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** Letter from Gov. Cox: Building safer communities
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Last week, I stood alongside law enforcement officers, legislators, and community leaders to celebrate groundbreaking enhancements to public safety. 


At this ceremonial bill signing, we highlighted a series of new laws aimed at protecting Utahns from violent crime, drug trafficking, and exploitation. These bills reflect a core Utah value: that safety and compassion go hand in hand. Whether supporting victims and families, addressing substance use, or responding to homelessness, we’re proving that public safety can be rooted in both accountability and care.

We don’t shy away from hard problems — we meet them with innovation, unity, and a commitment to doing what’s right. That’s how we build strong communities. And that’s how we build a safer Utah for everyone.

Thank you to our lawmakers, public safety professionals, and all Utahns working together to make this vision a reality.

Watch the video ([link removed]) or see more photos ([link removed]) .


** Utah pays tribute to former Congresswoman Mia Love at State Capitol
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Utahns gathered at the State Capitol this week to honor former Congresswoman Mia Love as she lay in state. Love made history as the first Black Republican woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, following her service as both city council member and mayor of Saratoga Springs. Speaking at her funeral service on Monday, Lt. Gov. Henderson said, “On this earth, Mia was a powerful force for good. She used her influence to spread her faith in America, uplift and build those around her, always believing that we are stronger and better together”

Read more about her remarkable life here ([link removed]) .


** Marking 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War
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This year marks 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, and with it, a renewed opportunity to honor a generation of veterans whose courage and resilience changed our country. At a recent ceremony, we reflected on the extraordinary service of those who endured unimaginable conditions — like the 2,029 days Colonel Hess spent in captivity — and how their sacrifice forced a national reckoning about how we treat those who wear the uniform. Because of them, we will never make the same mistake again. And that is true greatness.
See photos > ([link removed])


** Gov. Cox leads trade mission to Canada
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Gov. Cox is leading a trade mission to Montréal and Toronto with more than 40 Utah businesses and organizations. The visit focuses on partnerships in AI, critical minerals, and energy — building on Utah’s strong economic ties with Canada, our second-largest export market.

Organized by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and World Trade Center Utah, the mission reflects Utah’s commitment to global collaboration and economic growth.


** Highlights from the Governor’s Mansion Artist Awards
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The Governor’s Mansion Artist Awards brought together Utah’s creative community for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and appreciation. This year’s honorees — visual artist Emily Christensen McPhie and the Hot House West Swing Orchestra — represent the very best of Utah’s artistic spirit. McPhie’s symbolic, personal work invites deeper reflection, while Hot House West is not only making great music, but also helping elevate the local music scene.
Watch > ([link removed])
See photos > ([link removed])


** Granite School District - Volunteer for Good

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Lt. Gov. Henderson visited Kearns High School this week to observe students participating in the Volunteer for Good service initiative. She was joined by Granite School District Superintendent Ben Horsley, Education Senior Advisor Rich Nye, and members of the UServeUtah team. Launched by the Lt. Gov. last year, the initiative explores how service impacts students' development and well-being. During the visit, students assembled literacy packets and took time to reflect on their experience.

Research shows that encouraging community engagement and volunteerism benefits students — helping build social awareness, strengthen civic skills, and increase school involvement. So far, more than 5,900 students across Utah have participated in the program, contributing over 14,000 hours of service in their communities.

It’s this spirit of service that helps make Utah the best state in the nation.
See photos > ([link removed])


** New crisis center expands mental health care
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Lt. Gov. Henderson joined community leaders and healthcare professionals at the grand opening of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute Crisis Care Center, marking a significant step toward addressing mental health needs in Utah. The new facility will increase the number of patients served annually, diverting individuals in crisis from emergency rooms and placing Utah at the forefront of mental health prevention.
See photos > ([link removed])


** State agency updates
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Safely dispose of documents, electronics, medical equipment, and expired medications at Declutter Day on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Take your items to 595 Guardsman Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 to drop off or donate.

A new mural at Slate Canyon Youth Center in Provo, created by youth in custody and local artists, highlights connection and kindness. The project was a partnership between the Utah Department of Health and Human Services Juvenile Justice and Youth Services, Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs, Ogden Contemporary Arts, and One Kind Act a Day ([link removed]) .

Celebrating the fifth annual declaration of April as Dark Sky Month! Utah’s 26 accredited DarkSky International places include Natural Bridges National Monument, the first ever dark sky designated park in the world, all five of Utah’s Mighty 5® national parks, 9 state parks, 5 towns and more.

GOEO secured $23 million in federal SSBCI funding ([link removed]) to support Utah’s small businesses. Through the Utah Small Business Credit Initiative, this funding expands access to loans that help businesses grow, create jobs, and drive economic development across the state.

As of April 1, Utah Medicaid now covers dental services for adults 21 and older. Over 120,000 members will gain access to care through a partnership with the University of Utah School of Dentistry, which will administer the services. Learn more > ([link removed])

Legislators, leaders, and incarcerated participants gathered for the first SOLID graduation at the Utah State Correctional Facility, celebrating growth, resilience, and reentry. Speakers included Sen. Derrin Owens, retired Lt. Shane Heaps, and SOLID leader Fonua Kimoana. Congratulations, graduates!

Salt Lake County judges toured the Utah State Correctional Facility, visiting housing units and the Utah Correctional Industries plate plant. The visit was another crucial step in fostering understanding of the criminal justice process and supporting successful reentry.


** 🗞️ ICYMI
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🧬 Gov. Cox celebrates the opening of Utah’s first biotherapeutics manufacturing facility. Learn more > ([link removed])

🚫 Gov. Cox vetoes bill that threatened seniors’ ability to age in place. Read more > ([link removed])

🏗️ Utah’s Department of Workforce Services report shows Utah’s economy continues to outperform the national average. Watch more > ([link removed])

🔎 Gov. Cox advocates for digital privacy in new TIME op-ed: Read more > ([link removed])

🏛️ Applications for the Governor’s Office Fellowship Program are open through the end of April. Find out more and apply > ([link removed])

🥇 Utah has ranked as the state with the best economic outlook for nearly two decades. Read more > ([link removed])

💡 Gov. Cox meets with Quebec’s Minister of Economy, Innovation, and Energy. See more > ([link removed])

📱 Utah just became the first state in the country to pass an age verification law for app stores. Find out more > ([link removed])

🏂 Gov. Cox recognizes Utah’s sports teams, coaches, and athletes in the 13th Annual State of Sport Awards. See more > ([link removed])

💹 The Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget has created a dashboard to monitor department improvements across state government. Learn more > ([link removed])

⚛️ Gov. Cox speaks on energy policies that reduce unnecessary barriers and put Utahns first. Watch more > ([link removed])

🏙️ Cedar City ranked #1 small city in America to start a business. Find out more > ([link removed])

💻 Utah is holding big tech accountable to protect kids online. Read more > ([link removed])


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