Casey Cameron

Utahns can be proud of this legislative session. We made meaningful progress on early literacy, tackling homelessness, restoring bell-to-bell learning in classrooms, protecting kids online, expanding housing and infrastructure, and advancing Operation Gigawatt to power Utah’s future. More: ksl.com/article/514584…

Major new report on global trends in mental health, out today from Sapien Labs. Data from 2.5 million people across 85 countries. Some of the most important findings: 1) Young adults used to generally have good mental health, compared to older generations. But now, in ALL countries examined, they are doing badly compared to older generations in that country. 2) "Four key factors have emerged that together predict three quarters of this effect. These are diminished family bonds, diminished spirituality, smartphones at increasingly young age, and increasing consumption of ultra-processed food." 3) The decline of young people's mental health is "most pronounced in the wealthier and more developed countries." They note that it is in such countries that smartphones are given earliest, junk food is most heavily consumed, spirituality is most diminished, and family ties are looser and often weaker. 4) "A younger age of first smartphone ownership is associated with increased suicidal thoughts, aggression, and other problems in adulthood." 5) Here is their summary of findings on early smartphone ownership: "GenZ is the first generation to grow up with a smartphone. Among this group, the younger they acquired their first smartphone in childhood, the more likely they are to have struggles as adults. These struggles extend beyond sadness and anxiety to less discussed symptoms, such as a sense of being detached from reality, suicidal thoughts, and aggression towards others. The effects arise through disruption of sleep, increased risk of exposure to harmful online content, predators, and explicit material as well as increased probabilities of cyberbullying during crucial developmental years. Excessive time spent on smartphones also diminishes the development of social cognition that requires learned interpretation of facial expressions, body language, and group dynamics. The negative impacts are particularly sharp below age 13." The report is short, accessible, and important. Read it here: sapienlabs.org/global-mind-he…

Utah’s Unemployment Insurance program was listed as a “Tier 0” state by @USDOL. We meet all federal performance standards and anti-fraud measures. As some states undergo federal reviews, Utah stands out for our program's accountability, modernization and fraud prevention.

We will not let the lake fail. Period. Thank you @POTUS for helping Utahns save the Great Salt Lake. 🇺🇸

At a @pewtrusts event last night with @GovStitt and @GovWesMoore, @GovCox spoke about the importance of service. More from the discussion here: nga.org/news/commentar… #NGAWinterMeeting

Fathers matter. There is often an implication in psychiatry that mothers are crucial to healthy development and attachment. While true, we shouldn’t dismiss the consequences of absent or unengaged fathers. A study of 1,300 Virginia children found that daughters of less engaged fathers had x10 the rate of depression (1% vs. 10%) and x2.1 the rate of school contacts for misbehavior or performance problems (17% vs. 36%). Less engaged fathers were defined by self-report as less than “very well” at handling family demands or fewer than 4 family meals per week. Ref: Good Fathers, Flourishing Kids by Wilcox et al., 2025.

Bad news for the future of marriage and family in America: We're in a "Dating Recession". New @FamStudies @BYUWheatley: ✔️Just 1-in-3 of today's eligible young adults (22-35) are dating. ✔️HS dating has fallen by almost 50% since 1980

We can’t keep cycling the same people through jail, ERs, and shelters with no path forward. We’re focusing resources on structured programs that pair accountability with treatment to break that cycle now. More here: utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/02/06/uta…

Strong support for HB308 Homeless Services Amendments was voiced Wednesday night. Providers see this bill as a critical step to balance accountability with practicality, reducing administrative burden while strengthening system performance.

Addressing homelessness means going after fentanyl traffickers while expanding treatment, recovery, and pathways back to stability for those who are struggling.

Homelessness isn’t one problem, and it won’t be solved with one tool. Utah is taking a clear, statewide approach focused on what works and what changes outcomes. Three pillars guide the work: accountability for high-utilizers, emergency shelter and supportive housing, and expanded mental and behavioral health capacity.

The Governor nailed it tonight reinforcing ideals of our country and Utah, such as happiness is something we “practice not consume.” And always, “have faith in Utah.”

$10 million optimized with GRIT, and we’re just getting started. From water conservation to modernized online services, state employees are doubling down on what works and stepping up to fix what doesn’t. Less red tape. Lower costs. Better service for Utahns. Learn more: governor.utah.gov/grit/

Today we marked the completion of the North Capitol Building at the Utah State Capitol Complex. It’s a place designed for the work of the people, and for the generations who will follow. We’re grateful for all those who made it possible.

Utah’s approach to homelessness is grounded in recovery, compassion, and accountability. We start by helping people in crisis today with emergency shelter, safety, and stability. And we’re building long-term systems that expand mental health treatment, reduce repeat system failure, and restore order in our neighborhoods. This is a statewide strategy focused on what works, now and for the future. More to come.

Workforce Services received the Strategic Partner Award from #ReturnUtah. The award recognized our efforts in hiring through the Return Utah program, particularly within the @UtahVocRehab. In 2025, we hired 7 through Return Utah, and the program placed 128 returnees statewide.

Wayne Niederhauser will retire on Dec. 5, 2025 after completing his tenure as Utah’s first State Homeless Coordinator. His legacy includes years of public service, highlighted by six years as senate president and nearly five years leading the state’s homelessness response.

Wide Horizons: AI Use Cases Utah shared their AI adjudication assistant, Virginia discussed AI-driven customer communication, and several use cases were explored, giving attendees practical insights, lessons learned, and inspiration for future innovation. #NASWASymposium25

The Utah Housing Strategic Plan lays out a path to build 35,000 starter homes by 2028 and help more Utahns become homeowners. We invite you to review the plan and share your feedback by November 30. Let’s build: governor.utah.gov/housing/

The federal government has reopened and we can now issue November SNAP benefits. All customers will receive their full benefit amount by Nov. 15. More info in the red banner at jobs.utah.gov.