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Governor Herbert praises legislature's work, highlights education, Medicaid and suicide-prevention funding
Summary
Governor Gary Herbert addressed the House on the final day, calling this "the best session" he's seen, citing record education funding, tax reform steps, Medicaid-related waivers and $6 million for suicide prevention, and invited Lieutenant Governor Spencer Cox to speak.
SALT LAKE CITY — As the 60th Utah Legislature wrapped up its business, Governor Gary Herbert addressed the House on the final night, praising bipartisan cooperation, citing major investments and thanking legislators and staff.
"I think this has been the best session I've been involved with," Herbert said, commending the House for what he described as collaboration and civility during the 45-day session. He highlighted record amounts of funding for public and higher education, steps toward tax reform that he said will support future growth, and actions to address vulnerable populations. Herbert said the budget included dedicated funding for suicide-prevention work and specifically noted $6,000,000 for that effort and the SafeUT crisis app. He also referenced investments in Medicaid-related initiatives, higher-education facilities and worker-pay adjustments.
Lieutenant Governor Spencer Cox offered brief remarks, thanking the Speaker and members for their service. A point of information briefly raised on the floor noted an executive-branch order prohibiting gifts to the legislature and suggested the lieutenant governor's on-stage gift to the Speaker could raise questions; no formal action or penalty was recorded on the floor.
What happens next: With the House having completed its business, clerks were directed to finalize journals and certify the record of the session; bills passed by the House will be forwarded to the Senate for signature or further action.
