Governor Spencer Cox and other newly sworn statewide officials outlined priorities this week that emphasize affordability, support for older Utahns, expanded energy production and public safety as the legislature prepares for the 2025 session.

The administration framed the agenda as an "abundance" approach that aims to expand economic opportunity while protecting resources and quality of life. "We believe in an abundance agenda that that we don't have to choose between saving our our precious resources and make Utah great and being 1 of the fastest growing states in the nation," Governor Spencer Cox said in a recorded clip played on The Hinckley Report. "My my focus our focus will continue to be on affordability, energy affordability, housing affordability, things that are are hurting, a large majority of Utahns. We'll be focusing this session on our elderly population specifically, who have been left behind with, with soaring prices over the past few years."

Why it matters: statements from the governor and other statewide officials shape the items the legislature and state agencies will emphasize this year, and they set expectations for budget and policy debates over taxes, housing and energy.

The lieutenant governor also used her remarks to frame the administration's approach to public safety and immigration, and to urge civil discourse. "As we face new challenges, we will build on the foundation we've inherited. We will continue to embrace the and. We can maintain public safety and demonstrate the compassion that defines our values as a state," Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson said in a recorded clip.

On transparency and the attorney general's office, newly sworn Attorney General Derek Brown said he would make his calendar public and form an internal ethics committee to identify potential conflicts of interest. Dennis Romboy, editor with the Deseret News, described Brown's early moves as a welcome step. "I think he's off to a good start there," Romboy said on the program, adding that publishing a calendar and establishing an ethics committee would be steps toward greater openness.

Other statewide officials sworn in at ceremonies included Treasurer Marlo Oaks and State Auditor Tina Cannon; the program noted their oaths were taken during recent inauguration events but did not include additional policy remarks from them.

Discussion on housing and taxation included examples of past legislative actions and possible new measures. On Social Security taxation, panelists and lawmakers said incremental rate cuts over recent sessions have reduced but not eliminated taxes on Social Security income, and that some lawmakers may press for further reductions or elimination for affected seniors.

The program did not record formal decisions or legislative votes tied to these inaugural statements. Instead, the remarks were presented as priorities the governor and other officials plan to press during the upcoming legislative session.

Looking ahead, the administration's emphasis on affordability, elder support, energy expansion and public safety sets the parameters for bills and budget requests state agencies and legislators will introduce when the legislature convenes.