Letter from Gov. Cox: A new chapter of justice in Manti

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of celebrating the opening of the new Sixth District Courthouse in Manti. My ancestors helped settle this valley in 1849, and one of the first things they built was a courthouse. They knew justice mattered. They knew community mattered. And they understood that to succeed in a place as demanding as this, you had to build together.

This new courthouse reflects those same values. It’s not just a modern building designed for safety and access. It’s a symbol of fairness, of mercy, of holding each other accountable — not out of punishment, but out of love and a belief in second chances.

It was built here, by Utahns who understand the law of the harvest: that we reap what we sow, and that strong communities are cultivated with compassion, trust, and shared effort.

Thank you to everyone who made this project possible. Together, we’re building more than structures — we’re building a future grounded in justice and rooted in the values that define Utah.

Watch the video or see more photos.  

Strengthening support for Utah’s rural schools

HB 396 updates how Utah funds necessarily existent small schools, ensuring that students in rural communities have access to the same quality of education as those in larger districts. These schools often serve small, spread out populations and don’t fit traditional funding models. The bill provides additional Weighted Pupil Units based on district and grade band criteria, incentivizing smart efficiencies without forcing consolidation. It also includes a five-year review process to maintain accountability and transparency.

Sponsored by Rep. Karen Peterson and Sen. David Hinkins, this commonsense legislation is a big win for fairness and opportunity in every corner of our state. Gov. Cox marked the occasion by signing the bill at Manti Elementary.

Hope, action, and a nation worth believing in — with Condoleezza Rice

Gov. Cox recently joined Dr. Condoleezza Rice at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution during the Civic Learning Week National Forum. The conversation focused on how better civics education can help reduce polarization and strengthen our democratic institutions. From encouraging healthy debate in classrooms to promoting intellectual curiosity and understanding across political divides, Gov. Cox emphasized the need to get partisan politics out of the classroom and civics back in. He also underscored the importance of helping the rising generation see the value of our system — and their role in shaping its future.

North Capitol building art display

The new North Capitol Building remains on track for completion by January of next year. The building will feature a stunning 28’x28’ stained-glass skylight, showcasing four scenes from Utah’s landscapes. Lt. Gov. Henderson recently toured Holdman’s Studio, where the artwork is being crafted, and got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. This week, installation of the artwork will begin, and we can’t wait to see it!

State agency updates

🗞️ ICYMI

❄ Biggest snowstorm of the season boosts Utah’s snowpack. Learn more >

🏘️ Utah’s permitting reform efforts can be modeled by other states. Learn more >

👷 Gov. Cox meets with the construction crews working to preserve and improve the Utah State Capitol. See more >

🚛 Utah has been ranked among the nation’s top 10 in highway performance and cost-effectiveness. Read more >

🍎 Gov. Cox speaks at the Governor’s Monthly News Conference about historic investments in Utah’s education. Watch more >

🐝 ‘Utahn’ (not ‘Utahan’) is the state’s official name for its citizens! Learn more >

🏫 Gov. Cox advocates for the U.S. Department of Education to wind down, returning educational governance to states. Read more >

🔋 Utah’s Operation Gigawatt will double state energy capacity over the next decade. Find out more >

🙏 Gov. Cox and First Lady Abby Cox share their condolences for former U.S. Congresswoman Mia Love and her family. Read more >

🏥 Utah ranked #1 in medical environment and the fifth best state for doctors. See more >