News Releases
Executive, legislative branches set new election schedule to fill Congressman Stewartâs vacancy
On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, Rep. Chris Stewart of Utahâs Second Congressional District informed Gov. Spencer J. Cox that he will resign from the U.S. House of Representatives effective Sept. l5, 2023.
As a result, the executive and legislative branches have developed a timeline to fill the vacancy. In order to minimize the amount of time that the House seat will be vacant and to accommodate this yearâs municipal elections, primary elections throughout the state will be held on Sept. 5, 2023, and the general election on Nov. 21, 2023. (Read More)
WGU and Latinos In Action partner to improve lives through education
Western Governors University (WGU) and Latinos In Action (LIA) announced a new partnership to increase access to affordable, competency-based, online educational opportunities for Latino youth and their families in Utah and across the nation. The agreement establishes a pathway for LIA associates â including LIA graduates, employees, and their parents â to career-ready bachelorâs and masterâs degrees, certificates, and credentials. LIA associates are also eligible to apply for the WGU Community Outreach Partnership scholarship, valued up to $5,000 per recipient ($1,250 per term for up to four academic terms). (Read More)
Romney, King, Cotton introduce legislation to promote military service
U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT), joined by Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Tom Cotton (R-AR), today introduced the Military Service Promotion Act of 2023, legislation aimed at addressing the current military recruitment crisis by enhancing military recruiter access to high schools and colleges. While current law requires high schools to provide access to military recruiters, this bill requires schools to respond to requests from recruiters within 60 days; requires recruiter access to high school career fairs and similar events; gives the military access to college student drop-out information; and requires the Department of Defense to look at expanding the U.S. Armyâs Future Soldier Preparatory Course, which helps prepare those interested in joining the Army for the required physical fitness and aptitude testing. (Read More)
Romney: The demand for consular services in Utah is enormous
At a Foreign Relations Committee hearing today to examine the State Departmentâs Consular Affairs services and programs, U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) criticized the inability for State to handle passport renewal requests and urged the Administration to open a passport agency in Salt Lake City to accommodate the needs of Utahns. As a rapidly expanding center for global commerce and with thousands of missionaries traveling abroad every year from Salt Lake City, Utahns are in desperate need of expanded consular services. However, Utah is essentially a passport service desert with no feasible options for same-day, in-person services. (Read More)
Reps Moore and Kuster reintroduce legislation in support of BridgeUSA programs
Today, Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT) and Annie Kuster (D-NH) reintroduced a resolution for the 118th Congress expressing congressional support for BridgeUSA programsâformerly the Exchange Visitor J-1 Visa Programâwhich are vital to the economy and national interests of the United States. Across the nation, and in states like Utah and New Hampshire, participants in these programs fill vital workforce needs, strengthen Americaâs tourism industry and cultural diversity, and advance our important diplomatic efforts domestically and abroad. Approximately 300,000 participants from over 200 countries and territories visit the United States on a J-1 cultural exchange visa each year. (Read More)
Utahâs consumer sentiment steady in May
Utahâs consumer sentiment was essentially unchanged in May (71.0) compared to April (70.5), according to the Kem C. Gardner Instituteâs Survey of Utah Consumer Sentiment. A similar survey by the University of Michigan found sentiment fell from April (63.5) to May (59.2) among Americans as a whole. (Read More)