Utah Gov. Spencer Cox used his annual State of the State address on January 22 to urge lawmakers to focus on education, housing affordability, and civic responsibility as the 2026 legislative session begins.
Speaking to a joint session of the Utah Legislature at the State Capitol, Cox framed his remarks around the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence. He argued that prosperity and freedom depend not only on policy choices but also on civic character and personal responsibility.
### Education and Early Literacy Take Center Stage
Education and early literacy topped the governor’s policy agenda. Cox cited state data showing that nearly half of Utah’s third graders are not reading at grade level. He called literacy foundational to opportunity and self-government, urging lawmakers to continue expanding early reading initiatives. Describing literacy as essential infrastructure for a healthy democracy, Cox emphasized the critical need to improve reading skills among young students.
### Addressing Housing Affordability
Housing affordability was another central theme of the address. Cox warned that rising home prices and limited supply threaten Utah’s long-standing culture of homeownership. He stressed the importance of preventing the state from becoming “a place where families are locked out of owning a home.”
To tackle this issue, the governor called for zoning reforms, streamlined permitting, and infrastructure investments aimed at increasing housing supply—particularly for working families.
### Homelessness, Addiction, and Public Safety
Cox also addressed homelessness, addiction, and public safety concerns, highlighting fentanyl as an ongoing threat. He advocated for a combined approach that emphasizes accountability, treatment, and recovery services rather than enforcement alone.
The governor stated that the state must continue expanding access to treatment while holding individuals and organizations accountable for trafficking dangerous drugs.
### Technology and Youth Mental Health
On the topics of technology and youth mental health, Cox urged lawmakers to consider stronger guardrails on social media platforms. He reiterated his support for limiting student cellphone use during the school day, arguing that schools should be places of focused learning, free from constant digital distraction.
### Call for Legislative Restraint
Throughout the address, Cox encouraged legislative restraint, cautioning against the assumption that more laws automatically lead to better outcomes. He urged lawmakers to prioritize effectiveness over volume and to consider whether existing tools could better address complex challenges.
### Response from Democratic Leaders
Following the address, Democratic legislative leaders responded by emphasizing concerns about economic inequality and access to services. Their response signals policy debates likely to emerge as the session moves forward.
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Governor Cox’s 2026 State of the State address outlined a clear roadmap focusing on strengthening education, expanding affordable housing, and fostering civic responsibility—all with an eye toward a prosperous future for Utah as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
https://www.sunews.net/post/governor-cox-calls-for-literacy-housing-reforms-in-january-22-state-of-the-state-address