‘Now Is Our Time To Be Bold’: Gov. Cox Delivers First State Of The State

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Gov. Spencer Cox delivered a shortened State of the State address that focused on the ongoing pandemic, school funding, population growth and other challenges facing Utah.

“So much has changed because of this pandemic,” Cox said.

In fact, the speech itself was kept short — just under 17 minutes — to limit physical contact inside the Capitol.

“Every one of you has been tested for a virus we knew little to nothing about one year ago,” Cox said to the audience in the House Chamber. “You are wearing masks. The galleries are empty. Your spouses and guests and staff are all watching from home.”

Governor Spencer Cox on #Utah #Teachers:

"They deserve our respect. And they deserve a raise."

"Never in the history of our state have we felt your influence or needed you more than right now," @SpencerJCox @GovCox said in his first State of the State. @KSL5TV @kslnewsradio pic.twitter.com/oXIQzqici9

— Ladd Egan (@laddegan) January 22, 2021

Many members of the legislature, justices of the Utah Supreme Court and other state officials watched the address remotely.

“But of course, these modifications pale in comparison to the incredible changes and innovations and sacrifices made by the people of Utah over the past year,” the governor said. “More than 1,500 Utahns are not with us tonight because of this insidious disease.”

Cox saluted health care workers, first responders and others working hard during the pandemic, telling them that help is on the way.

“Vaccines are being administered as we speak,” he said. “The changes we have made to vaccine distribution are working and the end to this pandemic is in sight.”

The Republican governor called for increased education funding to give all Utah students the same opportunities.

“Education has always been called the great equalizer, but it can’t be that way if our kids are not treated equally,” he said.

He spoke of the tremendous work done by school teachers.

“Never in the history of our state have we felt your influence or needed you more than right now,” Cox said of teachers, adding that they deserve respect and a raise.

Utah’s new governor also addressed other challenges, like our state’s growing population, the need for more infrastructure and political discord gripping the nation.

“Now is our time to reject hate and make opportunity available to all Utahns,” Cox said near the end of his speech.

VIDEO: "In short, if we want smaller government, we need bigger people"

In his State of the State @SpencerJCox asks Utahns to take care of each other

"Instead of posting one more time on Facebook, walk across the street and check on your neighbor"@KSL5TV @kslnewsradio @GovCox pic.twitter.com/4MdSpBCxVJ

— Ladd Egan (@laddegan) January 22, 2021

Democratic lawmakers offered a videotaped response to the governor’s address.

“We are eager to work with Gov. Cox’s new administration to help Utah families recover from this pandemic and get moving again,” said House Minority Leader Brian King, D-Salt Lake City. “And, as Democrats, we are glad to see Utah’s executive leadership coming around to our point of view and proposing policies and actions that Democrats have long been fighting for.”

Democrats said the COVID-19 vaccine is offering hope and applauded the governor’s plan to speed up the rollout. Their response also focused on education, the environment and inclusion.

“The playing field is far from level on several fronts, and we as Democrats will bring forward policies to address these inequalities,” said Senate Minority Whip Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City. “This legislative session, police reform will be a major structural challenge that lawmakers will address.”