Gov. Spencer J. Cox is a husband, father, farmer, recovering attorney, and Utah’s 18th governor. Since taking the oath of office on Jan. 4, 2021, Gov. Cox has secured funds for affordable housing, promoted suicide prevention and mental health resources and implemented water conservation and infrastructure planning. He also signed early education and workforce program funding, launched the new Utah Sustainable Health Collaborative, and expanded opportunity for women, diverse communities and those living in rural parts of the state.
Develop water funding policies and mechanisms that ensure:
Develop water funding policies and mechanisms that ensure:
"Education is my number one budget priority, with nearly two-thirds of the state budget going toward education. Utah's continued economic prosperity is dependent upon our education system. We must invest in our most precious resource, our children, and support Utah teachers."
Innovation plus initiative equals energy independence
"In the world of energy, we must face new realities, we must confront new challenges, and we must envision and act upon new opportunities!"
“Affordable and reliable quality care is essential to families and individuals. Here in Utah, we are working toward long-term, market-informed solutions to provide access to care without putting an overwhelming tax burden on Utah families.” - Governor Gary R. Herbert
Utah is a health conscious state. For many years Utah has been recognized as one of the healthiest states in the nation. These rankings account, in part, for the behaviors of our residents, their communities and environment, our policies as a state, the clinical care provided by our clinicians, and the outcomes of our efforts (cancer deaths, cardiovascular-related deaths, premature deaths, etc.). Overall, Utah is a high performing state and it’s clear that we take pride in our health.
The health of our residents drives the health of our state, and therefore we must always consider it a priority. We must always look to the future to ensure that we have an efficient, effective, and affordable healthcare system in Utah.
An effective healthcare system must provide thorough, affordable coverage to as many people as possible in an economically sustainable way. Historically, our issues have surrounded access to healthcare for lower-income persons. This has been an issue for many states throughout the nation, and the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2009 exacerbated this issue by focusing more on who should be paying rather than how to actually control healthcare costs. This well-intended but nearsighted solution is just another example of big government attempting to produce a one-size-fits-all solution to a complex problem rooted in the free market.
With the passage of Proposition 3 in the 2018 Midterm Election, the residents of Utah voted to embrace full Medicaid Expansion under the Affordable Care Act. The proposition implemented a sales tax increase to attempt to cover the costs of the expansion. Based on data from other states who have embraced the ACA, Governor Herbert is concerned that the sales tax increase will not be sufficient to cover the costs of the expansion. That is why he has long championed a Utah based approach to Medicaid expansion that helps fill a large hole in our social safety net while providing appropriate fiscal safeguards. The governor supports modest modifications of the law to ensure the long-term feasibility of providing these important services.
"I fully support relief of pain and suffering that can be found in medical cannabis products under a doctor’s care. Consequently, I support the proposed Utah Medical Cannabis Act, a landmark compromise that will bring medical cannabis to Utah patients." - Governor Gary R. Herbert
Governor Herbert has long advocated for public policy that can alleviate the pain and suffering of patients who could benefit from cannabis-based products. The challenge has been to do so in a way that avoids harm, misuse, abuse and diversion into a recreational black market.
That has been the aim of lawmakers for years. That is why the legislature passed a framework last session for physicians to prescribe cannabis products under certain conditions. That has also been the aim of those who campaigned to put the medical cannabis initiative, known as Proposition 2, onto the November 2018 ballot.
But there has been disagreement about the best way to achieve these ends.
The complications created by outdated federal laws have probably weighed more heavily on lawmakers than the urgent felt needs of patients and their families.
But the popular momentum behind Proposition 2 did precisely what our ballot initiative process does best — it has made lawmakers realize that they have not done as much as they could have in representing the will of the people.
Nonetheless, Governor Herbert has been concerned that Proposition 2 created serious unintended problems. Some of the problems came from unintended errors in drafting. For example, because drafters of Proposition 2 based their amendments on outdated statutes, the initiative as written inadvertently makes changes to vitally important code language about unrelated items such as child custody, Medicaid, and whistleblowers. As a result, the passage of Proposition 2 necessitates immediate legislative fixes, regardless of how anyone feels about the regulatory framework for medical marijuana.
Consequently, Governor Herbert is grateful that proponents of Proposition 2 and opponents of Proposition 2 were able to come together around their shared concern to get safe cannabis-based treatments to patients and create an effective regulatory framework for physician-recommended, pharmacy-dispensed, medicinally dosed medical cannabis in Utah.
Under this program, marijuana in medical dosage form would be distributed to patients by well-trained physicians and pharmacists who are qualified to do so. Qualified patients would get access to cannabis through specialized pharmacies or local health departments.
The cultivation, processing and distribution of medical marijuana under this system would have stringent controls in place to prevent misuse and to prevent diversion into a black market.
This agreement would give greater respect, than did the initiative, to zoning and local use laws. And the agreement would make it straightforward for law enforcement to distinguish between allowed medical use versus illegal recreational use.
With this agreement in place, Governor Herbert has announced that he will call the legislature into special session on December 3rd in order to pass a more comprehensive regulatory framework for medical marijuana in Utah.
The biggest barriers to sensible testing and access to medical marijuana have come from federal law and federal policy. In a perfect world, the federal government would have reclassified the compounds in marijuana years ago so that scientists and pharmacologists could have been testing their safety and efficacy, establishing effective dosages and identifying contraindications.
“I believe that through careful deliberation, we can identify the most responsible stewardship for our varied lands. For some areas, that will mean the highest level of environmental protection. For other areas, that might mean allowing access for responsible outdoor recreation. And in other areas of our vast public lands, the stewardship that will provide their greatest public benefit might be sustainable natural resource development.” - Governor Gary R. Herbert
Utah is a public lands state, which means that a majority of our land mass is owned by government. Approximately 75 percent of the state, more than 35 million acres, belongs to the public. Additionally, 3.4 million acres of School and Institutional Trust Lands (7.3 percent of our state) are open for use by the general public in accordance with an agreement between the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Utah Trust Lands Administration.
Our state does a tremendous job at overseeing state-owned public lands. Utah has the largest active habitat restoration program in America, and we lease more than 95,000 acres of private land and many miles of stream for public recreational access. And, on top of that, Utah oversees 1.5 million acres of public land and 2,200 miles of shoreline.
In addition to the millions of acres of public land that is overseen and managed by the federal government, the State of Utah works collaboratively and cooperatively to help protect and preserve federal public lands. Clearly, Utah is a public lands state.
We in Utah believe that there is no single best use of public lands. That is why we promote a multiple-use philosophy, akin to the beliefs of President Theodore Roosevelt. We work our hardest to ensure access, conservation, recreation, and more on our public lands. We also believe that some public lands provide a unique opportunity for the prudent and responsible development of energy and mineral resources.
Here are a few examples of how our state successfully oversees public lands:
Through our Watershed Restoration Initiative, we have treated more than 1.3 million acres of land. We still have hundreds of projects underway that will rehabilitate and restore approximately 265,000 more acres. Those numbers don’t even account for the projects currently proposed and under review. Utah has invested more than $20 million in restoring Utah’s watersheds. Partner donations and in-kind support have included an additional $100 million.
Our Division of Wildlife Resources owns and administers more than 460,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas. These areas are managed to benefit wildlife and provide public access for hunting, fishing and wildlife watching.
DWR issues more than 700,000 hunting and fishing licenses and permits each year.
Utah contains 45 Blue Ribbon Fisheries, which are waters that provide highly-satisfying fishing and outdoor experiences for diverse groups of anglers.
In addition to Utah’s lakes, reservoirs, and river access, there are thousands of miles of streams open for access to kayaking, fishing and other water sports in Utah.
The Division of State Parks and Recreation manages 44 state parks and museums statewide, which includes about 200,000 acres of public land, 277 miles of hiking and biking trails, and nearly 3,500 campgrounds, cabins, yurts, and teepees.
The Division also manages Utah’s boating program, which enables Utah boaters and recreators access for 23 state park lakes and reservoirs, including 1,346 freshwater square miles statewide; 1,699 saltwater square miles and 1,000 freshwater river miles.
Approximately 65,000 boats are registered in Utah with access to public waters for water-sports, including water-skiing, touring, and fishing.
More than 80,000 miles of ATV trails are accessible in Utah, making the state home to one of the largest and most publicly accessible networks of OHV trail systems nationwide. These public trails systems are available for summer and winter enjoyment.
State Parks has private business ventures and partnerships with more than 230 contractors to provide goods and services at Utah’s 44 state parks. Many of these contracts include recreational vendors and services such as boat and ATV rentals, zip lines, cabin rentals, guided excursions and on-water playgrounds.
We are proud of our 5 National Parks, 8 National Monuments, 44 State Parks, and numerous federal recreation areas, and we are dedicated to ensuring that the voices of Utahns are held above those of special interests, now and forevermore.
“Utah is the best state in the nation for living, working, and raising a family. Our population is set to double by 2050. To accommodate this growth, I am working to provide our state with solid infrastructure, economic opportunity, and a healthy, sustainable environment for our rising generations to inherit and build upon.” - Governor Gary R. Herbert
Utah is the fastest growing state in the nation. People are flocking to Utah in search of employment opportunities, and our natural growth is more than two times the national average.
Utah is currently enduring the “growing pains” of such dramatic growth. It is imperative we prepare for population growth in a thoughtful, innovative, and thorough manner. Numerous issues are posed by population growth, including: water access, infrastructure, employment opportunities, teacher availability, and more.
Governor Herbert is committed to ensuring we maintain our unparalleled quality of life through this period of growth. This will require a greater investment in infrastructure than the state has ever seen. Our state will need to use water more carefully than ever before. We will also need to ensure businesses and residences have the necessary water to succeed and survive. As a desert state, we do not have the access to fresh water that other states may have and, therefore, we will need to be wiser in how we utilize our water. Additional infrastructure requirements include transit systems and roads that are capable of maintaining efficient standards for larger numbers of commuters and travelers.
In order to avoid high rates of job displacement from automation and global competition, Utah must prepare its workforce to be adaptable, innovative, and industrious. Utahns need to be trained, in various industries, to actively innovate and work themselves out of current positions and into more productive ones. The service industry and labor-oriented occupations will undergo significant challenges in the coming decades, and Utah is prepared to address this through thoughtful and collaborative public-private partnerships. Our industrious workforce will continue to distinguish Utah as the best state for business in the nation, and possibly the world.
“Utah's economy is thriving. We are committed to fostering economic development throughout the state, ensuring that success extends well beyond the Wasatch Front. .” - Governor Gary R. Herbert
In his 2017 State of the State address, Governor Herbert challenged Utah businesses to create 25,000 jobs throughout rural Utah in the next four years. This initiative brings partners from all corners of the state to engage with rural communities and explore new economic development opportunities.
The overall goals of the initiative are far reaching and significant. One of these goals is to help communities clear roadblocks that are impeding economic progress, whatever they may be. Not all of Utah’s communities are experiencing the same challenges. One community may be struggling with lack of employment opportunities while another may be suffering from insufficient infrastructure. Locally driven solutions are needed for the unique challenges.
Governor Herbert spent several months meeting with representatives from each rural county to discuss incentives, grants, funding opportunities, resources, and each county’s strategy to grow and diversify their local economy.
The governor wanted buy-in from both the public and private sector on the 25k initiative. To get business leaders on board, he met with them and issued a new challenge: Add a rural component to their existing job growth strategy. While hiring people from off the Wasatch Front to work remotely may not have seen realistic to business owners before, it is actually a great way to find skilled workers and provide jobs in areas that need them. Remote employment is becoming significantly more feasible as time goes on, and in many circumstances it is creating greater affordability all around. Rural communities can significantly benefit from this business model. Of course, this isn’t the only solution.
This year, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development recognized 25 businesses (one for each rural county) with the 2018 Rural Businesses of the Year Award for for outstanding achievement, growth, impact in their community, job creation and innovation. The recipients are:
Utah is pulling out all the stops to improve the economic health of our rural communities. Governor Herbert is committed to ensuring all communities in Utah witness equitable growth and opportunity. The Herbert administration truly is committed to representing the entire state of Utah.
"When everyone pays their fair share, everyone pays less tax." - Governor Gary R. Herbert
Governor Herbert believes that our current state tax system is out-of-date and out-of-balance.
This is especially true of our sales tax structure. In the 1980s, for example, sales taxes covered about 70 percent of the economy. Today sales tax covers just over 40 percent. Much of that comes from transitioning from a goods-based to a service-based economy. If the sales tax structure remains unchanged — even with improved government efficiency — state and local governments will not be able to pay for core services in the future. Policymakers will then have to choose between increasing tax rates or forgoing basic services. Both of these options could harm the economy.
That is why, in his 2020 Fiscal Year Budget Proposal, Governor Herbert asked our state legislature to modernize our tax system — especially with respect to sales and use taxes — during the coming 2019 General Legislative Session.
Consider some peculiarities of how we collect sales and use tax.
Did you know that limousine services aren’t taxed but auto repairs on the family car are taxed? Did you know that lobbyists and lawyers don’t have to tax their services, but computer repair persons do? In Utah, you don’t have to pay taxes on an elective liposuction procedure, but women pay taxes every time they buy feminine hygiene products.
Notice a pattern here?
Many of these tax exempt consumption services disproportionately favor those well-off enough to pay for limos, lobbyists or liposuction, while leaving the tax burden for essential services on Utahns who can’t afford those services.
In fact, a Utah family of three with $25,000 in income directly pays about 3 percent of its income in sales tax; a similar family with $150,000 of income directly pays only about 1 percent of its income in sales tax.
We can actually reduce the sales tax rate in Utah if more goods and services like limos, lobbyists and liposuction contributed to our sales tax base.
Governor Herbert is proposing a sales tax rate reduction that would return $225 million tax return in budget revenues to the taxpayers. Additionally, he is calling on the Utah Legislature to broaden our tax base and lower our sales tax rate. If all economic activity in the state is taxed equally, then the state sales tax rate in Utah could be reduced from 4.85 percent to as low as 1.75 percent. This would be a net tax cut for nearly 9/10 Utahns, beginning next year.
When everyone pays their fair share, everyone pays less tax.
Because the overall economy is shifting from goods to services, a shift in the tax base from goods to services will make the system more fair.
It would create a long-term path for fiscal stability that will allow state and local governments to provide essential services as our economy changes.
You can tune in here to listen to the governor discuss his plan for tax reform on The Salt Lake Tribune’s “Trib Talk.”
“Our state succeeds because of our people and their culture of hard work, innovation, industry, inclusivity, and compassion - that is the ‘Utah Way’." - Governor Gary R. Herbert
In 1847, a group of Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley and Brigham Young, envisioning the future of their great settlement, famously declared “This is the right place.” While more than a century has passed and times have certainly changed, one thing remains truer than ever – Utah still is the right place.
Through our pioneering spirit, inclusive attitude, dedication to innovation, efficiency, and more, Utah has earned a reputation as the best state in the nation for living, starting a family, finding work, and for making a difference.
U.S. News and World Report named Utah the #1 State for Fiscal Responsibility, rated Utah’s economic strength 2nd in the nation, our education system 3rd, and acknowledged that Utah’s college students have the lowest average debt at graduation.
Bloomberg has praised our economic mobility, and claimed that while others may be struggling, Utah is the state where the American dream is still alive and well.
Forbes has recognized Utah as the Best State for Business six of the past eight years. Moreover, they ranked our labor supply 2nd in the nation, recognizing the talent of our employees and the workforce our state attracts.
Utah has also been recognized by WalletHub as the most charitable state in the nation, a ranking that has held strong for more than a decade. Utahns volunteer more, donate more, and do so as a larger percentage of their time and income than those in other states.
The United Health Foundation recognizes Utah as one of the healthiest states in the nation and notes that Utah has the lowest percentage of smokers.
All of this has certainly had an impact on the happiness of our residents, and WalletHub even recognized the great state of Utah as the 2nd happiest place in the nation. Don’t worry, we forgive them for being slightly off on this one – we are the happiest.
While we certainly like to share our accolades and the stories of our successes with the world, we recognize that the only way to truly understand the “Utah Way” is to live it.
You have to experience the Greatest Snow on Earth™ at one of the countless world-class ski resorts just minutes away from your home or work. You need to feel your body propel into the air as the Utah Jazz sink that buzzer-beater in a championship game. You need to taste our locally-sourced, high-end cuisines, or stare into the night sky while surrounded by red rock arches and pillars in Southern Utah to truly understand what makes us who we are.
Utah is the only state to receive a rating from the Michelin travel guide, and in their brilliance, they recognized Utah as a 3-Star state, deeming it “exceptional, worth a special journey in itself.”
Utah is unique. Our prosperity is propelled further by our vision for the future and our respect for the past. Our residents are diverse, and speak more than 120 languages in the conduct of business. We encourage diversity and inspire creativity. We admire innovation and reward hard work, and above all else, we have fun. We are unlike anywhere else in the world. We are Utah.
“The tourism industry in Utah touches countless industries and drives growth in every corner of our state. Our tourism numbers continue to grow, and it is our responsibility as a state to ensure that we can accommodate growing tourism without jeopardizing our quality of life, culture, or the landscapes and artifacts people come to see. Utah has much to offer, and we must continue to demonstrate that.” - Governor Gary R. Herbert
The confluence of the lofty Rocky Mountains, the fascinating Basin and Range and the colorful Colorado Plateau in Utah creates a diverse setting for endless outdoor recreation. While The Mighty 5® national parks of Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion may anchor your first visit, Utah’s eight national monuments, segments of three national historic trails, two national recreation areas, and a national historic site — before even mentioning millions of acres of stunning national forest and wild landscapes — all ensure you’ll discover ample reason to extend your stay or hold promise for a return trip.
And we’re just getting started. Utah is home to 44 state parks, some of which could easily be national parks in other states. Twenty-eight designated scenic byways and countless additional scenic backways connect it all, part of the great American road trip on Utah’s Road to Mighty®. You’ll also find ample big-city amenities at base camp destinations ranging from the metropolitan Wasatch Front to the adventurous towns and rugged outposts of Southern Utah. Come winter, many of these same cities and towns — Logan, Ogden, Park City, Salt Lake City, Provo and Cedar City — are also gateways to Utah’s 14 world-class ski resorts. And when the sun sets, the show continues, as half of the accredited parks in the Great Western Starry Way are in Utah. These parks are simply the best spots for stargazing in the developed world.
Utah is a global tourism destination. The Michelin travel guide named Utah a 3-star destination, making us the first state to be recognized by this prestigious organization and with the highest possible score. Our Mighty 5® national parks, 44 state parks, 14 world-class ski resorts, wide-open landscapes and vibrant metropolitan areas continue to attract more than 19 million visitors to our state each year. More noteworthy is that this number, along with statistics on visitor spending, continue to increase year-over-year. 2016 saw $8.4 billion in visitor spending and $1.23 billion in tax revenue.
Tourism drives significant economic activity in our state which benefits households and businesses. Many travel for the great outdoors, urban lifestyle and unparalleled access to diverse recreation while others visit marquee filming locations of renowned movies and TV series such as “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” “Footloose,” “The Sandlot,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” “Westworld” and so many more.
Whatever your reason may be for visiting Utah, we are confident that you’ll make your way back.
“Utah has the strongest and most diverse economy in the nation. Our business friendly policies, low tax rates, and public-private partnerships help enterprising venture grow. ” - Governor Gary R. Herbert
Utah has consistently been recognized by thought leaders and publications as the best state for business in the nation. In Utah, we let the market drive innovation.
Utah’s unemployment rate sits at a healthy and enviable 3.2 percent – even while more and more individuals are optimistically returning to the job market.
Utah’s November job growth was a healthy 2.9 percent increase.
On an annual basis, every sector of Utah’s economy is growing.
Incomes in Utah are also on the rise. In 2017, personal incomes in Utah rose by 4.4 percent, the third-largest increase in the country. Utah’s median household income grew by 3.56 percent to $65,977, which is $8,300 above the national average.
If Utah is going to remain the “Best State for Business” we need to adapt to a dynamic global economy. Today, for example, Utah ranks 16th in the nation for exports as a percentage of GDP. Businesses in Utah last year exported more than $11.5 billion in goods and services, and nearly 1 in 4 Utah jobs is now tied to international trade. We are positioning ourselves for further growth in this arena too with the development of the first inland port west of the Mississippi river.
Throughout the past ten years, Utah’s value-added exports have grown an impressive 75 percent. And, we need to recognize this as just the beginning. International trade opens our markets to 95 percent of the world population and will help our businesses to thrive.
Our investments now will shape our future. That is why the Salt Lake City International Airport is undergoing a $3.3 Billion expansion, why we are in the process of establishing an Inland Port, and why we have increased our trade missions abroad.
Utah is quickly moving from the “Crossroads of the West” to the “Crossroads of the World.”
Q: What fields have seen the most substantial job growth in the state?
A: The fastest employment growth (according to most recent numbers for November 2018) occurred in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities with a growth rate of 5.1 percent, Manufacturing increased by 4 percent, and Other Services by 3.8 percent.
Q: With an increase in both business expansion and population, what will roads and infrastructure development look like?
A: Utah is expanding rapidly. With Utah’s projected population growth, the governor recognizes it is time to prepare a robust infrastructure and transportation system that includes funding for bridges, mass transit, and other modes of transportation. By 2022, the first phase of the West Davis Corridor will be complete and will allow for easier commutes. In Southern Utah, UDOT is exploring the implementation of new routes from Springdale to St. George. It is important to understand that while we are expanding roads and infrastructure to accommodate for the increase in population and businesses, we have placed a greater emphasis on expanding environmentally friendly ways of transportation – mass transit. This is a major reason why Governor Herbert supported S.B. 136 a bill that opened up state transportation funds for public transit investments, like more light rail and electric buses, trolleys.
Q: Is Utah’s job growth sustainable?
A: Utah is experiencing phenomenal growth right now. Because of our astronomical growth, we are forced to adapt to changing circumstances and environments. This includes infrastructure developments, housing developments, and much more. Utah’s job growth tops the nation. We have a diverse economy with strong aerospace, technology, life sciences, financial services, energy, and outdoor recreation sectors. In many of our sectors, we have more jobs available than we have people to fill them. We believe in the strength of our diverse economy and a free market. Should corrections occur, they are likely necessary for the cycle of growth to continue. As for now, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development announced in early 2018 post-performance tax incentives for new job creation. Utah continues to be an attractive place for companies to expand in, as was recently demonstrated by Facebook’s announcement of their intent to construct a new Data Center in Eagle Mountain, bringing more jobs and business to Utah.
Q: With a booming economy, can people who work in Utah expect to see an increase in wages?
A: The average wage in Utah grew by 5.3 percent in 2017. This increase benefits Utah’s working men and women, and we look forward to the continuous rise in wage growth.
Q: Is Utah in danger of experiencing a 2008-like recession again?
A: The recession in 2008 affected Americans in ways many had never experienced before. However, Governor Herbert set the ambitious goal of creating 100,000 jobs in 1,000 days making Utah the strongest economy in the nation. The Herbert administration exceeded that goal by adding an additional 12,000 jobs. During the recession, Utah proudly became a home to major companies such as Boeing, Proctor & Gamble, Adobe, Goldman Sachs, and Disney while companies already in the state such as Vivint, IMFlash, Qualtrics, and Lifetime Products continued to expand. As a result of business expansion in the state, Utah has become the most diverse economy in the nation, which should help us weather any potential future economic downturns. In preparation for the possibility of another major recession, the state of Utah has been adding funds to a “rainy day fund” on an annual basis. This fund has become a national benchmark for other states, and Utah is poised to weather any economic storm.
Q: What does the state plan to do to have affordable housing for those moving into the state and for those currently calling Utah home?
A: While government plays a role in economic shifts and policy, it is firmly believed in the Herbert Administration that this role should be limited. The free market will determine its own fate and, currently, the market is recognizing that Utah is a highly-desirable place to live. Because of Utah’s low unemployment rate, nation-topping job growth, and relative low cost of living (among a host of other positive traits), Utah is considered, by many, a highly desirable home.
Our surging population growth has presented the construction and home-building industries the gargantuan task of meeting housing demands. As supply dwindles and demand increases, housing costs will also increase, thus creating a sellers market. This, naturally, creates an affordable housing drought. There are many ways this issue can and should be addressed. If housing supplies increase at the appropriate rate, balance will be restored. If wages and income continue to increase (as they have been), housing will become more affordable. Even though the market is primarily responsible for addressing these shifts, Governor Herbert is working to determine state-based counter measures to the issue of affordability.
Since the spring of 2016, a special task force led by Lieutenant Governor Spencer Cox has been in place to address the increased housing needs of Utah residents and to make housing affordable for Utah’s families. While they continue to explore this issue, they have determined that government can play an important role through zoning, infrastructure development, and incentivizing the development of greater housing options (including high-density options).
Q: What is the wage gap for men and women earners in the state of Utah?
A: Across the nation, we have seen that women typically earn less than men for equal work. This is true in Utah as well, and it is completely unacceptable. Numerous studies have been conducted on this issue, and rightfully so. To remedy the problem, the root causes must be understood, and this is certainly a complex problem steeped in gender inequality that has existed for centuries. Nationally, the unadjusted gender pay gay is approximately 24 percent (According to Glassdoor Economic Research). However, when specific controls are applied (age, education, years of experience, industry, occupation, region, company, and job title) the gap significantly decreases to approximately 5.4 percent. This number is arguably more representative because it sheds light on how many factors influence the gap in income equality. Of course, even this number is far too high.
In Utah, many of the factors that influence the pay gap are exacerbated by certain cultural influences. For instance, Utah is a family-friendly state. With the highest fertility rates in the nation, and large families being common in our state, many women choose to take long-hiatuses from work to stay home and raise their families. This will often have an adverse effect on the successes of persons (men and women) returning to the workforce. This is an issue of perception. Similarly, traditionally women-dominated professions are compensated lower than male-dominated professions, consider pay differences between teachers and software engineers and you’ll understand what that means. This begs the question, “Are women choosing lower-paying jobs for non-compensation-based reasons, or are women-dominated positions compensated at lower rates due to perceptions and ideologies rooted in sexism?”
It is important we continue to ask these questions so we can solve this issue. We must continue to listen to diverse perspectives and rely on data so that we accurately address the problem at hand. In 2012, Governor Herbert launched a commission dedicated to closing the gender pay gap in the state of Utah. Governor Herbert believes women are just as capable as men. He also believes in practicing what you preach, which is why numerous women hold cabinet level positions in his administration.
All too often, we see politicians tear each other down rather than build up their communities, focus on personal agendas instead of problem solve across the aisle, divide instead of unify.
Gov. Cox believes there is a better way to govern. Instead of treating politics as a blood sport, he looks for opportunities to listen, learn from one another and build coalitions to improve people’s lives. He modeled this behavior throughout his campaign, visiting all 248 cities and towns in Utah and participating in dozens of hands-on service projects.
The Cox administration will continue to practice civility and strive to reach consensus through respectful engagement and dialogue.
The coronavirus pandemic has devastated lives and stretched our medical community.
Gov. Cox remains committed to pooling the state’s vast resources to conquer COVID-19, providing the latest information from trusted public health officials, distributing vaccinations to the most vulnerable first and prompting all Utahns to do their part in combating the virus. Together, we will beat the coronavirus and take the lessons from 2020 to prepare for the next public health crisis.
Beyond fighting COVID-19, Gov. Cox is committed to addressing youth suicide, preventing bullying and improving mental health resources. We need to ensure that all Utahns have access to quality, affordable health care.
Utah’s economy has been hit hard by the pandemic, with many who work in local restaurants and bars, events, travel and tourism continuing to struggle. But there is light at the end of the tunnel.
As more Utahns are vaccinated, we’re already seeing unemployment claims decline and consumer confidence increase. New home construction is also on the rise as are applications for new businesses. These indicators point to a resilient economy and show the promise of a robust recovery on the horizon.
Gov. Cox understands that today’s budget decisions — investing in our children’s education, taking care of those in need and building infrastructure in both urban and rural Utah — will benefit the state long into the future.
As Utah becomes more racially and ethnically diverse, we need to ensure that Utah is a state where all have the opportunity to enjoy a remarkable quality of life, no matter their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religion.
“History teaches us that progress doesn’t just happen. It requires forethought, commitment and deliberate action. These principles reflect a firm resolve toward racial justice, a direction toward equity and inclusion that will continue during my administration,” Cox said. “This isn’t about political correctness, it’s about human correctness. It’s about kindness, decency and love for our fellow travelers. Indeed, it is about striving to deliver on the self-evident truths recognized from our founding: ‘That all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights’.”
Gov. Cox is committed to leading by example, addressing critical issues such as criminal justice reform, and improving gender and racial diversity in state government.
Gov. Cox grew up in rural Utah and his family has lived and farmed in Sanpete County for six generations. Up until his election as governor, he lived in Fairview and commuted 200 miles almost daily to maintain his residence there during his service as lieutenant governor.
Because he understands the needs of Utah’s rural areas, Gov. Cox is committed to bringing citizens in every part of Utah the same access to the supports necessary for prosperity. Rural Utah is key to the state’s economic recovery. Improving rural infrastructure — roads, bridges and broadband access — and promoting telework options will offer both employers and workers new opportunities to grow and thrive in rural areas. To shepherd this transformation, Cox has appointed a senior advisor of rural affairs, a first for a governor’s administration.
During his campaign, Cox visited all 248 cities and towns throughout the state and as governor, he pledges he will represent all Utahns, no matter where they live.