Spencer Cox in 2023 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Abortion: New tax credit for all children--the born and the unborn

And if Utah truly believes in supporting life, we must always show our commitment with more than words. That's why I am also proposing this session a first-of-its-kind tax credit for all children--the born and the unborn. We must also expand postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature Jan 19, 2023

On Education: The largest variable in student outcomes is the teacher

The data is clear. The largest variable in student outcomes is the quality of the teacher. I have said this many times, and I will say it again: If we ran an experiment with two identical students, and you let me pick the teacher, and I let you pick everything else: the school, the curriculum, the books, the software and electronics, the administration, I will win every time. And if we want to guarantee that we have the best teachers, we must invest in our teachers.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature Jan 19, 2023

On Environment: We not going to let the Great Salt Lake disappear

We find ourselves in the greatest drought in the western United States in over 1,200 years. A report predicted that in just five short years the Great Salt Lake will completely disappear. Let me be absolutely clear. We are not going to let that happen. Last year, your parents and grandparents in the Legislature passed 12 major water conservation bills and $500 million in new funding. And even more important, the people of Utah responded by saving billions of gallons of water in our time of need.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature Jan 19, 2023

On Families & Children: Prevent social media companies from collecting kids' data

To the social media companies who have been reckless in protecting our youth, Utah parents are putting you on notice. If you insist on fighting us, we are more than ready for a fight and we will win. Or you can be part of the solution. I am pleased to announce that we are working on legislation that will prevent social media companies from collecting data from our kids, limit the use of cell phones in the classroom, and empower parents to reduce this toxic technology in our homes.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature Jan 19, 2023

On Government Reform: Government decisions are major drivers in price of a home

We know that government decisions are one of the major drivers in the price of a home. Not just taxes and fees, but every requirement placed on a builder increases the cost of a home. We can build more and do it in a way that does not diminish the quality of life. Smart density, in the right places, paired with improved infrastructure from wise investments, and a renewed emphasis on single-family starter homes will make certain that Utah does not become like California.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature Jan 19, 2023

On Principles & Values: Vice Chairman of the National Governors Association

Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ): "I have the great honor this year of serving as the Chairman of the National Governors Association. Sitting by my side as vice-chairman is Governor Spencer Cox, Republican of Utah. There are few states more different than New Jersey & Utah. Yet over the past 6 months, Spencer & I have come to respect each other not just as colleagues, but even more so as friends. This is what we need more of in our politics. Definitely at the national level, but right here at home, as well."
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature Jan 10, 2023

On Principles & Values: It is for the free people of Utah to dictate our destiny

To every young person today grappling with fear, I want to speak to you. Whether it be fear of finding a good career or a home you can afford to buy. Or fear of a planet in peril, or attacks on democracy at home or abroad, or the effects of inflation. Or fear of any of the other crazy things in our society today. If there is one message that I could give to you, it is this: The future of our state is not written in the stars. It is for us, the free men and women of Utah, to dictate our destiny.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature Jan 19, 2023

On Principles & Values: Real power in pleading for help from a higher authority

Now, you have heard me ask our fellow Utahns to unite in faith and prayer in asking God to help deliver us from drought. I have been mocked both at home and abroad by clever comedians and pundits in the media. But, as a man of faith, I make no excuses for my beliefs. I believe there is real power in people of all different faiths and backgrounds uniting together and pleading for help from a higher authority than our own.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature Jan 19, 2023

The above quotations are from 2023 Governor's State of the State speeches.
Click here for other excerpts from 2023 Governor's State of the State speeches.
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Page last updated: Apr 02, 2023