting the vital role of Meals on Wheels in supporting Utah seniors. Each month, this program delivers tens of thousands of meals, providing not just essential nutrition but also much-needed social connection and safety checks for those experiencing isolation.

This year, we introduced the WISE initiative — focusing on Wealth, Independence, Security, and Engagement for older Utahns. This includes a proposal to eliminate state taxes on Social Security benefits, strengthen protections against fraud and exploitation, and expand access to home-based care and nutritious food for vulnerable seniors.

We are deeply grateful to the dedicated staff, volunteers, and generous donors who make this invaluable service possible. Their efforts ensure that Utah’s seniors receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve.


** Utah women making history
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Last week at the capitol, we honored some of Utah's most remarkable women at the Utah Women Making History Day hosted by Better Days and the Utah Historical Society. Lt. Gov. Henderson spoke to student artists across Utah who presented their art projects. You can find those projects on display throughout March at Mestizo Coffeehouse in Salt Lake.

Utah has long celebrated our pioneers, including leading the way in the women's suffrage movement, having the first woman to vote under an equal suffrage law in the U.S. (Seraph Young, 1870), and electing the first female state senator in U.S. history (Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon, 1896).

See photos > ([link removed])


** State agency updates
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First Lady Abby Cox and Susan Adams, wife of Utah Senate President Adams, hosted a service project for Utah’s legislative spouses, highlighting the power of service to strengthen communities. More than three dozen attendees came together, volunteering at four facilities serving individuals experiencing homelessness.

In February, the Department of Environmental Quality and local leaders gathered atop Astra Tower for UCAIR to unveil Utah’s new LED air quality forecast light. This downtown icon reflects real-time air quality conditions with a spectrum of colored lights. DEQ celebrates this achievement as it highlights Salt Lake City’s commitment to air quality education and a healthier future.

Former Utah Department of Corrections Executive Director Brian Redd spent part of his last day at the Utah State Correctional Facility on a Gratitude Walk, visiting with staff and incarcerated individuals. Last week, Redd was sworn in as Salt Lake City’s new Police Chief, but before taking the oath, he made time to connect with those at USCF, including a visit to the SOLID program in Bear 2.

In a coordinated effort to increase the Great Salt Lake’s water levels, the Central Utah Water Conservancy District (CUWCD), in partnership with the Utah State Engineer and the Utah Lake Water Users Association, initiated the release of about 70,000 acre-feet of runoff from Utah Lake, sending 500 million gallons daily down the Jordan River. This is the third time in the past decade that the gates have been opened to facilitate water flow from Utah Lake, due to the high water level.

For January 2025 ([link removed]) , Utah's unemployment rate dropped to 3.2%. The unemployment rate for December, initially estimated at 3.5%, has been revised down to 3.2%. Over the past 12 months, jobs increased by 1.9%. This growth accounts for nearly 32,800 new jobs.

Check out this video ([link removed]) highlighting the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources' dedication to protecting and conserving Utah’s species, emphasizing the vital role wildlife plays in the state’s identity.

Convened by the One Utah Health Collaborative ([link removed]) , more than 25 healthcare organizations are working together through Screen Utah ([link removed]) to reverse Utah’s sharp decline in colorectal cancer screenings. The new Early Action Report outlines commitments to expand access, align policies, and drive solutions. View the report and learn more here ([link removed]) .

On March 5, officers and residents from the Orange Street Community Correctional Center partnered with the Salt Lake County Health Department and Salt Lake Police Department to clean up Warm Springs Park near the Utah State Capitol. The park had become cluttered due to encampments, but their efforts helped remove significant debris and restore the area.

Tim Davis is returning to DEQ as Executive Director, bringing experience from his time as Director of the Division of Drinking Water. He’s committed to balancing Utah’s growth with protecting natural resources. Outside work, he enjoys trail running, cooking, and camping. We’re excited for his leadership in problem-solving for Utah’s air, land, and water.

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services has maintained its national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board, reaffirming our commitment to quality, collaboration, and public health excellence. Despite undergoing a merger and facing a pandemic, we’re proud to maintain national recognition and remain dedicated to public health.

To help meet the demand for qualified archaeologists, the Utah State Historic Preservation Office offers internships for college students. Madalyn Johnson, a University of Utah student, analyzed prehistoric rock imagery in eastern Utah, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to archaeological preservation. Learn more about her research here ([link removed]) or contact State Public Historian Elizabeth Hora (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=) for fall 2025 internship opportunities.

GOEO, state legislative leaders, and Utah universities signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with NVIDIA ([link removed]) , a global leader in artificial intelligence. This MOU will advance tech talent development at state universities and position Utah as a leader in AI innovation and education.

The Utah Office of Energy Development has launched a companion site to the Utah’s Energy Resources Web Experience ([link removed]) , featuring fact sheets, media kits, and key information on geothermal and nuclear energy—two resources vital to Operation Gigawatt. The site highlights Utah’s diverse energy landscape and its commitment to a resilient, sustainable future. See more > ([link removed])


** 🗞️ ICYMI
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🍎 Gov. Cox kicks off statewide Feed Utah food drive. Read more > ([link removed])

📱 Utah leads the nation with landmark App Store Accountability Act. Read more > ([link removed])

⚛️ Eagle Mountain mayor calls for more natural gas, geothermal, and nuclear, supporting Gov. Cox’s energy initiatives. Learn more > ([link removed])

🐐 The Utah Department of Natural Resources will be hosting a free mountain goat viewing event in the Uinta Mountains. Find out more > ([link removed])

🏜️ Utah’s BLM approves a new geothermal project. Learn more > ([link removed])

🤳 Utah leads the charge to protect kids online through the Digital Choice Act. Read more > ([link removed])

👷 Utah leads the U.S. in manufacturing job growth. Learn more > ([link removed])

🇺🇸 U.S. News & World Report ranked Utah the #1 State in America for the second year in a row! Learn more >

💹 Utah drives efficiency in state government through budgeting, workforce-population balance, and more. Read more > ([link removed])

⚕️ Gov. Cox and the Utah Legislature announce the expansion of cancer screenings and medical support for Utah’s firefighters with HB 65. Learn more > ([link removed])

🚗 The Utah State Tax Commission has reduced wait times at Utah DMVs. Learn more > ([link removed])

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