Policy News Gov. Cox and Lt. Gov. Henderson defend election integrity Following testimony before the Judiciary Interim Committee by Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, Gov. Spencer J. Cox and Lt. Gov. Henderson issued the following joint statement: âWe are frustrated by the misinformation that was presented in the Judiciary Interim Committee today. Namely, that voting machines can be hacked, that there are more ballots than voters, that algorithms control voter registration, and other spurious claims made without evidence. All of these assertions are absolute falsehoods and run counter to Utah law and the foundation of our constitutional republic. âWe recognize some voters have legitimate questions about our elections and we invite all citizens to be involved in our local elections to see the process first-hand. But make no mistake: There is absolutely no evidence of election fraud in Utah. Utah has long been a model to the nation when it comes to voting and voter security. County clerks and local election offices execute their duties with accuracy and integrity. Utah follows the law.â Gov. Cox and Lt. Gov. Henderson release One Utah Roadmap update With the completion of some of the goals outlined in the One Utah Roadmap, the Cox-Henderson administration has refined and reset priorities for the next 250 days and beyond. Version 2 of the One Utah Roadmap hones in on the administrationâs top priorities that will be managed by the Governorâs Office. These six key areas continue to revolve around economic opportunity, education, rural, health, equity and opportunity, and streamlined government. The Roadmap also includes an addendum with Version 1 goals that have either been accomplished or will now be spearheaded by state agencies. âItâs great to see so much progress in such a short time, but our work is far from finished,â Gov. Cox said. âRoadmap Version 2 will keep us moving forward in ways that are both ambitious and accountable. As leaders, weâll continue to think big and innovate for the benefit of all Utahns.â (Read More) Kids are back in school as Utah public schools add 8,638 students in 2021 Utah public schools added 8,638 students this fall for a growth rate of 1.3 percent, bringing the total number of students to 675,247, according to October 1 enrollment data released today by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). Kindergarten enrollment, which had dropped by more than 1,500 students in the fall of 2020 rebounded this year to levels higher than in 2019, USBE noted. Student transfers from public school to homeschooling grew from 914 in the fall of 2019 to 3,375 in 2020. That number fell to 1,227 this year, USBE reported. Enrollment in online-only public schools remained virtually unchanged: 26,605 students in 2020 and 26,711 this year. (Read More) WGU launches partnership with Alpine School District Western Governors University (WGU) and the Alpine School District announced a partnership to encourage faculty and staff to pursue high-quality, respected credentials through the nonprofit, online university. The benefits to district employees include fee waivers and exclusive scholarship opportunities. Together, WGU and the Alpine School District have established the Pathway to Become a Teacher Scholarship. Valued up to $5,000, as many as 10 Alpine employees will be selected to receive that award â to be applied to an approved, WGU bachelorâs or masterâs degree program. Additionally, Alpine employees are eligible to apply for the $2,500 WGU K-12 Partner Scholarship. Both scholarships are intended to lower the financial barrier to a university degree and reward current and prospective teachers for their commitment to educating young people. (Read More) Utah Treasurer Marlo M. Oaks announces record-breaking Permanent State School Fund distribution to Utah schools Funds go to schools for programs chosen by parents, teachers and principals at no cost to taxpayers Utah Treasurer Marlo M. Oaks today announced that the Permanent State School Fund will make the largest-ever distribution to Utah schools next year. Schools are slated to receive a record $95.85 million from the Permanent State School Fund in July 2022 â a 3.2% increase from this yearâs distribution of $92.84 million and a 7.9% increase from last yearâs distribution of $88.83 million. (Read More) | 