'We must build': Cox asks lawmakers, Utahns to embrace state's industrial spirit

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called for a return to the state's "tradition of true grit" in his State of the State address at the Capitol Thursday evening, declaring that "now is a time for building."

The governor opened his 25-minute speech to state lawmakers and Utahns from the dais of the House gallery by reflecting on what the Salt Lake Valley looked like when pioneers first came upon it in July of 1847.

"It was so beautiful that one member of the party proclaimed, 'Weak and weary as I am, I would rather go a thousand miles farther than remain in such a forsaken place as this," Cox said. "And yet, almost 180 years later, our Utah desert has pulled off the most miraculous upset. The land has blossomed as promised, and our home has become the envy of the earth and a worldwide destination."

As modern-day Utahns, "We stand on the shoulders of giants," the governor continued. "Our ancestors irrigated farms, excavated minerals, built homes and neighborhoods, powered cities and connected this continent by rail. In the face of adversity, they built. They built here."

Across the country, Cox said, those values of industrialism and innovation have faded, however, and have been replaced by "negativity and inertia." He blamed government regulation and an outsourcing of American manufacturing and other industry for a slowdown in infrastructure and technology building.

"And, worst of all, we stopped building resilient people," he said. "For decades, families have been under attack. The mental and physical health of our teens is threatened daily by large social media companies. Our national birth rate is in steep decline, and demographic concerns now present one of the gravest threats to our shared future, all while deaths of despair have skyrocketed."

"But not here. At least not yet. Utah is an outlier. Utah has stayed weird. In the best way," he added, with a reference to his address last January, when he urged the state to embrace the quirky characteristics that have contributed to its success.

Cox described the state as "at a fork in the road" — with one path succumbing to the "nationwide malaise of dysfunction" and the other building to the future. He identified five key areas of focus he plans to work with lawmakers on during his second term in office and in the 45-day legislative session that began Tuesday: housing attainability, energy abundance, infrastructure and permitting reform, community safety and support and family strength.

He touted the state's goal to build 35,000 starter homes before he leaves office in four years and the plan to bring advanced nuclear reactors to the state. When it comes to supporting families, Cox reiterated his request that state lawmakers eliminate the state tax on Social Security benefits.

"It's a bit embarrassing that we are one of only eight states that still taxes Social Security benefits, and I am determined to see this tax eliminated, putting money back into the pockets of our beloved senior Utahns," he said. "It's time. Check that — it's way past time."

But Cox is facing an uphill battle on that particular proposal. Both Senate and House GOP leaders have signaled a strong desire to cut the income tax again for the fifth year in a row. Earlier this week, Senate President Stuart Adams all but promised another income tax cut, which he said would benefit young families trying to afford basic expenses.

Some Republican lawmakers have also pointed out the state already offers a Social Security tax credit for Utah seniors making $75,000 a year or less.

Although the governor didn't address immigration specifically, lawmakers have proposed several measures to address public safety, by cracking down on organized crime and undocumented migrants. Several proposals would increase penalties for fentanyl trafficking and make class A misdemeanors punishable by up to 365 days in prison, which lawmakers say would make it easier for federal officials to deport migrants who have committed crimes.

Cox concluded by reiterating a refrain shared throughout his address: "We must build."

In the modern context, "built here" means not just embracing infrastructure and housing growth, Cox said, but "axing every tax that we can," supporting Utahns who want to build businesses, farms or families, making the state "inclusive to every lawful newcomer" and "still doing the big things — the hard things — in our lives and in this session."

"Built here means giving our kids and grandkids an inspiring story to tell about our time. So that 180 years from now our descendants can look back at us with the pride and gratitude and reverence that we feel in our hearts today," he said. "Utah, we must build. May God bless us, our nation and this great state as we build together."

Democrats respond

In a prepared response to the governor's speech, House Minority Leader Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City, touched on Cox's call for building.

"Together, we can build a Utah that embraces and welcomes all," Romero said, "where everyone feels a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to prosper."

But Romero also criticized "extreme policies that have impacted our state in recent years." Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, called the legislative session "challenging" but said Democrats – who hold a superminority in the House and Senate – would face it with "determination and resolve."

"We will push back on reactionary policies that are punitive to working families and will fight for solutions that uplift all communities and address the real challenges Utahns face every day," Escamilla said. "We will safeguard the constitutional rights of Utahns, ensuring their due process, freedom of speech, and values that our state and nation are built upon."

Escamilla and Romero cited several issues as top priorities for Democrats, including making housing and child care more affordable, protecting voting by mail, funding public schools, and compassionately addressing illegal immigration.

"Conflating public safety with immigration is misguided," Escamilla said. "Our national immigration crisis needs to be solved by Congress."

Romero added, "Many Utahns worry about the impacts of mass deportation policies. It is crucial for our state leaders to uphold fairness and compassion, protecting the rights of all residents regardless of status."

The Democratic leaders urged Utahns to get involved and speak out in shaping the state's future.

"Let us work toward a Utah that reflects and celebrates the stories and contributions of every individual," Escamilla said. "United, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for all Utahns."

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