#OneUtah: A weekly update from the office of Gov. Spencer J. Cox. 

View this email in your browser ([link removed])
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]

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! ([link removed])


** Help for the Great Salt Lake
------------------------------------------------------------

We were honored to speak at this year’s Great Salt Lake Symposium. Good news: The lake has already risen 2 feet since November and spring runoff is just beginning. More good news: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that they will bedonating 5,700 water ([link removed]) shares to the Great Salt Lake. This is the equivalent of Little Dell Reservoir and will make a difference to the lake and the future of our state!

There’s a real commitment from the public and policymakers to save the lake and this commitment has been supported by action. We formed a Great Salt Lake Strike Team with our Department of Natural Resources, Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, the University of Utah and Utah State University. The strike team has made some solid policy recommendations and the Legislature is supporting with $500 million for agricultural water optimization, water infrastructure and dam safety upgrades, secondary water meter, turf replacement rebates and more. In addition, a new Great Salt Lake Commissioner will be a game changer in helping to ensure follow through on all of these measures.

We know it will take more than one good snow year to bring the Great Salt Lake back from the brink, but our administration is absolutely committed to protecting this priceless natural resource.


** Flood risks across Utah
------------------------------------------------------------

We’ve had an incredible winter. Across Utah our snowpack is at 150% of normal for this time of year. Great news for our ongoing drought, but this poses a risk for flooding as temperatures rise and spring approaches. Being prepared for potential flooding is crucial:

➡️ Stay up-to-date with flood warnings from your city/town,

➡️ Clear debris from your gutters and drains, and check your sump pump,

➡️ Keep your important documents in a waterproof container,

➡️ Don’t go near flooded rivers and streams, and keep your kids and pets away from these areas as well;

➡️ Consider getting flood insurance.

Check out [link removed] for more tips on being prepared.

We’re also excited to announce that we are giving state employees up to eight hours of administrative leave to assist with flood mitigation efforts in their communities. Utah leads the nation in volunteerism – and we need to lead by example! Read our full executive order here. ([link removed])


** Feed Utah Day
------------------------------------------------------------

Tomorrow is Feed Utah Day! Feed Utah Day is an opportunity to donate to the Utah Food Bank and partners. On Saturday, leave a bag of canned goods outside your front door and volunteers will collect to benefit the Utah Food Bank and a network of 230 partner agencies.

No one should have to go hungry in Utah. Let’s take care of our neighbors! More information on this opportunity here ([link removed].) .


** Welcoming new Americans to Utah
------------------------------------------------------------

This week we had a special dinner with newly naturalized citizens from Sudan, Pakistan, Columbia, Brazil, Wales and Canada. We were honored to host them at the Kearns Mansion and listen to their stories. Each of them shared a love for their new country, and we wish every American could see our country and appreciate our freedoms through their eyes. Such gratitude and enthusiasm for America and the great state of Utah!

View photos from our visit here ([link removed]) .

[link removed]


** Monthly News Conference
------------------------------------------------------------

This week we were able to join reporters at PBS Utah for our monthly news conference. Here are some excerpts:

Q: “You signed a series of bills dealing with the Great Salt Lake, are you convinced they’re going to work? Are they going to get water into the lake?”

A: “The good news is that you are going to see a substantial increase in water getting to the lake, getting to all our lakes and reservoirs. When laws pass, stuff doesn’t immediately happen. Everything they did last year is going to start taking effect this spring. We got an additional $200 million in agriculture optimization this year that will start to take effect in the spring. All of the water that was conserved last year, where we ended the year better than we expected, there was not a net decrease, there was a net increase in some places. Salt Lake has already had water run over reservoirs into the Great Salt Lake and that will make room for the water that is coming from snow. We are going to see water getting into the lake. One of the most important bills we passed this session was the Great Salt Lake Commissioner, that position will help us coordinate all the efforts to save the lake and get water to the lake. The future of the lake is now being set in motion.”

Q: “Are you enacting a total abortion ban, by signing the bill that limits access to clinics?”

A: “Absolutely not, that is not the case. We were asked by abortion providers to clarify the laws. What would’ve happened because of the trigger law passed a several years ago would have enacted a de facto abortion ban, because there wasn’t clarity around rape, incest and health/safety of the mother. This bill clarifies that. Those abortions will still happen, it will just now happen in a hospital. The hospitals were involved in the drafting of that bill and were supportive of that bill passing.”

Q: “We have had a wet winter this year and will have another wet winter next year, do you think that will cause any state leaders to take their eye off the ball when it comes to addressing drought and water concerns?”

A: “This is a narrative I keep hearing, but this is not the case. This is a great opportunity for us, the changes we’ve put in law over the past two years I don’t anticipate being undone at all. We’ve put ourselves on a path to reduce the amount of water we’re using, a conservation path. We’ve been blessed with excess water because of decisions made by leaders generations ago. We’ve been able to grow without checking out water use. The drought has helped us change public opinion of how conserving is so important. People have been so willing to conserve and legislators have been so willing to pass bills over two years to help with water infrastructure and conservation. We’re not “good,” but we’re on a path to be better.Living in Utah is all about preparing ourselves for the next drought, because it’s going to come. I hope we get a couple years like this, but I’m not expecting it. We’re going to keep preparing as if drought is normal, because drought has always been normal in our st
ate, it’s just been bad the past couple of years.”

You can watch the full press conference here ([link removed]) .


** Good news at USU’s Spring Runoff Conference
------------------------------------------------------------

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson also talked about our amazing water year at Utah State University’s Spring Runoff Conference. As the rain poured outside, Lt. Gov. Henderson celebrated the record-breaking winter. Right now, every basin in Utah is 125%of the average snowpack or higher. The Great Salt Lake has already risen two feet, with more water on the way. For context, 96%of Utah was in a severe drought last October. Today, that number is 39%.

Utah isn’t taking its foot off the gas, either. The state has invested heavily in water conservation, efficiency, and infrastructure for the second year in a row. The investments total more than $1 billion in the past two years.

We’re grateful that the USU Institute of Land, Water & Air and USU Extension hosted the event because the state relies on these water researchers to drive smart policy.

Let’s continue to make conservation and smart growth our way of life in the Beehive State.


** An opportunity to volunteer
------------------------------------------------------------

Do you love history? Are you great with kids? Volunteer as aNational History Day-Utah ([link removed]) judge this spring!

NHD Utah judges evaluate student history projects in the form of exhibits, documentaries, performances, papers, and websites. The time commitment typically runs from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., with additional time at home for advance training and project review. See complete details and signup links here. ([link removed]) Please contact NHD Utah with any questions.
[link removed] Forward this email to a friend! ([link removed])


** Celebrate Pi(e) Day in Utah!
------------------------------------------------------------

This past Tuesday was Pi day! In honor of 3/14, we’re highlighting pies in Utah through Visit Utah’s “Utah Pie Trail”. The Utah Pie Trail traverses southwestern Utah one slice at a time at five stops along a highway loop that is best accomplished in two days.

Click here ([link removed]) for more information on where you can try some of the best pie in Utah!


** ICYMI
------------------------------------------------------------
* Bill review is in full swing in the Governor’s Office! Only 99 more to go! Some highlights from this week:
➡️ supporting Utah families by protecting coverage for children with disabilities and complex medical conditions;
➡️ investing in transportation projects to keep our communities connected;
➡️ promoting low-income housing and more options for first-time homebuyers;
➡️ increasing mental health care in schools and rural communities;
➡️ and so many more bills, from wildfire preparedness to raw milk!
To keep up with what we’re signing, visit governor.utah.gov/bills.
* We sent a statement to the president with other Republican governors concerned about his environmental, social and corporate governance movement. Read more here ([link removed]) .
* It’s #WomensHistoryMonth and we’re highlighting the women of the Governor’s Office! Check out any of our social media platforms to see these highlights.
* On Sunday Edition with Doug Wright, Lt. Gov. Henderson lauded historic tax cuts amid historic investments in education, water, and affordable housing.Watch here. ([link removed])
* Lt. Gov. Henderson welcomed the Consul General of El Salvador ([link removed]) and Ambassador of the Republic of Albania ([link removed]) to the Capitol on Thursday.

Coming up
* March 18: We’re excited to attend the Raise the Tide Summit with Utah’s Polynesian community!
* March 20: We’re kicking off our Connecting Utah tour in Tooele! Join us at Tooele High School at 9 a.m.
* March 21: We will be hosting the Salt Lake Chamber at the Kearns Mansion.
* March 22: Lt. Gov. Henderson will attend the National Lieutenant Governors Association Federal-State Relations Meeting in Washington, D.C.

[link removed]


** Get involved!
------------------------------------------------------------

Looking for a new job opportunity? From great employee benefits ([link removed]) to versatile work schedules ([link removed]) , the career opportunities with the state are truly endless. Join Team Utah today ([link removed]) !

Those looking to volunteer can also consider more than 300 boards and commissions ([link removed]) . Find out which openings are available and how you can get involved here ([link removed]) !


** Get in touch!
------------------------------------------------------------
You can reach the Governor's Office here ([link removed]) . And you can follow us on Twitter ([link removed]) , Facebook ([link removed]) ,Instagram ([link removed]) , and YouTube ([link removed]) for the latest news and updates.
Contact the Governor's Office ([link removed])

============================================================
Copyright © 2023 Office of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
Office of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox
350 N. State Street
Suite 200 P.O. Box 142220
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2220
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.