MINUTES OF THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND WORKFORCE SERVICES INTERIM COMMITTEE
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 • 8:30 a.m. • 220 Senate Building


Members Present:
Sen. Ronald M. Winterton, Chair
Rep. Jeffrey D. Stenquist, Chair
Sen. Ann Millner
Sen. Jen Plumb
Rep. Joel K. Briscoe
Rep. Paul A. Cutler
Rep. Ariel Defay
Rep. Sahara Hayes
Rep. Colin W. Jack
Rep. Carol S. Moss
Rep. Jefferson Moss
Rep. Mark A. Strong
Rep. Jordan D. Teuscher
Rep. R. Neil Walter

Members Absent:
Sen. Michael K. McKell
Sen. Jerry W. Stevenson
Rep. James A. Dunnigan

Staff Present:
Sivan Nizan, Policy Analyst
RuthAnne Oakey-Frost, Associate General Counsel
Samantha Merrell, Administrative Assistant

Note: A copy of related materials and an audio recording of the meeting can be found at www.le.utah.gov.

Chair Winterton called the meeting to order at 8:38 a.m.
1.Committee Business
MOTION:Rep. Strong moved to approve the minutes.The motion passed with a vote of 9-0-8.
Yeas - 9Nays- 0Abs- 8
Rep. P. Cutler
Rep. A. Defay
Sen. A. Millner
Rep. J. Moss
Rep. J. Stenquist
Rep. M. Strong
Rep. J. Teuscher
Rep. R. Walter
Sen. R. Winterton
Rep. J. Briscoe
Rep. J. Dunnigan
Rep. S. Hayes
Rep. C. Jack
Sen. M. McKell
Rep. C. Moss
Sen. J. Plumb
Sen. J. Stevenson
2.Economic Development
2a. Economic Opportunity in Utah, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Phil Dean, Chief Economist, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, presented on Utah's economic landscape and outlook, including speaking on housing, workforce, and mental health as three areas for the state to focus on.
Phil Dean responded to questions from the committee.
2b. Economic Development, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
Ryan Starks, Executive Director, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, gave a presentation on state economic development initiatives mean to support the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem, including Business Resource Centers, Utah Innovation Center, Utah Innovation Fund, Utah Small Business Development Centers.
Ryan Starks responded to questions from the committee.
3.Sunset Review: Manufacturing Modernization Grant Program
Kori Ann Edwards, Managing Director, Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity provided an overview of the Manufacturing Modernization Grant Program, which is set to sunset July 1, 2025.
Kori Ann Edwards and Ryan Starks responded to questions from the committee.
4.Technology: Utah Broadband Center
4. Utah Broadband Center
Rebecca Dilg, Director, Utah Broadband Center, presented on the Utah Broadband Center and its attempts to expand broadband infrastructure in the state and answered clarifying questions throughout.
Rebecca Dilg answered questions from the committee.
5.Other Items/Adjourn
MOTION:Rep. Jack moved to adjourn.The motion passed with a vote of 11-0-6.
Yeas - 11Nays- 0Abs- 6
Rep. J. Briscoe
Rep. P. Cutler
Rep. S. Hayes
Rep. C. Jack
Rep. C. Moss
Sen. J. Plumb
Rep. J. Stenquist
Rep. M. Strong
Rep. J. Teuscher
Rep. R. Walter
Sen. R. Winterton
Rep. A. Defay
Rep. J. Dunnigan
Sen. M. McKell
Sen. A. Millner
Rep. J. Moss
Sen. J. Stevenson
Chair Winterton adjourned the meeting at 10:30 a.m.