Presidential Debate and Other Updates
- Jan 24, 2023
- 3 min read
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This last week, the first presidential debate took place. No matter which side people are on politically, I think most will agree that tensions were high. I am proud to be a Utahn, where civility is a priority. My hope and expectation are that Utahns will lead by example. We are all under tremendous strain during this crazy time, but we are stronger when we show kindness, patience and charity to those around us, regardless of our differences.
Salt Lake City will host the only vice-presidential debate of the 2020 election cycle this Wednesday, October 7, at 7 p.m. More information here.
The graph below shows Utah’s ICU capacity from May 1 through September 30:
State Data (as of October 5th)
Total Cases: 78,723
Total People Tested: 866,180
Total Hospitalizations: 4,019
Total Deaths: 482
Estimated Recovered: 57,965
Utah County Dept Health
Total Cases: 21,180
Total Tested: 181,306
Hospitalizations: 720
Deaths: 63
Estimated Recovered: 13,314
State Audit
Last week, the Office of the State Auditor released an audit on Utah’s emergency procurements and response during the early stages of COVID-19. Read the audit here.
Some Positive News
Positive COVID-19 trends in Utah shared during the weekly COVID-19 briefing:
The state is seeing a significant reduction in cases among Latino communities.
Hospital stays for COVID-19 patients are shortening.
Utah continues to have one of the lowest mortality rates in the United States.
Economic Snapshot
The Governor's Office of Management and Budget released an economic snapshot, showing Utah’s economic progress during COVID-19. Read the report here.
Jobs Available
The Utah Department of Workforce Services launched a new web portal to help link Utahns to an estimated 30,000 available jobs. View the portal here.
Small Business Grant
The Utah Labor Commission announced a new $2 million Small Business Quarantined Employee Grant to help small businesses pay employees to stay home during quarantine or isolation for a maximum of 40 hours per week for a period of up to two calendar weeks. More information here and here.
Utah Teacher of the Year
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson named John Arthur, a sixth-grade teacher at Salt Lake City’s Meadowlark Elementary School as the 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year. Read more here.
Prison Cases
There are currently 47 cases of COVID-19 within the Utah State Prison in Draper. Forty-five of those cases have been confirmed in the Wasatch Facility in Baker Block, and the other two cases are new prison intakes. Read more here.
School District Dashboard
The Utah Department of Health updated the coronavirus dashboard to include COVID-19 cases by school districts. Learn more about this change and other changes to the dashboard here.
In the News
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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