USDA Radio Newsline

Friday, July 19th Stories:

• Hundreds of Food Safety Experts about to Converge on Louisville, Kentucky
• Actuality: What Type of Person Is USDA Seeking as Entry Level Food Inspectors?
• Research Relocation Plans and Continuity of Reports
• Actuality: Latest on Market Facilitation Program
• USDA Reports Indicate Possible Small Upcoming Contraction in Beef Herd
• Actuality: A Few of the Key Numbers in USDA's Cattle Inventory Report
• Actuality: Cattle Report Gives Calf Crop and Feedlot Numbers
• USDA Seeks To Fund More Rural Energy Projects
• USDA Funds Rural Energy Projects Around the Country
• Actuality: States Help USDA's Renewable Energy Efforts

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Gov. Herbert lowers flags in remembrance of Justice John Paul Stevens

SALT LAKE CITY (July 19, 2019) – In accordance with the presidential proclamation sent earlier this week, Gov. Gary R. Herbert has ordered the lowering of the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of Utah on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 for the interment of Justice John Paul Stevens, who will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on that day. 

Flags will be flown at half-staff at all state facilities and public grounds from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 only. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time.

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Don’t tell kids the sky is the limit!

By Christy Hovanetz, Ph.D., Senior Policy Fellow for ExcelinEd

Don’t tell kids the sky is the limit. We busted that myth 50 years ago when Apollo 11 landed on the moon!

Although we are no longer competing in a space race, putting the first people on the moon like we did on July 20, 1969, or building the International Space Station to perform world-class science and research in a microgravity environment, space discovery and exploration continue in our solar system and beyond.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) needs astronauts, scientists, mathematicians, engineers, IT specialists, writers, technicians and many other kinds of people working together to accomplish its lofty vision to discover and expand knowledge for the benefit of humanity.

For NASA to succeed, our current K-12 education system must maintain rigorous expectations for students in the foundational skills of reading and math to ensure they are prepared to tackle advanced coursework in science, engineering, technology and mathematics. 

In addition to a physical examination, NASA’s basic requirements to become an astronaut are a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics, followed by three years of professional experience.

Preparing for humanity’s future in space starts in our American classrooms.
 
To persist as a forerunner in invention, innovation and exploration that increases our understanding of the universe and our place in it, we must adequately prepare today’s youth for academic success.

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Watch NASA Astronauts Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing on Board the Space Station

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GOED Announces Enhanced Features to the 
Rural Economic Development Incentive Grant (REDI)
 
SALT LAKE CITY (July 17, 2019) — The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), following direction from the 2019 Utah legislative session, recently announced enhanced features to the REDI program.

The Rural Economic Development Incentive (REDI) grant, administered by GOED’s Office of Rural Development, gives a post-performance grant of $4,000 to $6,000 to local and urban businesses for creating new, high-paying jobs in Beaver, Box Elder, Carbon, Daggett, Duchesne, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Juab, Kane, Millard, Morgan, Piute, Rich, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, Uintah, Wasatch and Wayne counties.
 
The revised REDI program has significant positive changes, including:

• Raising the incentive cap of $25,000 (per business) total per fiscal year to $250,000
• Lowering the required wage from 125 percent to 110 percent of the county’s average wage
• Adding Box Elder, Iron and Uintah counties to the list of eligible locations
• Allowing businesses to potentially obtain the grant after six months of full-time employment
• Can be used concurrently with other GOED incentives

The REDI grant incentivizes businesses on the Wasatch Front or elsewhere to hire remote online employees, set up a satellite hub/office space, or locate a facility in rural Utah. Businesses other than construction, retail, staffing or public utility industries are eligible to apply.   
 
“Last year, this program incentivized businesses to potentially create 120 quality jobs in our rural counties, a significant number relative to new jobs on the Wasatch Front,” said Linda Gillmor, director of the Office of Rural Development and associate managing director for Urban and Rural Services at GOED. “With the newly revised REDI grant program, we anticipate even greater job growth, meeting the needs of both rural and urban Utah.” 

Businesses must apply and receive approval through GOED in advance of job creation.
 
For additional information about the REDI program, and other rural programs, visit the Office of Rural Development’s website.
 
 
About the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED)
 
Under the direction of Gov. Gary R. Herbert, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) provides resources and support for business creation, growth and recruitment, and drives increased tourism and film production in Utah. Utilizing state resources and private sector contracts, GOED administers programs in economic areas that demonstrate the highest potential for development. Learn more at business.utah.gov or by calling (801) 538-8680.