Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joined 14 other governors at the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas to discuss border security, emphasizing the impact of illegal immigration on Utah and the need for a more orderly immigration process. Cox stressed that caring about border security does not equate to hating immigrants or refugees, and called for bipartisan concern and action to address the crisis. Governor Cox also urged President Biden and Congress to take action to end the influx of migrants and drugs, and to fix the broken immigration system.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox faced swift backlash on social media after posting in celebration of Black History Month just two days after signing a bill to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across the state. The governor's celebratory post was met with criticism and accusations of hypocrisy, with many questioning the impact of the new law on the ability of colleges to observe Black History Month. Despite the pushback, the governor's office did not respond to requests for comment on the post.
A bill regarding transgender bathroom access, HB257, is now on Governor Spencer Cox's desk after a last-minute deal removed a provision criminalizing children for using a restroom different from their sex at birth in public schools. The bill requires transgender individuals to use public restrooms consistent with their sex designated at birth, with limited enforcement power. Another bill, HB261, which repeals and replaces Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offices on college campuses, also heads to Gov. Cox's desk after amendments. Governor Cox's office declined to comment on whether he would sign or veto the bills.
Utah's Republican Governor Spencer Cox is set to join President Joe Biden in promoting veterans health care at an event in Salt Lake City. The event will mark one year since the enactment of the PACT Act, a bipartisan measure expanding eligibility for veterans health care to servicemembers exposed to toxic chemicals. This rare appearance featuring Biden and a Republican governor highlights the president's legislative initiatives and his commitment to bipartisanship. Cox, who chairs the National Governors Association, has launched an initiative to promote civil political discourse. While Cox has expressed disagreements with the Biden administration on certain issues, he will be speaking alongside the president to support veterans' healthcare expansion.
