June 2021 Update
- Jan 24, 2023
- 4 min read
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The American flag is a great reminder of freedom and opportunity – invoking hope for a better tomorrow. It represents the unity of our country and its people. It is a remembrance of all the heroes who fought to gain and defend our freedom. Our nation's flag serves as a guiding symbol of the principles of our Republic, that together we are "one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
As we celebrate Flag Day, let us always remember to honor America, celebrate our heritage and publicly recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Drought Highlights
Gov. Cox has issued an executive order restricting water use at state facilities and the State Forester issued orders banning fireworks and restricting open fires on state lands. These orders come as our state is experiencing exceptional drought. Read the Governor’s executive order here and the State Forester’s orders here and here.
The Utah Division of Water Resources has provided a weekly lawn watering guide to help Utahns conserve water during the drought. View the guide here.
The extreme drought Utah is experiencing has created major wildfire concerns. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has announced a temporary ban on campfires and target shooting with firearms on its 146 wildlife management areas. Read more about fire conditions and restrictions here.
State Highlight
The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC) has recently opened a new state liquor store in Taylorsville. The store is expected to generate $1.7 million in revenue for state and local communities during its first year of operation.
The University of Utah School of Medicine received a landmark $110 million gift from the Eccles Foundation. This historic donation enables the construction of a new state-of-the-art home for the School of Medicine and will help accelerate the school’s ability to provide the highest quality education and advance research. Read more here.
Steve Starks was appointed as the governor’s Olympic and Paralympic Advisor, where he will act as a liaison with the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games and as the governor’s designee and vice-chair. Additionally, the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games named Catherine Raney Norman, a four-time Olympian speed skater, as board chair. Read more here.
Gov. Cox appointed Rich Saunders as the first chief innovation officer for the state. Rich Saunders is currently the executive director of the Utah Department of Health and will shift to become part of the governor’s senior staff on June 21, 2021. Read more here.
In connection with H.B. 295 from the 2021 General Legislative Session, the Utah Wildlife Board approved some changes to waterfowl hunting in Utah. The law is designed to reduce crowding in high-quality hunting areas and was prompted by feedback gathered in a public survey. Learn about the changes here.
World Refugee Week is June 14-19, 2021. Utah Refugee Services and the Department of Workforce Services will be hosting a week-long virtual celebration along with a naturalization ceremony on Tuesday, June 15, at the Utah State Capitol Rotunda. For the most up-to-date information regarding the events, visit the Department of Workforce Services Facebook page here.
In the News
WalletHub ranked Utah as the state with the best economy. Data metrics include GDP growth, startup activity and share of jobs in the high-tech industries. Read the full report here.
The Sutherland Institute released a Civics Education in Utah report that studies and summarizes the topics of civics education in Utah’s general population. Read the full report summary here.
According to 247 Wall St., Logan, Utah, was the city with the lowest unemployment rate at 2 percent in April 2021. Read the full article here.
COVID-19
Highlights from the weekly COVID-19 briefing:
Since the end of March 2021, there have been 22,767 total COVID-19 cases in the state, with 99.6 percent of the cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals.
There have been 1,208 Utahns hospitalized with COVID-19 since the end of March, with 95 percent in unvaccinated individuals.
There have been 64 deaths related to COVID-19, with 62 occurring in unvaccinated individuals.
Almost 59 percent of eligible Utahns have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
A little over 20 percent of Utahns ages 12-15 have been vaccinated.
Watch the full briefing here.
Businesses and community organizations interested in helping encourage employees to get vaccinated may host a pop-up vaccination site. Request a pop-up vaccination clinic here. View the free community vaccination clinics available here.
Upcoming Events
Farmers markets are open for the session. Here is a list of 12 farmers markets across the state:
I Look Forward to Hearing From You!
I'll try to continually keep you informed about my work on the Hill – likewise, please keep in touch – I’d love to hear your insights and opinions.
I can be reached by email at dmccay@le.utah.gov. You’re also welcome to join me at the Capitol and if you’d like to meet with me in person outside of interim or the legislative session, you can reach Jason Gould at jgould@le.utah.gov. He’ll help us get in touch.
I’m truly grateful for the opportunity you’ve given me to serve in this capacity. We live in a unique and special place. Thank you for all you do to make Utah the best state in the nation – and thanks for paying attention.
Until next time,
Senator Dan McCay
Utah Senate District 11
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