Governor Spencer Cox Launches GRIT Initiative to Enhance State Government Efficiency
SALT LAKE CITY — In a bold move to streamline state government operations, Governor Spencer Cox unveiled the "GRIT" initiative on Friday, standing alongside his cabinet. Short for Government Reform, Innovation & Transparency, this initiative aims to engage all state agencies in identifying areas for improvement, with reports due by July.
“We’re asking agencies what works, what squanders resources, and what requires a complete overhaul,” Gov. Cox stated during the announcement. Drawing a parallel to Elon Musk’s controversial efficiency measures, he humorously referenced his initiative as "the thinking man’s DOGE," differentiating it from the federal approach, which has been characterized by harsh budget cuts and layoffs.
Contrary to the federal model, GRIT focuses on empowering Utah’s 22,000 state employees. Sophia DiCaro, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Planning & Budget, emphasized the initiative’s collaborative spirit, stating, “We’re trying to empower them.” Public input is also prioritized, with QR codes on receipts at state liquor stores and DMV locations allowing citizens to share their feedback.
Gov. Cox highlighted improvements already made at the DMV, noting a reduction in wait times to under ten minutes. While critiquing the federal DOGE for its potential negative outcomes from budget cuts, he reinforced his commitment to increasing efficiency through informed feedback rather than slashing resources.
However, the initiative has garnered skepticism from some critics. Elizabeth Hutchings of the Alliance for a Better Utah challenged the necessity of GRIT, asserting that Utah’s government is already efficient due to rigorous budgeting processes.
As the administration embarks on this reform journey, officials, including Tracy Gruber from the Department of Health & Human Services, aim to enhance public service efficiency, ensuring “no wrong door” for citizens seeking assistance.
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