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!

Protecting the Great Salt Lake

We’re committed to doing everything we can to protect the Great Salt Lake. As a result, we’ve issued an executive order directing the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands to raise the Great Salt Lake causeway berm. There is a Union Pacific Railroad Causeway that bisects the Great Salt Lake into what we refer to as the North Arm and South Arm. 

By raising the height of the berm, we can capture more spring runoff and increase the lake level. We’ve been blessed with abundant snowpack this year and we don’t want to miss this opportunity to safeguard the lake. Read the full executive order here.

We also joined House Speaker Wilson, Senate President Adams and legislators in wearing blue to show our solidarity in saving the lake. We appreciate their commitment to protecting this precious natural resource!

What’s Up Down South?

This week, we went down to St. George, the best performing city of 2022 according to the Milken Institute. We loved talking with local business and municipality leaders about Utah’s diversified economy, educated workforce, and fiscal prudence, and how we are well positioned to take on any economic hiccups. 

Utah’s economy continues to be strong and the future is bright! Our unemployment rate remains very low at 2.2% statewide and WalletHub named us the #1 State in the Nation to start a business!

Utah keeps growing, so we’re supporting that growth and investing in future generations by increasing housing, pushing for a massive $1 billion tax cut, financially supporting education and addressing our water needs.

If you want to learn more about our goals for the future of Utah, we’ve developed the state’s Economic Vision 2030, which focuses on creating a strong global economy, committing to our rural communities, and maintaining world-class quality of life with opportunities for all Utahns.

Gabby Petito’s family calls for action on domestic violence

Gabby Petito's parents flew to Utah this week to support domestic violence legislation and encourage increased victim services funding in the Beehive State.

Nichole Schmidt and Joe Petito, Gabby's parents, spoke in support of S.B. 117 at a press conference following the bill's unanimous passage in the Senate. Sponsored by Sen. Todd Weiler and championed by Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, the legislation would require law enforcement statewide to administer a risk assessment at the scene of a domestic violence incident.

Gabby, a 22-year-old woman, died from a domestic violence homicide in August 2021. Gabby's parents believe the assessment would have set off intervention by law enforcement and triggered a referral to a local victim service provider. Our latest budget recommendations feature a $50 million request for Utah's victim service providers.

Next, S.B. 117 heads to the House for consideration.

Native American Caucus Day

We were so honored to meet with the newly inaugurated Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren! Collaboration and friendship are the key components of our good relationship with the Navajo Nation, and we appreciated discussing how we can work together on improving lives. 

Also this week, Lt. Gov. Henderson, tribal leaders and legislators gathered in the Rotunda and called for continued cooperation between the state of Utah and its eight federally recognized tribal nations. During her remarks, Lt. Gov. Henderson emphasized the importance of proximity and reiterated the state’s support of the Indian Child Welfare Act.

The program, hosted by the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, honored Utah’s indigenous people and celebrated their culture and community contributions. At the program’s conclusion, the lieutenant governor and Dustin Jansen, the state’s tribal affairs director, praised the achievements of former state Sen. Jani Iwamoto and Ute Mountain Ute chairman Manuel Heart.

Our administration is so grateful for our Native American friends and families.

Utah’s Spirit of Service

Last week we announced the second annual Governor’s Spirit of Service Awards and we’ve been delighted with the response! Thank you for all the nominations and please keep them coming.

Utah leads the nation in volunteerism, and there are so many of you engaged in important service work that too often goes unnoticed. We want to recognize you! This award will be given to four individuals and four organizations at an award ceremony in early May. 

Nominating a person or organization for the award is easy. Use this link and fill out the survey before March 10, when the submission period closes. Share the survey with family and friends; we want to give everyone the chance to nominate the person or organization they think deserves the award. Thank you for all you do to serve your community!

The making of the State of the State

Since 1852, state and territorial governors have been delivering a State of the State message in Utah. This year, we wanted to give you a behind the scenes look at how we prepare for and execute the 2023 State of the State address!

Watch the video above, or visit youtube.com/govcox to see how it’s done!

Spotlight: Governor’s Award for Excellence

Each week we are highlighting a state employee who was recently awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence. This week we are recognizing Kathy Quarnberg with the Utah Department of Public Safety

Kathy Quarnberg started with the Department of Public Safety on July 9, 1983, as a Dispatcher and was promoted to manager of Richfield Communications Center in 1988. She was responsible for all emergency communications in central Utah for 29 years before being promoted to assistant director of the Communications Bureau. As Richfield communications manager, Kathy was on the ground level of developing what is now the statewide 911 Emergency Communications system. As a member of the state 911 committee she helped develop strategy, policy, interoperability, and funding distribution for the statewide 911 network; and was later deeply involved in legislation and planning to deploy the current NG911 network. For 39 years Kathy has been the constant leader within DPS and the public safety community. Emergency 911 communications impact every aspect of Public Safety. Across the state, few are as trusted and respected as Kathy Quarnberg. She is a friend to everyone and tenacious in her dedication to people and the mission she serves.

Keep up the great work, Kathy! To read more about the Governor’s Awards for Excellence, click here.

Winter in Southern Utah

Geese have one thing right: travel south for the winter. Iconic locations such as Moab, St. George, and our Mighty 5 National Parks are virtually empty but still have their red rock beauty. 

If you do plan a trip down south, stay attentive to the weather because of the extremely dangerous flash flood season. And even though it’s not as frigid as the rest of Utah, don’t forget to bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and waterproof hiking boots. This along with plenty of drinking water will ensure you have a wonderful visit to a more sunny Southern Utah in the dreary winter months! 

Check out Visit Utah for more winter hiking tips!

ICYMI

• Congratulations to the University of Utah on the inaugural Fintech XChange! Financial tech companies have grown 18% in Utah over the past 5 years and continue to grow. Thanks Steve Smith & the Stena Foundation for supporting Utah’s future!

• We want to hear from you about Utah’s future! Share your opinions at https://guidingourgrowth.utah.gov/ 

• There is an open position on the Utah Public Service Commission. Click here for more information. 

• We’re ⅓ of the way through the 2023 General Legislative Session. To keep up with what bills we are signing, click here. 

• Feb. 6: We’re excited to meet with the Utah Association of Student Council State Officers!

• Feb. 7: We’re honored to attend the State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol. Our thanks to Sen. Mike Lee for the invitation.

• Feb. 7: Lt. Gov. Henderson will attend the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition Advocacy Day press conference.

• Feb. 7: Lt. Gov. Henderson will host a state flag event with legislators and artists.

• Feb. 9: We will be attending the National Governors Association Winter Meeting in Washington, DC. 

• Feb. 9: We’ll be interviewed Washington Post Live to talk all things Utah. Click here for more info. 

• Feb. 9: Lt. Gov. Henderson will attend the Salt Lake Chamber Legislative Reception.

• Feb. 12: We will be joining Meet the Press from Washington D.C. at 6:30 a.m. Tune in!

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!