Guest opinion: Your zip code should not dictate how long you live
by Nick Fritz and Shaleane Gee
Utah is in an enviable position in many ways economically. Rapid population growth and a strong economy have helped to create record-low unemployment and a high standard of living for many, even with current extraordinary challenges.
However, not everybody in Utah has flourished. Many struggle to make ends meet, and the increased cost of living that accompanies growth additionally burdens some. This economic disparity ripples through lives, adversely affecting housing and transportation options, diet, education, access to health and financial services, and ability to participate fully in all that Utah has to offer.
Together, these factors can dramatically reduce life expectancy â even between neighborhoods. During 2010-2015, a census tract in the Capitol Hill neighborhood boasted a life expectancy of 84.5 years.[1] Yet the Poplar Grove neighborhood had average expectancy of 74 years. Two-and-a-half miles apart, yet ten years different in life expectancy.
Utah is one of the most philanthropic states in the country. Still, tremendous philanthropic effort alone cannot address the challenges we face. All anchor institutions have a role to play.
We encourage all Utah anchor institutions to lean-in. Pivot from short-term decision making to long-term. Expand your view of your constituents to include not only your shareholders, but all stakeholders. Work with integrity to create stronger neighborhoods with your resources. Behave as if the health and survival of your organization is directly tied to the wellbeing of your communities. Because it is. (Read More)
News Releases
Gov. Cox orders flags to be lowered in honor of the life and legacy of former U. S. Sen. Orrin G. Hatch
Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox has ordered the lowering of the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the state of Utah on all state facilities in recognition of the life, legacy, and selfless sacrifice of former U.S. Sen. Orrin G. Hatch.
Sen. Hatch will lie in state at the Utah State Capitol Building on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. On this day, flags will be lowered to the half-staff position at sunrise and returned to full-staff at sunset. For additional information about Sen. Hatchâs viewing or funeral service, please visit this page.
Both events will be open to the public.
Senators Lee & Romney celebrate confirmation of U.S. Attorney for Utah
The United States Senate confirmed Trina Higgins to be the U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah this week. Following recommendations by Senators Mike Lee and Mitt Romney of Utah, President Biden nominated Trina Higgins to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah in January. Ms. Higgins is a graduate of the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law and has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Utah since 2002. (Read More)
Congressman Blake Mooreâs Modernizing Access to our Public Land Act signed into law by President Biden
President Joe Biden signed the Modernizing Access to our Public Land (MAPLand) Act into law. Congressman Moore was joined by Representatives Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Kim Schrier (D-WA) in introducing this legislation.
The MAPLand Act will direct federal land management agencies to digitize and standardize mapping records. This will allow hunters, hikers, bikers, anglers, and millions of other federal land users to access essential information about public lands as well as help federal land management agencies identify public lands with limited or nonexistent public access points and take proactive steps to open them to the public. (Read More)
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