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Show DAILY UTAH CHRONICLE Monday, February 3, 2014 3 POLITICS Gov. lays out plans at State of the State Ivy Smith STAFF WRITER Gov. Gary Herbert gave his annual State of the State address at the Utah State Capitol on Wednesday. Herbert's address discussed current Utah issues, including education, population growth, marriage equality and pollution. "I have no doubt that we will overcome our challenges," Herbert said. "We are blessed with a solid foundation." U students had a variety of reactions to Herbert's address, but for Jessie Lam, a sophomore in biomedical engineering, the address was not worth her time or attention. "I didn't know about it," Lam said. In the section of his speech addressing education, Herbert mentioned a need for more STEM-based initiatives — instilling a desire to learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics in young students. On Thursday, the day after the address, Herbert announced a $2 million media campaign to bring more attention to STEM-based careers. Micah Johnston, a freshman in math who read the State of the State address after it was given, didn't understand the hype surrounding the STEM programs. "It feels like STEM is getting kind of ridiculous as a buzzword," Johnston said. "A lot of the time it seems that efforts to increase STEM educa- tion are only concerned with preparing students to be corporate cogs." Herbert said he is also dedicated to providing a pay raise for those who teach in STEM fields. He announced in the address that the state will be setting aside a $61.6 million fund in order to supplement Utah teachers' salaries. The governor discussed same-sex marriage in Utah. Although Herbert stands by his more traditionally conservative beliefs on the topic, he thinks that respect is most important in the marriage debate. "Let me be clear that while I support traditional marriage and will continue to defend Amendment 3, there is no place in our society for hatred and bigotry," Herbert said. Johnston thinks that Herbert's same-sex marriage statement contradicts itself. "Defending Amendment 3 inherently constitutes hatred and bigotry," Johnston said. "He's just paying lip service since there's enough public support for gay marriage that he can't get away with not doing so, but he's not doing anything real to help." Herbert also discussed states' rights. "Unfortunately, our nation has strayed from what our founding fathers intended," Herbert said. "Whether the issue is marriage, Medicaid, or management of our public lands, our right to find Utah solutions to Utah issues is being hindered by federal overreach." Utah's state tree, the Colorado Blue Herbert's plan for Utah and a student's reaction. STEM-based initiatives Defend Amendment 3 Change the state tree Clean up the air if . . . a ridiculous buzzword." . inherently constitutes hatred and bigotry." Spruce, was also addressed in Herbert's State of the State. Fourth graders from Sevier County presented the argument for a change to Herbert. "[The students' arguments] has convinced me that with regards to the state tree, it is time to branch out and turn over a new leaf," Herbert said. New legislation is currently in place to change the Utah state tree to the aspen. Regarding Utah's air and the inversion, Herbert said his plan is already being implemented. In addition to new restrictions, the state will place stricter bans on wood-burning and put a focus on obtaining lower-emis- sions vehicles. Herbert said the ability of Utah as a state will help move these initiatives forward. "The state of our state is strong," Herbert said. "And you and I remain committed to making it even stronger." ivy.smith@chronicle.utah.edu for more information. BO WITH YOUR 4 v ■ /I THEN OPEN A CHECKING ACCOUNT AT UNIVERSITY CREDIT UNION AND YOU WILL RECEIVE A UTAH T-SHIRT!* *Offer valid through February 28, 2014. Certain restrictions apply. Visit ucreditu.com/freeshirt.html for details. Not valid with any other offer. scan for details Universe FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Federally insured by NCUA |