This is the March 29 - April 11, 1997 update.
April 11, 1997
Contact Vicki Varela, 538-1503
or Paula Ernstrom, 538-1509
Listed below are the highlights of Governor Mike Leavitt's activities over
the past two weeks. Please call if you have any questions.
- Discussed the impact of the new Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on its
surrounding communities. Governor Leavitt traveled to Richfield, Panguitch, and Kanab
to meet with local legislators, business leaders, county commissioners, mayors and
concerned citizens about the monument. During the meetings, Governor Leavitt
discussed the role of the recently appointed monument planning team, which includes
five Utahns, in developing a long-range management plan for the monument. The
participants also discussed creating a community and economic development team that
would bring state, local and business leaders together to maximize economic
opportunities in the communities surrounding the monument.
- Met with other governors and congressional leaders to negotiate changes in state
medicaid services. Governor Leavitt is leading a team of governors who are working to
provide the best possible services for disadvantaged citizens as states take over more and
more management of medicaid. Governors have generated billions of dollars in savings
by establishing better policies and greater efficiencies in the way medicaid is managed.
- Said that technology will be a key factor in governments all over the world becoming
more decentralized. This came during an address to the U.S. Information Agency
Conference on U.S.-European Relations held in Germany. Governor Leavitt was the
American keynote speaker at the event and delivered the address from Salt Lake City via
video link. "I perceive a worldwide social movement that is distinct from a political
movement. One that is growing from the heart of the people," the governor said. "It is a
growing trend to return power and money from the national capitals to local
communities. Regardless of whether people live in Europe, the United States, South
America or the former Soviet Union, we are all having the same experience. People want
control over their own lives." Governor Leavitt went on to say that a key ingredient in
the decentralization is the florescence of information technology that can link nations,
regions, states and universities creating a synergy and power that will bring the world
together. "Soon, Utah students will learn German from teachers in Germany and will
study the environment from teachers in Mexico City or Paris. This will be possible
through the expanding information networks that bring the world closer together."
- Declared April 7, "Runnin' Ute Day." Governor Leavitt declared the day in honor of the
University of Utah men's basketball team which recently finished one of their best
seasons ever. The team finished the regular season ranked second in national polls and
made it to the "Elite Eight" of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Members of the team
joined Governor Leavitt in the Gold Room of the State Capitol for the signing of the
declaration.
Return to the Updates.
Return to Home Page.