Policy News
Utah commemorates the 125th anniversary of womenâs first elections to public office
Utah womenâs history non-profit Better Days will mark the 125th anniversary of the first Utah womenâs election to public office with a press conference hosted by Lt. Governor Deidre M. Hendersonâs office. On November 3, 1896, Utahns elected 14 women to public office across the new state, including Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon as the nationâs first female state senator. In 2018, the Utah State Legislature voted to send a statue of Dr. Cannon to represent Utah in National Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C. Completed in 2020 by Utah sculptor Ben Hammond, her statue stands outside the Supreme Court chambers in the Utah State Capitol until the U.S. Capitol Building reopens to the public and an installation ceremony can take place.
Better Days will announce new, standards-aligned K-12 curriculum teaching students about Utah womenâs trailblazing history of civic engagement, as well as a traveling exhibit about Dr. Cannon and womenâs leadership in the early years of Utah statehood. These materials enhance studentsâ literacy and critical thinking skills and encourage civic engagement. (Read More)
Utah Democrats statement on Rep. Christiansen resignation
Today, the Utah Democratic Party released the following statement on the retirement of Rep. Steve Christiansen, R-West Valley:
âUtah Democrats unequivocally condemn attacks on the families of elected officials. However, Rep. Christiansen made a name for himself in our state and nationally as a peddler of dangerous conspiracy theories. By aligning himself closely with insurrectionists who sought to destroy our system of government and way of life, Rep. Christiansen put our state, nation, and democratic ideals in jeopardy.â
âHis loss from the legislature is a win and gain for democracy, our shared sense of patriotism, and for our nation as a whole. The fewer elected officials like Christiansen in legislatures nationwide, the safer our children are from a future of authoritarianism.â
Gov. Cox announces formation of the Governorâs Cybersecurity Task Force
Today, Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox announced the formation of the Governorâs Cybersecurity Task Force. Building on the previous successes of partnerships already established in the law enforcement community, the Task Force will promote cybersecurity awareness, share information, identify cybersecurity assets and resources, promote best practices, and enhance cyber capabilities and response for all Utahns.
âIt has become clear that even cybersecurity attacks on the private sector can have impacts that frustrate residents, interrupt critical services and quickly become everyoneâs problem,â said Gov. Cox. âCybersecurity is a shared responsibility between the public and the private sector.â (Read More)
Salt Lake Chamber and State of Utah to host Utahâs Business Diversity Summit
The Salt Lake Chamber and State of Utah will host Utahâs Business Diversity Summit, part of the One Utah Summit Series, on November 4, 2021, at the Salt Palace Convention Center.
Utahâs Business Diversity Summit will engage business and community leaders in efforts to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces. Keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and available resources are targeted toward businesses with well-developed Diversity and Inclusion programs, as well as those businesses without current efforts but who want to engage. (Read More)
Curtis, Neguse bill to support wildfire recovery efforts passes committee
Yesterday, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed Rep. John Curtis and Rep. Joe Neguseâs bipartisan legislation to support wildfire recovery efforts in Utah and across the nation, 61-3.
The legislation was introduced by both members who Co-Chair the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus. The Wildfire Recovery Act would increase flexibility in the federal cost share for Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) to bring in additional resources for communities as they rebuild from wildfire damage.
âAs Utahns know, wildfires leave devastating damage in their wake and the sooner restoration and recovery can begin, the better,â said Rep. Curtis, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Wildfire Caucus. âI am pleased to see the Wildfire Recovery Act advanced through Committee and am hopeful we will soon hold a vote on the Floor. Our bipartisan bill will help our communities during their greatest time of need.â (Read More)
Granite introduces new incentive bonuses to attract and retain substitute teachers
Like many school districts in Utah, Granite School District is adapting to a shortage of substitute teachers who can fill in during teacher absences. Working to combat the shortage as quickly as possible, Granite is introducing new incentive bonuses for substitutes who complete a certain amount of jobs each month:
- Hourly subs who complete at least five jobs in one month will be given a $50 bonus on top of regular pay.
- Hourly subs who complete at least ten jobs in one month will be given a $100 bonus on top of regular pay.
- Hourly subs who complete at least 15 jobs or more in one month will be given a $150 bonus on top of regular pay. (Read More)
.png?width=1200&upscale=true&name=Utah_Policy_Logo_Email_Full%20(1).png){kind=logo}
