Utah.gov News Provider http://www.utah.gov/whatsnew.html This is the news provider for all utah.gov and related sites Governor Selects New Adjutant General of Utah National Guard SALT LAKE CITY - In his role as commander in chief of the Utah National Guard, Governor Gary R. Herbert announced today his selection for the new adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, Brigadier General Jefferson S. Burton, a 30-year military veteran and current Assistant Adjutant General. ]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/utahnewsgovernorherbert/~3/6oXcaDx8x4c/article.html governor-herbert-press-release 7138 Thu, 24 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT false http://www.utah.gov/governor/news_media/article.html?article=7138 Governor Receives Knight Grand Cross by the Royal House of Portugal SALT LAKE CITY - Today, Governor Gary R. Herbert was honored by the Royal House of Portugal and inducted into The Order of Saint Michael of the Wings as Knight Grand Cross. The award was bestowed upon Governor Herbert by order of the Grand Master, His Royal Highness, Duke of Braganza because of the many Utah citizens actively engaged in causes of the Portuguese Royal Charities. SALT LAKE CITY - Today, Governor Gary R. Herbert was honored by the Royal House of Portugal and inducted into The Order of Saint Michael of the Wings as Knight Grand Cross. The award was bestowed upon Governor Herbert by order of the Grand Master, His Royal Highness, Duke of Braganza because of the many Utah citizens actively engaged in causes of the Portuguese Royal Charities.

"This is an honor I happily accept on behalf of those I represent in the great state of Utah who are so willing to contribute and support the Royal Charities," said Governor Herbert. "It demonstrates one of the core values of this state to serve and be charitable, not only here locally, but to our friends around the world."

The presentation of the award of Knight Grand Cross is in accordance with the statutes of the Royal Order of Saint Michael of the Wing and is the oldest Portuguese order of knighthood. It was founded in 1147 by King Afonso I of Portugal to honor a group of knights of the Order of Saint James from the Kingdom of Leon. The knights assisted the king in retaking Santarem from the Moors on the Feast of Saint Michael.

"Receiving the Knight Grand Cross is a distinctive and rare honor," said John Bishop, liaison to the Portugal Delegation. "There are only a handful of individuals worldwide who hold this level of honor. It is an historic occasion for the Governor to receive this honor."

A Portugal delegation was present to witness the knighthood. Those in attendance included His Royal Highness Dom Duarte Pio III, Duke of Braganza; Reverend Father Manuel Antonio Mendes dos Santos, Bishop or the Diocese of Sao Tome and Principe; Major Steven Besinaiz, Order of St. Michael of the Wing; and John C. Bishop.

]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/utahnewsgovernorherbert/~3/myFkaWzwy7U/article.html governor-herbert-press-release 7121 Fri, 18 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT false http://www.utah.gov/governor/news_media/article.html?article=7121 Governor Details Comprehensive State Response to Data Breach SALT LAKE CITY - In the Capitol Board Room this afternoon, Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert, flanked by agency leadership, detailed the State's comprehensive response to the recent health and Medicaid data breach. The State response includes a full-scale, independent audit of technology security systems, the appointment of a new health data security ombudsman, investigation by law enforcement and personnel action.  
"The State of Utah must restore the trust placed in it," the Governor said."Cyber-security is the modern battlefront and we are all enlisted-you, me, our state agencies, the Legislature-all of us have a critical role to play," he added.
 
Confirming that the March 30 unauthorized transfer of personal files from state servers was an isolated incident, the Governor apologized to the approximately 280,000 individuals whose Social Security Numbers were compromised, as well as approximately 500,000 others who had less sensitive information also stored on the server. "The compromise of even one person's private information is a completely unacceptable breach of trust," said the Governor. "The people of Utah rightly believe that their government will protect them, their families and their personal data. As a state government, we failed to honor that commitment. For that, as your Governor and as a Utahn, I am deeply sorry."
 
According to law enforcement authorities, cyber attacks on public information systems have increased 600% this year, resulting in nearly a million attempts daily by cyber terrorists or hackers to infiltrate the State IT network. That reality, coupled with the recent data breach, prompted the Governor to call for a comprehensive, independent security audit of information technology systems, both for this incident and across all agencies. The security audit, conducted by Deloitte & Touche, is now underway, as is a parallel assessment of the State's response to victims.
 
Another critical part of the State's response is Governor Herbert's appointment of Sheila Walsh-McDonald as the new Health Data Security Ombudman. She will oversee individual case management, credit counseling and public outreach. The Governor said, "Sheila is a trusted and experienced member of the public health and advocacy community, having dedicated her 33-year professional career to working on behalf of Utah's disparate populations, with a focus on improving and strengthening the public and private programs that serve them. It is truly an honor to have Sheila on board in this effort and I thank her for her willingness to serve."

During today's event, the Governor also announced the resignation of Stephen Fletcher, executive director of the Dept. of Technology Services (DTS), and the subsequent appointment of 28-year IT veteran Mark VanOrden as acting director of DTS. VanOrden is the IT director for the Utah Dept. of Workforce Services and recent recipient of the Merrill Baumgardner award for excellence. "Right now, I am counting on Mark's well-established ability to pull the DTS team together to focus on optimizing the value of Deloitte's audits and our efforts to rebuild public trust in our IT systems and processes," said Governor Herbert.
 
The Governor urged impacted individuals and families to contact the Utah Dept. of Health hotline (1-855-238-3339) with any questions and encouraged them to enroll in free credit monitoring.
 
He further cautioned citizens to beware of scammers and those who prey on the vulnerable and ill-informed. "Please know that no one from the State will contact you and ask for information over the phone or via email regarding this incident. Do not provide private information, especially not a Social Security Number or account information, in response to a phone call or email you did not initiate," the Governor said. "This incident is a tragic reminder that it is a different world in which we live. The dynamics continue to change and there is a very real and growing cyber threat." ]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/utahnewsgovernorherbert/~3/iW46_1QtgQY/article.html governor-herbert-press-release 7113 Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT false http://www.utah.gov/governor/news_media/article.html?article=7113 Governor Herbert Authorizes Lowering the Flags for Peace Officers Memorial Day SALT LAKE CITY - Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert has authorized the lowering of the Flag of the United States of America and the Flag of the State of Utah on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, in recognition and honor of "Peace Officers Memorial Day."
"Our Peace Officers put themselves in harm's way every day in order to protect and serve their fellow citizens," said Governor Herbert, I am grateful for their service, courage, and tireless dedication in protecting our citizens and communities. The benefits of our civil society - the ability to exercise the God-given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - are protected through the selfless service of our peace officers."

The flags will be flown at half-staff on all state facilities from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, May 15th, only. ]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/utahnewsgovernorherbert/~3/ljLBFO7rnIE/article.html governor-herbert-press-release 7101 Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT false http://www.utah.gov/governor/news_media/article.html?article=7101 Governor Appoints H. David Burton to UTA Board SALT LAKE CITY -Governor Gary R. Herbert has appointed H. David Burton to serve on the Board of Directors for the Utah Transit Authority (UTA).  
Burton was recently released from his calling as the Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a position he held for 16 years.  He previously served as a counselor in the Presiding Bishopric and a budget officer in the LDS Church.  He was also formerly employed by Kennecott Utah Copper and the Utah Tax Commission.
 
The UTA Board of Directors is comprised of 15 individuals.  The Governor makes one appointment to the Board.  The Governor's appointment serves for a term of four years and does not require confirmation from the Utah State Senate.
]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/utahnewsgovernorherbert/~3/ZksBTgDiJxo/article.html governor-herbert-press-release 7069 Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT false http://www.utah.gov/governor/news_media/article.html?article=7069 Clark Appointed to Dixie State College Board of Trustees SALT LAKE CITY - Governor Gary R. Herbert has appointed former Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives David Clark to the Dixie State College Board of Trustees.
"This appointment was an easy decision," said Governor Herbert.  "David Clark has served his constituents in Southern Utah extremely well as a legislator and as a Speaker of the House. His wealth of experience in government and business will be invaluable as Dixie looks to the future. I have every confidence in David's ability to excel in this new assignment."

Of the appointment, Clark said, "I am very much looking forward to working with Governor Herbert. This is an exciting time for Dixie State as it transitions and grows. As a Southern Utah resident, I understand the significant educational and economic role Dixie plays in our state, and I believe it has a bright future as a four-year university and beyond."

Originally from Spanish Fork, Clark received his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University. He also holds degrees from the National Commercial Lenders Graduate School and the Pacific Coast School of Banking.

Clark represented Utah's 74th district in the State House of Representatives from 2001 to 2012. In 2006, he was elected to serve as majority leader and in November, 2008, he was voted Speaker of the House by his Republican peers.

Clark is currently the Southern Utah Regional Vice President for Zions Bank where he has worked for 35 years. ]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/utahnewsgovernorherbert/~3/AkS4ju1gJqw/article.html governor-herbert-press-release 7055 Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT false http://www.utah.gov/governor/news_media/article.html?article=7055 Governor Names Stewart Energy Adviser SALT LAKE CITY -   Governor Gary R. Herbert has announced to his energy task force the appointment of Cody Stewart as the Governor's new energy adviser. Presently serving as Lt. Governor Greg Bell's chief of staff, Stewart will replace Amanda Smith as energy adviser and Smith will remain executive director of the Dept. of Environmental Quality.  
"As we execute our ten-year strategic energy plan, Cody will be a key facilitator to ensure Utah is at the forefront in securing reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible energy," said the Governor. "Utah will benefit not only from Cody's keen understanding of related issues and stakeholder dynamics, but also from his sound judgment and balanced public policy approach."
 
The Governor added, "Let me also commend Amanda Smith for her ongoing and outstanding service to the State and remarkable willingness to do double-duty. She remains a valued and trusted member of my Cabinet and I appreciate her diligence in shouldering this additional responsibility."
 
Stewart has worked in a number of capacities focusing on both Utah and national energy and natural resource policy, including Communications Coordinator for the House Committee on Natural Resources under Chairman Jim Hansen, as a senior Legislative Assistant on Energy and Public Lands Policy to Congressman Chris Cannon, and as a Legislative Director for Congressman Rob Bishop,
 
"I am grateful to the Governor for this wonderful opportunity. This is an incredibly exciting time for an incredibly exciting sector of the economy," Stewart said. "As energy adviser, my singular focus each day will be to increase the development of energy in the state of Utah. I'm convinced Utah's energy sector has a bright future, and I look forward to working with the Governor and the Office of Energy Development staff to bring about our shared goals of a vibrant, growing energy sector in the state."

Stewart also worked in the private sector as a consultant specializing in western energy and natural resource policy. He represented several western clients, including western trade associations, pro-energy advocacy groups, universities, think tanks, municipalities, state and county governments, and several small businesses.
 
Stewart also served, on two separate occasions, as the Executive Director of the Congressional Western Caucus. As Executive Director, Cody worked closely with over 50 western members of Congress to protect and promote western interests. In this capacity, Cody was responsible for developing, coordinating, and promoting legislative, regulatory and policy initiatives.
 
Born and raised in Utah, Stewart graduated from Utah State University with bachelor's degrees in both history and political science. He subsequently received a joint MBA/Masters degree in government from John's Hopkins University. ]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/utahnewsgovernorherbert/~3/zKZSM4izZq8/article.html governor-herbert-press-release 7053 Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT false http://www.utah.gov/governor/news_media/article.html?article=7053 Governor Herbert Hosts Fellow Governors at Rocky Mountain Roundtable SALT LAKE CITY - Today, Governor Gary R. Herbert hosted a summit of Intermountain West governors, dubbed the Rocky Mountain Roundtable.
"Intermountain West states share many of the same concerns and opportunities," said Governor Herbert.  "The Rocky Mountain Roundtable has given us an opportunity to have an open discussion to learn from one another, and find areas where we can move forward with cooperative efforts and a common voice."

"Rocky Mountain states are leading the nation in finding solutions to many of the problems faced by the entire country," said Governor Mead.  "Meetings between the governors allow us to identify things each state is doing well, where each state can improve, and what we can do better collectively."

"I like to think there is great virtue in western thinking, but it does not always translate on the national scene," said Governor Otter.  "If I can put my voice together with those of my fellow governors - and join our voices with those of our respective federal delegations - we can create a chorus that cannot be ignored."

The meeting covered a range of topics of concern to Intermountain West states, including: public lands, natural resource development, energy generation and transmission, economic development, water rights, federal regulations, endangered species, invasive species, technology innovation, and the Western Governors Association. ]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/utahnewsgovernorherbert/~3/-GNwbXBNZ8U/article.html governor-herbert-press-release 7039 Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT false http://www.utah.gov/governor/news_media/article.html?article=7039 Governor to Host Mountain West Governors in Salt Lake City Tomorrow SALT LAKE CITY -  In an effort to identify common ground on issues critical to the Intermountain West, Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert will host the governors of four adjacent states at the Utah Governor's Mansion tomorrow.  
SALT LAKE CITY -  In an effort to identify common ground on issues critical to the Intermountain West, Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert will host the governors of four adjacent states at the Utah Governor's Mansion tomorrow. The historic, intimate, and bipartisan event is the first ever and has been dubbed the Rocky Mountain Roundtable.
 
"As neighboring states in the Intermountain West, we face many similar challenges on critical issues," said Governor Herbert. "Hopefully, we will not only identify areas of common ground on unique western issues, but also discuss common solutions and a way forward. We often struggle to get Washington, D.C., to understand our issues, so there is tremendous value in speaking with a united voice."
 
In addition to Governor Herbert and Lt. Governor Greg Bell, participants in the Rocky Mountain Roundtable include Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper (D), Idaho Governor Butch Otter (R), Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval (R), Wyoming Governor Matt Mead (R). Governor Herbert's environmental advisor Alan Matheson has been invited to facilitate both morning and afternoon discussions, which will focus on issues like public lands, water, responsible energy development, endangered species, and transportation. ]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/utahnewsgovernorherbert/~3/6jWoqjflhes/article.html governor-herbert-press-release 7033 Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT false http://www.utah.gov/governor/news_media/article.html?article=7033 Utah Named Top State for Economic Outlook, Fifth Year in a Row SALT LAKE CITY - According to the ALEC-Laffer State Economic Index, "Rich States, Poor States," Utah is the number one state in the nation for economic outlook - an honor the State has now received five years in a row.   
The "Rich States, Poor States" analysis uses fifteen variables to evaluate the State's potential economic outlook, including tax rates, tax burdens, number of public employees, minimum wage and more.
 
"I'm absolutely thrilled," said Governor Herbert. "My vision statement for the State is 'Utah will lead the nation as the best performing economy and be recognized as a premier global business destination.' When we are ranked at the top in studies like 'Rich States, Poor States,' I am confident we are well on our way to accomplishing that goal. It's great to know we are on the right road, headed in the right direction, and that others are noticing."
 
The complete "Rich States, Poor States" report can be found at http://www.alec.org/docs/RSPS_5th_Edition.pdf ]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/utahnewsgovernorherbert/~3/6Jk_6vUXir8/article.html governor-herbert-press-release 6947 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT true http://www.utah.gov/governor/news_media/article.html?article=6947