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Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah ranks as the best state in the nation — again
Utah is the best state in the nation for the third year in a row, according to a best states ranking from U.S. News & World Report. The publication said Utah's ranking was due to a 'diverse and resilient economy, smart students, low crime and a fairly healthy population.' This year's rankings evaluated each of the 50 states on how they serve their residents in a range of categories, including health care, education, economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, crime and corrections and natural environment, according to U.S. News & World Report. 'Utah's third straight No. 1 ranking is a reflection of the incredible people who make this state what it is,' said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, according to U.S. News & World Report. 'It's not just our economy or our beautiful outdoors — it's the hardworking, service-minded people who continue to make Utah the best place to live, work and raise a family. I'm grateful every day to stand with Utahns as we keep strengthening the state we love.' Utah was followed by New Hampshire in second place and Idaho in third. The bottom two ranked states were Alaska and Louisiana. How Utah ranked in each category The Best States rankings began in 2017 and this year was its seventh edition. It ranks the states by analyzing 71 metrics in eight categories. U.S. News & World Report also listed the rankings of each state in the individual categories such as education and economy. While Utah was the top ranked state overall, it placed fourth in education, 14th in health care and third in both infrastructure and economy. Utah has never placed outside of the top five in the economy category. The state did rank No. 1 in fiscal stability — a category 'that covers metrics like liquidity, credit rating and budget balancing, meaning a state's ratio of total revenues to total expenses,' per U.S. News & World Report. Utah's two lowest rankings were opportunity, 19th, and natural environment, 48th. The environment category is primarily based on pollution-related problems in each state. In the last category, crime and corrections, Utah ranked seventh. Why Utah is ranked the best state in the nation 'Being No. 1 isn't about crossing a finish line — it's about continuing to improve,' said Senate President J. Stuart Adams, R-Layton. 'This recognition is a powerful reminder that Utah's greatest strength lies in our commitment to tomorrow.' U.S. News & World Report shared a few reasons why Utah is the top state in the nation, citing politics, specifically the 'Utah Way,' which is summed up as, 'In a politically divisive era, people actually talk to each other and try to work through issues.' Sen. Stephanie Pitcher, D-Millcreek, said that despite Utah being a primarily red state, Utah's state lawmakers across both parties 'tend to work really well together,' per U.S. News and World Report. Another reason was the religious influence in the state, which is the worldwide headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 'There's just so much that the government can't do, and you need that fabric,' Cox told the publication. 'It's why Utah is different. It's why Utah continues to do well and it's special.' Collaboration, both politically and overall, was one of the things consistently highlighted in U.S. News and World Report's analysis of the top state. 'Utah being named the best state in America is a reflection of the people who live here,' said House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper. 'Their work ethic, innovation and strong sense of community make this state exceptional. As Speaker, I see every day how Utahns step up — building strong families, successful businesses and resilient communities.'
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah continues reign as best state in nation, report says
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — For the third year straight, Utah has come out on top as the best state in the country, according to an annual report released by U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News & Report evaluated all 50 states on several metrics, including education, health care, economy, infrastructure, natural environment, crime and corrections, among others. The Beehive State excelled in most categories, notably ranking fourth in the nation for education, third in economy and infrastructure, and first in the nation for fiscal stability. However, despite being known for its natural beauty of snow-capped mountains and stunning red rock, Utah ranked a low 48 in natural environment – which was scored based on air and water quality and pollution. Overall, Utah landed in the Top 20 across seven of the eight categories. Toxic dust storm sweeps across Salt Lake Valley, hitting Utah's most densely populated areas 'Utah's third straight No. 1 ranking is a reflection of the incredible people who make this state what it is,' said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. 'It's not just our economy or our beautiful outdoors – it's the hardworking, service-minded people who continue to make Utah the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I'm grateful every day to stand with Utahns as we keep strengthening the state we love.' Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams said in a statement that being named No. 1 isn't about crossing a finish line, but about continuing to improve. 'This recognition is a powerful reminder that Utah's greatest strength lies in our commitment to tomorrow,' said Adams. 'Utah being named the best state in America is a reflection of the people who live here,' said House Speaker Mike Schultz. 'Their work ethic, innovation, and strong sense of community make this state exceptional. As Speaker, I see every day how Utahns step up – building strong families, successful businesses, and resilient communities.' Utah topped New Hampshire, Idaho, Minnesota, and Nebraska in the Top 5 states in the country. Meanwhile, Louisiana trailed the nation at No. 50, followed by Alaska, Mississipi, New Mexico, and West Virginia. Eric Gertler, U.S. News Executive Chairman and CEO, said the rankings can help provide a comprehensive picture of how each state serves its residents. In turn, that can help business leaders decide where to invest, help residents decide where to live, and help policymakers drive improvements. 'Amidst economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and evolving trade policies, the 2025 Best States rankings offer a critical benchmark for business leaders, investors, and policy makers to assess economic competitiveness, workforce strength, infrastructure quality, and long-term growth potential across all 50 states in the United States,' said Gertler. This is the seventh edition of the U.S. News Best States rankings. The Beehive State earned a No. 1 ranking in 2023 and 2024 and has routinely ranked among the top since the report started in 2017. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Cox signs 75 bills, vetoes 1 in latest review session
SALT LAKE CITY () — Gov. Cox announced on Monday that he had signed 75 bills — and vetoed one — in the latest legislative review session. After this recent batch of 75 bills, the governor has signed a total of 176 bills. He has 406 bills left to act on before this week's Mar. 27 deadline. If a bill is not acted upon before that deadline, it becomes law without needing the governor's signature. Cox most recently signed bills into law ranging in topics from civic education to medical cannabis regulation and more. Cox also announced that he had vetoed a bill addressing tax rate amendments for education. Here's a breakdown of some of the major bills that were most recently addressed by the governor. On Monday, Cox announced that he vetoed , or 'Minimum Basic Tax Rates Amendments,' which would have changed how property taxes would be used for education. In a letter to Senate President J. Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz, Cox explained the reasoning behind his veto of SB 37. 'Moving restricted property tax funding into the general fund creates significant technical and legal questions,' Cox's letter reads. 'For one, it's not entirely clear whether these property tax dollars, once they land in the general fund, still carry the restrictions that have always protected them for education use.' Utah State Auditor Tina Cannon sent a letter to Cox after reviewing SB 37, listing several concerns about the implications of the bill. Cox went on to say in his letter that the bill he vetoed 'sets up a complicated system where school districts have to track these dollars as both incoming and outgoing revenue….' The Utah Education Association, the state's largest teacher's union, issued a statement in support of Cox vetoing SB 37: The Utah Education Association applauds Governor Spencer Cox's decision to veto SB 37. This bill would have redirected public education funds away from Utah's public schools and weakened local control. Utah must preserve education funds for their intended purpose: supporting the success of Utah's public school students.' UEA statement on Cox vetoing SB 37 Gov. Cox signed and , which he called 'two of the most important bills of the 2025 legislative session.' HB 381, 'Civics Education Amendments,' amends the graduation requirements for public high schools in Utah, making it so that students must meet specific social studies requirements and receive 'certain social studies related instruction.' Of this bill, Cox said, 'Foundational civic education in our high schools will aid our students with a better understanding of our government institutions and their critical role in American society.' SB 334, 'Center for Civics Excellence at Utah State,' establishes a Center for Civic Excellence at Utah State University, with Cox saying in a statement that the center 'will be tasked with building out a general education curriculum focused on viewpoint diversity, civil discourse and helping our students develop the analytical skills necessary to contribute in the public square.' HB 381 and SB 334 will go into effect on July 1 and May 7, respectively. On March 23, Cox announced that two bills related to cannabis and cannabinoids had been signed. One bill on alcohol amendments was also signed. The cannabis bills — , 'Cannabinoid Amendments,' and , 'Cannabis Production Amendments' — address medical cannabis regulation and medical cannabis production. The alcohol bill — , 'Alcohol Amendments' — adds provisions relating to banquet licensing for amphitheaters. The amendments define amphitheaters and under which circumstances alcohol would be licensed to be sold there. The full list of bills signed announced by Cox on March 24 can be viewed below: , Voting Precinct Amendments , Child Visitation Amendments H.B. 31, Offender Information Amendments H.B. 34, State Campgrounds Amendments , Correctional Health Amendments H.B. 54, Cannabinoid Amendments H.B. 56, Civil Commitment Modifications , Decommissioned Asset Disposition Amendments H.B. 85, Environmental Permitting Modifications , Water Transfer Amendments H.B. 93, Rehabilitation Services Modifications , Financial Disclosure Revisions , State Land Access Road Amendments H.B. 129, Adoption Records Access Amendments , Adoption Modifications H.B. 146, Mammography Amendments , Health Care Facilities Amendments , Offender Reintegration Amendments , Substance Use Treatment and Enforcement Amendments , Rollback Tax Amendments , Urban Farming Assessment Amendments H.B. 243, Agricultural Water Optimization Amendments , Wildlife Management Area Amendments H.B. 251, Pollinator Program Amendments , Agriculture and Food Amendments H.B. 254, Waste Classification Amendments , Local Land Use Modifications , Water Amendments , Water Infrastructure Modifications , Infectious Disease Procedures Amendments H.B. 302, Minors in State Custody Amendments H.B. 307, Wildfire Funding Amendments , Wildlife Amendments , Watershed Amendments , Medications in Schools Amendments H.B. 342, Animal Composting Amendments , Cannabis Production Amendments , Department of Agriculture and Food Amendments H.B. 347, Medicaid Program Amendments , Geologic Carbon Storage Amendments , Civics Education Amendments , Small School District Scale of Operations Formula , Public Asset Ownership Amendments , Grazing Amendments , Environmental Legal Action Amendments H.B. 439, Outdoor Recreation Revisions H.B. 446, Great Salt Lake Amendments , Brine Mining Amendments H.B. 490, State Parks Modifications , Law Enforcement Salary Amendments H.B. 504, Financial and Conflict of Interest Disclosures by Candidates Amendments , Water Entity Amendments , Diaper Program Amendments , Elected Official Publicity Amendments , Election Fundraising Amendments , Forest Fire Resources Compact Amendments , Water Rights Recording Amendments , Water Quality Board Amendments , State Resource Management Plan Amendments , Statewide Initiatives Amendments , Water Fee Amendments , Traffic Code Amendments S.B. 145, Technical Senate District Boundary Adjustment S.B. 149, Natural Resources Modifications , Sale or Lease of Federally Managed Public Land Amendments , Environmental Quality Modifications , Local Health Department Amendments , Environmental Quality Amendments , Construction Modifications , Severance Amendments S.B. 290, Candidate Licensing Amendments , Special District Modifications , Alcohol Amendments S.B. 334, Center for Civic Excellence at Utah State University , Nonprofit Entities Amendments Lindsay Aerts and Matthew Drachman contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
3 controversial bills to change the judiciary have been stopped — others are still proceeding
SALT LAKE CITY () — The Utah legislature and the judiciary have come to an agreement about several controversial bills, including several that were the in the state. Bills that proposed changes to judicial retention and judicial elections will no longer be considered. Senate President J. Stuart Adams and Speaker Mike Schultz released a statement on Monday afternoon about the decision. 'Through deliberate debate, thoughtful conversations and in a spirit of collaboration, the Legislature and the Judiciary have found a path forward that will make our government stronger and our state better,' the statement reads. Legal professionals protest against bills that seek to reshape Utah's judicial branch The following bills will no longer proceed: H.B. 512, 'Judicial Retention Changes' H.B. 451, 'Judicial Election Amendments' Unnumbered 'Judicial Officer Modifications' H.B. 512 would have set up the 'Joint Legislative Committee on Judicial Performance.' The bill would have directed the Lt. Governor's office to put 'any retention recommendation from the (committee) for a judge or justice who is listed on the ballot.' H.B. 451 would have raised the threshold for a judge to be retained. According to the language in the bill, it proposed requiring judges to receive at least 67% of the vote to retain their office. 'Judicial Officer Modifications' would have increased the number of justices. The following bills/resolutions will still be considered: S.B. 203, 'Judicial Standing Amendments' S.B. 204, 'Right to Appeal Amendments' S.J.R. 9, 'Joint Resolution Amending Rules of Civil Procedure on Injunctions' S.B. 203 looks to (people different from the plaintiff) and add requirements for when an association can bring a case on behalf of its members. Critics argue this would make it harder for 'everyday Utahns' to challenge laws. S.B. 204 would allow defendants to appeal an injunction when a trial court rules that a law must be paused or not enacted because it's potentially unconstitutional. Sen. Brady Brammer (R – Pleasant Grove) has previously told this proposal aims to address the 'overuse' of injunctions in lower courts, particularly on laws passed by the legislature and signed by the governor. S.J.R. 009 would put a 28-day stipulation on parties challenging potentially unconstitutional laws and seeking an injunction. They would need to do so within 28 days from the time the legislature adjourns. The Judicial Council (the governing body for the Utah Judiciary) said it will remain neutral on S.B. 296, which would allow vacancies in the high court and court of appeals to be filled by appointment of the Governor and confirmation by the Senate. 'The Utah Constitution wisely created three independent branches of government,' Chief Justice Durrant, presiding officer of the Judicial Council, said in a statement. 'At times, there is tension, but that will not prevent the Judiciary and the Legislature from working together to serve the people of Utah.' Lindsay Aerts contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
