Governor Cox urges $970 million-plus education boost, water conservation and housing reforms in State of the State

Governor Spencer J. Cox on the floor of a joint convention outlined a slate of proposals that would increase education funding, expand water conservation and storage measures, and seek regulatory changes to address housing costs.

"Our time together this evening is brief," Cox said at the outset of his address, asking lawmakers to focus on urgent policy matters. He said Utah has one of the nation’s lowest COVID hospitalization rates and praised the state’s public health workers while urging bipartisan cooperation to keep children in classrooms.

Cox proposed "more than $970,000,000 in education funding" for the coming session, saying the funding would prioritize at‑risk and disadvantaged students. He also proposed eliminating school fees for basic coursework required for graduation; the governor said legislation being drafted by Representative Adam Robertson would save parents about $55,000,000 annually.

On inflation and relief for families, Cox highlighted the state's budget surplus and rainy day fund and proposed a $160,000,000 grocery tax credit to help households facing higher prices.

Turning to natural resources, Cox described last year as "one of the driest on record," credited statewide conservation efforts that he said saved billions of gallons, and urged support for bills by Representatives Robert Spendlove and Ray Ward to prioritize water storage and improve conservation. "I am 100% committed to helping you accomplish your vision of saving the Great Salt Lake," he said.

On housing, the governor called for removing state and local regulations he described as unnecessarily increasing housing prices and urged legislation aimed at increasing supply while preserving quality of life. He also announced a Unified Economic Opportunity Commission that will present 26 policy initiatives including workforce development, housing availability and measures to strengthen the startup ecosystem and international trade.

Cox described a new Utah Sustainable Health Collaborative he convened to lower healthcare costs and improve outcomes, and he proposed creating an executive position focused on coordinating government services for parents and children to support parental leave, childcare access and family mentoring.

On election integrity, Cox recounted his prior work as lieutenant governor and said Utah would continue to strengthen election processes while cautioning against measures that would make voting harder: "We can have safe and secure elections without making it harder to exercise our constitutional right to vote," he said.

Cox concluded with a family narrative about resilience and a call for unity across political lines. The joint convention listened and later approved procedural motions to spread his address on the legislative journals and adjourn.

Next steps: Cox asked lawmakers to consider the bills he identified and to act during the current session on education, water, housing and the other initiatives he named.