Homelessness isn’t one problem, and it won’t be solved with one tool. Utah is taking a clear, statewide approach focused on what works and what changes outcomes. Three pillars guide the work: accountability for high-utilizers, emergency shelter and supportive housing, and expanded mental and behavioral health capacity.

Tonight, I have the honor of addressing my fellow Utahns and our public servants in the 2026 State of the State. I’ll talk about what makes Utah special and where we’re going together. We hope you’ll join us. pbs.org/newshour/politics/wa…

Utahns show up for each other. Let’s make sure every neighbor has dinner on the table. Visit utahfoodbank.org to donate or find a local site.

No one belongs on the street under the power of deadly drugs. Utah’s new homelessness campus will bring services, treatment, and accountability together in one place, helping people get sober, housed, working, and reconnected with family. Honored to stand with Utah’s front-line teams and community leaders at this morning's State Homelessness Conference to turn compassion into action.

Fewer mistakes. Faster service. Utah ranks within the top 10 states nationwide with a low error rate in processing SNAP benefits, making sure Utah families get the right support on time.

🏅 Know someone making a real difference in their community? Nominate them for the Governor’s Spirit of Service Awards! We’re honoring individuals and organizations who are helping build Utah through service. 📅 Nominations open now 📍Submit at forms.gle/PqvMJaBEjHLMPW3j7

There are many paths to a profession. It was great to show U.S. Deputy Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling how Utah is opening doors to good jobs through hands-on training and working to change outdated ideas about trade careers. "Utah is doing it right," said Sonderling. "Seeing a facility like this allows me ... when I go back to D.C., when I travel the country, to show the rest of the country how it's being done.” More here: ksl.com/article/51317192/how…

Utah ranks #1 in fiscal stability (@usnews) and #1 in economic outlook (@ALEC_states), but we’re not settling there. Today we launched GRIT: Government Reform, Innovation & Transparency — a statewide push to improve efficiency and deliver more results for the people of Utah. We’re building on what works and fixing what doesn’t. That’s GRIT.

I had the chance to meet with some of the incredible teams within the Department of Workforce Services here in Utah. A great reminder, especially during Public Employee Appreciation Week, of the impact state employees have across our communities.

SNAP fraud is on the rise nationwide, with thieves stealing card info and draining funds meant for groceries. To protect Utahns, we’ve launched a new EBT card lock. This state-built feature lets users turn their card on and off — and more than 3,000 people have already used it to safeguard their benefits. While more protections are in the works with federal partners, this Utah solution is already making a difference. A new tool to protect Utahns, built here.

While Utah remains the youngest state in the nation, we’re seeing a shift: birth rates are declining and life expectancy is rising. Utah’s older adults are projected to more than double by 2060. 📊 Our aging population has spent decades contributing to our communities, and it’s time to return the favor. We must ensure they can age with dignity and independence. That’s why we’ve proposed investing $170.3 million in the WISE Initiative (Wealth, Independence, Security and Engagement), which will focus on: 💳 Elimination of the tax on social security benefits. 🏠 Expanding home-based care to support seniors aging in place. 🔐 Strengthening protections against senior fraud and exploitation. 🍏 Ensuring access to healthy food for aging Utahns. 💪 Promoting overall well-being with resources that support aging with dignity and independence. Thank you to Utah's leaders across government, academia and the private sector who came together for our Aging Symposium today. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier future for all Utahns.

A strong economy is essential for a strong Utah. In our second term, prosperity will drive our efforts to build a resilient and innovative economy for all Utahns. This includes expanding opportunities for entrepreneurship, strengthening workforce development, and supporting education. By investing in our future, we’ll ensure that Utah remains a place where opportunity and success are within reach for everyone.

As we move into our second term, place will be a cornerstone of our efforts to build a brighter future for Utah. Our initiatives will focus on creating sustainable communities, improving infrastructure, and ensuring responsible growth that preserves the natural beauty of our state. By investing in these areas, we’re making sure that Utah remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

I’m proud to share the priorities that will guide our administration over the next four years. Our goal is clear: to build a brighter future for all Utahns. By focusing on three key areas — People, Place, and Prosperity — we will build a Utah where every individual has the opportunity to succeed, where our communities are strong, and where our economy is resilient and innovative. First, our focus on people is about ensuring the well-being of every Utahn. This means improving health outcomes, expanding access to opportunities, and strengthening community support. From increasing mental health services to addressing housing stability and healthcare access — especially in rural areas — we’re working to build a state where everyone has the chance to succeed.