Latest news with #Governor'sOfficeofEconomicOpportunity
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah House Republicans elects new leadership members
SALT LAKE CITY () — Just days after former Rep. Jefferson Moss and his role as the House Majority Leader, Utah's House Republicans have elected new leaders. In a special leadership election, Rep. Casey Snider (R-Logan) was elected to replace Moss, who will now serve as the Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Rep. Candice Pierucci (R-Herriman) was elected House Majority Whip, replacing Rep. Lisonbee (R-Syracuse), who , and Rep. Bridger Bolinder (R-Grantsville) as House Majority Assistant Whip to replace Snider. Report: Sen. Mike Lee to return public land sale to 'big, beautiful bill' 'I am excited to work alongside this new leadership team as we represent our caucus and work on behalf of all Utahns,' said Speaker Mike Schultz. 'Congratulations to Rep. Snider, Rep. Pierucci and Rep. Bolinder. This leadership team stands ready to work on behalf of all Utahns.' The three new members of House Leadership each said it was an honor, and they were grateful for the opportunity to serve in their new roles. 'Our leadership team is committed to serving the members of our caucus and the people of Utah with integrity and foresight as we continue to advance meaningful policy for the benefit of every Utahn,' said Snider. A bat in Morgan County has tested positive for rabies, health officials warn Historic Hill Air Force Base chapel reopens following years of extensive renovations Utah House Republicans elects new leadership members Elon Musk blasts spending bill Surge of moisture brings storms to southern Utah, raising flash flood potential Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah's House to elect new leadership. Here's who's running
SALT LAKE CITY () — Utah's House majority will hold elections for a new House Majority Leader on Tuesday, June 3, and several hopefuls could usher in a completely new leadership team under House Speaker Mike Schultz (R-Hooper). The announcement that Rep. Jefferson Moss (R-Eagle Mountain) will be moving to the executive branch to head the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) leaves a vacancy for the House majority's number two leadership role, Majority Leader. Multiple sources with knowledge of internal communications with the caucus confirm to ABC4 that two members of the current leadership will be vying for it, Reps. Karianne Lisonbee (R-Syracuse) and Casey Snider (R-Logan). Under House rules, anyone currently serving in leadership and running for an open position must resign from their current leadership position. That means that Lisonbee's current position as Majority Whip and Snider's current position as Assistant Whip will also open up. Lt. Gov. Henderson gets more death threats over Primary signature gathering issues — How will they be handled? The following Republican representatives, listed in order alphabetically by last name, are running for the open positions: Karianne Lisonbee (R-Syracuse) Casey Snider (R-Logan) Jeff Burton (R-Spanish Fork) Candice Pierucci (R-Herriman) Jordan Teuscher (R-South Jordan) Ryan Wilcox (R-North Ogden) Bridger Bolinder (R-Grantsville) Cory Maloy (R-Lehi) Karen Petersen (R-Smithfield) Rex Shipp (R-Parowan) Gov. Cox signs executive order to establish new council focused on Utah's future and 'quality of life' Another possible shift, Rep. Teuscher is currently the powerful House Rules Chair, who helps decide which bills make it out of the rules committee to be heard by the larger body. If he wins the Whip position, he would likely have to give up that role due to the time constraints. However, it's at the Speaker's discretion who he appoints as Rules Chair. 'One of the primary responsibilities of the Whip is to serve as a liaison with the Senate and to help unify and strengthen our caucus,' said Teuscher. 'I believe I bring the right combination of experience, skills, temperament, and relationships to be effective in that role—and to ensure our caucus continues to drive the conversation on the most important issues facing our state and is successful in getting our policy objectives to the finish line.' Teuscher has ushered in some controversial legislation in the past, most recently the ban on collective bargaining, HB267, which currently faces a referendum that will be put before voters to decide whether or not to overturn it after labor groups While the current field of candidates is pretty settled, the source said, representatives do have until Monday morning to declare their intent to run. It's also possible that representatives not included in this list could be nominated by the body during the election for any of the open positions. Utah unveils new housing dashboard in effort to hit 'moonshot' goal of building 35,000 starter homes The vacancy by Rep. Moss is also adding another wrinkle to the elections. His seat has yet to be filled via a special election, decided by the Utah County Republican Party. That means that the House majority will have 60 members voting in the election, not 61, leaving the possibility for a tie. House majority elections require a simple majority vote, and it's unclear exactly what would happen in that case, however, the rules would suggest that voting would continue until there is a majority. Political insiders who spoke with ABC4 about the race say it is unusual for two members of the current leadership to be running against each other. Typically, those already in leadership positions tend to slide into a vacant and more prominent role. Those insiders also say there is pent-up demand to be in leadership, as evidenced by the number of people running. The House majority's elections are not public, but the new leadership team will be announced Tuesday evening after the vote. President Trump gives Elon Musk an Oval Office send-off Musk slams New York Times after report on alleged drug use GOP plan could raise credit requirements for Pell Grant recipients Musk appears in Oval Office with black eye Utah's House to elect new leadership. Here's who's running Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah House majority leader resigns to take economic development leadership appointment
House Majority Whip Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield, and Majority Leader Jefferson Moss, R-Saratoga Springs, are pictured on the first day of the legislative session at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) One of the state's top Republican legislative leaders will be leaving the Utah Legislature to accept an appointment from Gov. Spencer Cox. House Majority Leader Jefferson Moss, R-Saratoga Springs, will be resigning from the Utah House effective May 30 to serve as executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, according to a news release issued Friday. 'Serving in the legislature has been one of the great honors of my life,' Moss said in a separate news release issued by the governor's office. 'I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of Utah in this new capacity and help advance the Governor's vision for economic opportunity across the state.' Moss's first day in his new role will be June 2, according to the governor's office. Starting that day, he'll serve as interim executive director until his appointment is confirmed by the Utah Senate. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 'Jefferson Moss brings a rare combination of public service, private sector experience, and a deep understanding of innovation and education,' Cox said in a prepared statement. 'He's been a driving force behind many of Utah's most forward-thinking initiatives, and I'm confident he'll lead the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity with the same vision, energy, and commitment to our state's future that have defined his career.' Moss will replace GOEO's former executive director, Ryan Starks, who left earlier this month to 'pursue other professional endeavors,' according to a news release issued May 2. While announcing Starks' departure, Cox lauded him as an 'invaluable asset to the state and our economic development efforts. … We wish him the very best in his future pursuits.' Starks, according to his LinkedIn page, originally intended to launch his own consulting business before he was offered a position leading the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, which he accepted. Moss, during his time in the Legislature, focused on policy impacting education, energy, government spending and economic development. He was first elected to the House in 2017. He served in House leadership roles since 2019, including as vice chair of the Executive Appropriations Committee, a powerful budgeting body. To choose a new majority leader, the House Republicans' caucus will hold a special leadership election in coming weeks. House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, praised Moss in a post on X, saying he has a 'unique ability to bring people together, think outside the box, and solve complex challenges.' 'While we'll miss his leadership in the House, I know he will continue to serve Utah with the same passion and purpose in his new role,' Schultz said. Moss also currently works as associate commissioner of innovation, commercialization and economic development for the Utah System of Higher Education and as managing director of the Utah Innovation Fund. He'll 'continue in a leadership role with USHE in addition to leading GOEO,' according to the governor's office. Previously, Moss also held leadership positions at Utah Valley University, was a strategist at KeyBank and Credit Suisse, and was a founder of several businesses. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah's strong trade relationship with Ireland highlighted by visit from Irish minister of state
Telling Utah business leaders to 'Let geography not be the barrier for companies,' Alan Dillon, the minister of state at Ireland's Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, spoke at the World Trade Center Utah on Thursday. On Saturday, Dillon will serve as grand marshal of Salt Lake City's St. Patrick's Day parade. Dillon's visit comes shortly after the creation of the Utah-Ireland Trade Commission, and Dillon highlighted that strong relationship between his country and Utah. Dillon's visit also coincided with the U.S. and European Union imposing ever increasing tariffs on one another, and came just one day after the Irish prime minister visited the White House. The minister was joined by Ireland's consul general to the South Western United States, Marcella Smyth, and Stephen Keogh from Ireland's Industrial Development Agency. Smyth said that Dillon's visit is the first time Utah has had a Irish government minister visit for St. Patrick's Day. The minister spoke about the strong relationship between Utah and Ireland and how that relationship can continue to grow as the two continue to invest in and trade with each other. Jonathan Freedman, CEO of World Trade Center Utah, shared that Utah has a trade surplus with Ireland and that the country is Utah's 15th largest trade partner. 'This is Utah's moment to shine where we want to and to show up and be great partners,' Freedman said. Dillon said that when he arrived in the state he was 'struck by the similarities between Ireland and Utah.' These similarities include high success in life science and health care. Dillon also emphasized why Ireland is so attractive to do business with, especially because of its young, educated and multilingual workforce. He pointed out the country's, ambition and resilience, and its commitment to innovation, education and sustainability. 'This investment not only creates jobs but enhance the overall economic landscape,' the minister said about how working with Ireland benefits Utah. SB106, passed during the just finished 2025 Utah legislative session, establishes a trade commission between Utah and Ireland within the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. The bill passed through the Legislature last week. The commission will have 11 members, six from the Utah Legislature and five appointed by the office's executive director. Jim Grover from the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, said that this commission will help to promote and encourage the things that Utah is already doing with Ireland to build on that. Dillon added that this commission will be very important for both Utah and Ireland. This week the EU announced it will be imposing 50% tariffs on U.S. whiskey and other U.S. products starting on April 1. These tariffs were announced in response to the U.S. imposing tariffs on steel aluminum and other products. In retaliation to EU's tariffs on American products, Trump threatened to impose 200% tariffs on wine and champagne from EU members. About the recent tariff battle between the U.S. and the EU, Dillon said his country regrets the current U.S. policy of increasing protectionism and tariffs. The minister said tariffs are economically counterproductive, adding that they increase inflation, interrupt supply chains and can cost consumers on both sides. He added that both the U.S. and the EU are going to be hurt by these tariffs. Dillon said Ireland's government is currently reviewing what the impact of the tariffs will be and that leaders are still unsure which sectors will be impacted. Ireland is working with EU partners to coordinate a response. Dillon said that the EU will engage as a collective whole in relation to any response to the tariffs. Freedman also spoke about the tariffs, saying that 'it's never been more important for Utah to work with foreign companies,' and that he wants Utah to continue to be a good partner. He also shared that these tariffs impact real jobs for Utahns; 25% of jobs in Utah are dependent on international trade. Ireland Prime Minister Micheál Martin visited the White House Wednesday as part of a St. Patrick's Day celebration and met with Trump in the Oval Office. According to Dillon, Martin's visit demonstrated the warmth between the U.S. and strong decades-long relationship between the two countries. He added that Ireland wants to continue to build on that relationship. Dillon said the U.S. and the EU should 'work together rather than against each other.'
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Takeoff: New agreement clears the runway for Utah electric aircraft network
Utah took a huge step toward advancing its ambitious advanced air mobility goals in a 'historic' agreement struck Tuesday that lays the groundwork for a system aiming to put electric aircraft in the skies above Utah in the very near future. The memorandum of understanding between Utah aerospace and defense group 47G and Vermont-based electric aircraft developer Beta Technologies, with support from the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity and the Utah Department of Transportation, outlines a plan to create new, airborne options for transporting goods and people around the state, reducing emissions and making Utah a forward player in an emerging tech segment that's expected to grow into an industry worth hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years. But Utah Gov. Spencer Cox noted that not that long ago the idea seemed more like science fiction than science fact. Cox recounted a conversation with UDOT executive director Carlos Braceras a decade ago during which the state's transportation head noted the strategy of building ever-wider roadways to accommodate Utah's growing transportation needs couldn't go on indefinitely and, eventually, 'we have to start thinking about going vertical.' Cox said the comment made him chuckle and his response at the time was, 'Yeah, sure.' The point, however, was well taken and Cox said it sowed the seeds of thinking that would lead to the state's current Project Alta plan, an effort spearheaded by 47G to ensure that Utah has its own Jetsons-esque air taxis whisking passengers around by the time the state hosts the Winter Olympics. 'We have an incredible opportunity to welcome the world in 2034,' Cox said. 'Over the next nine years, we're going to see a lot of changes. And when we welcome the world here I can't wait to show them our advanced air mobility opportunities. I truly believe that when we get there we'll be transporting people vertically.' Cox said the effort harkens back to a time decades ago when U.S. companies were the best in the world at building new things. He noted that the Federal Aviation Administration last fall licensed a new category of aircraft — electric-powered vertical takeoff and landing craft — for the first time in 80 years. 'We used to be really good at this stuff back in the '40s, '50s and '60s,' Cox said. 'How lucky we are to live in a state that still believes in building.' Aaron Starks, president and CEO of 47G, said the new agreement vaults Utah to the front of the line when it comes to putting the latest electric aircraft technology to work in the real world. 'Today, with this MOU signing, we're going where no other state has gone before, to the top of the list in air mobility,' Starks said. 'We're going to electrify airports, we're going to bring the community together, there will be workforce development opportunities, legislative opportunities that will create policy reform and a regulatory sandbox where companies like Beta Technologies can come and innovate and grow their technology.' In a Deseret News interview ahead of Tuesday's signing ceremony, Starks said the agreement lays the groundwork for a phased approach to putting electric aircraft in the skies above Utah, starting with a statewide charging network followed by package/freight delivery flights and, eventually, air taxi traffic. Starks said charger deployment, which will aim initially for co-locating at municipal and regional airport sites, is likely a 12- to 18-month process and could be followed fairly quickly by the first cargo flights. It's a timeline that complements 47G's Project Alta that aims for 'establishing a well-functioning, statewide air cargo and transportation system in anticipation of the 2034 Winter Olympic Games.' Starks said his group has heard repeatedly from FAA officials that Utah's plan represents the first realistic timeline the federal agency has seen among states working to evolve new, electrified air cargo and passenger service networks. Starks said Beta Technologies stood out in 47G's national search for an appropriate air mobility partner, thanks to its advanced aircraft designs and the company's commitment to concurrent development efforts of new charging technology, which has already been adopted as an industry standard for electrified aircraft. 'Beta was wise upfront by investing in developing charging capabilities that other (original equipment manufacturers) would need to charge their aircraft,' Starks said. 'Having aircraft and charging originating from the same company for this start-up network is something we really like.' Beta Technologies was founded in 2017 by veteran entrepreneur and Harvard-educated engineer and test pilot Kyle Clark. The company is working to certify two electric aircraft, the Alia CTOL (conventional takeoff and landing) and the Alia VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing). The aircraft are essentially identical in their basic design with the conventional variant powered by a single, five-blade rear-mounted propeller and the vertical-enabled craft employing the same five-blade, rear-mounted propeller as well as four two-blade horizontal lift rotors. Both aircraft are capable of carrying five passengers and have a maximum cruising speed of 135 knots, about 155 mph. Beta says its conventional takeoff-landing aircraft is on pace for FAA certification in 2025 with federal certification for the VTOL anticipated in 2026. Beta's UL-certified Cube charging system is capable of recharging an aircraft in an hour and is also compatible with recharging ground-based electric vehicles. In a Deseret News interview, Clark said the MOU signifies a groundbreaking moment and places Utah among the leaders of air mobility development in the U.S. 'What's so special about this is to have a state leaning into the effort,' Clark said. 'It becomes a mutually-aligned deployment ... that includes airports, governance, operations, all those things that are really important to launch this.' Clark said in addition to zero-emissions operation, Beta aircraft are significantly less expensive to operate with the per-mile cost of freight transport about half that of conventionally powered aircraft. He also noted that Beta enters the MOU with significant ties to Utah as about 28% of Arial components, comprising half of the aircraft's value, come from Utah-based manufacturers.
