Gov. Spencer Cox delivered his annual State of the State address to the public on Jan. 18. Covering several topics of interest and concern, including the ongoing housing crisis, service opportunities and what makes Utah unique.
Speaking on the housing crisis, Cox said, “I believe the single largest threat to our future prosperity is the price of housing.”
In December, he proposed an initiative to build 35,000 starter homes for Utahns. Cox emphasized the need for this initiative, stating, “The American dream is alive in Utah, but it will be dead soon if we don’t get this right. Utah must lead the nation with bold and innovative solutions.”
Another hot-button issue for Cox was service, namely proposing a program for high school students to volunteer with qualifying local nonprofits.
“The rootedness that comes from rolling up your sleeves to make the place you live better is a defining feature of our state’s culture, and I want to preserve that for your kids and grandkids, and mine,” said Cox regarding the program.
Cox also spoke on what makes Utah stand out from other states, saying, “We’re different. We’re weird. The good kind of weird. The kind of weird the rest of the nation is desperate for right now. And I’m praying we can keep it that way.”
Author: Aidan Mortensen
Photo Courtesy of PBS Utah
Editor: Anna Mower
news@suunews.net
