Walker will assemble oversight committee to evaluate security and privacy issues

Today, Gov. Olene Walker announced she will impose a stay on Utah’s participation in the Multistate Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange (MATRIX), a federal pilot program designed to share certain types of data for criminal investigation, accessible only by law enforcement.

"I have asked the Department of Public Safety to stay any information sharing until I have had an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the security and accessibility of this system," said Walker. "I will assemble an oversight committee, including legislators, to evaluate continued participation in the program."

Utah began discussions regarding the MATRIX Project following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. State agencies began participating in the federal pilot program and provided information to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), acting as a repository, in mid-December 2003. MATRIX enables law enforcement officials to access information that is already available more quickly and efficiently.

The information provided includes criminal history record information, motor vehicle title and registration information, driver license records, and Department of Corrections’ offender records and images.

The FDLE currently has established a privacy committee to ensure compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations and to limit access only to qualified law-enforcement personnel.

"My primary concern is the protection of personal privacy," Walker said. "I will ask the oversight committee to address this issue specifically."

MATRIX is approved and funded by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

4:41:04 PM    

(Salt Lake City, UT) - Governor Olene Walker and the Utah Council for Worksite Health Promotion (UCWHP) will honor 36 Utah companies* for outstanding efforts in promoting wellness at their worksites. Companies receiving the Healthy Worksite Award have met specific goals, including changes in employee behavior and company policies.

Many of the worksite health programs have a wellness committee, offer on-site healthy food options, and have tobacco cessation and stress management programs available. "Each of these companies deserves a standing ovation for their efforts," said Lynne Nilson, Director of the UCWHP, Utah Department of Health. "Implementing a worksite health promotion program shows commitment to employees' health and well-being."

Such a program was implemented five years ago at BD Medical in Salt Lake. "We adopted the Healthy Balance program from our health care partner, IHC. The program was altered to fit our manufacturing environment," said LaDonne Loveday, Manager, Employee Health. "Last year we had about 70 percent of our employees enroll and 50 percent complete program goals. As a result, our company lost 1,826 pounds and we saved $165,238 in health care costs due to the changes made by program participants."

Other companies have seen similar success. "Our wellness program has been running for five years. A reduction in workplace injuries and improved employee health has helped us see a decrease in employee health care costs," said Charlie Parker, Facility Operations Manager for Northrop Grumman Mission Systems in Clearfield. "Employee participation in our weight management and aerobic activity programs is at an all-time high." Northrop Grumman and BD Medical are two of the Healthy Worksite Award recipients.

Eighteen companies achieved the award's highest level in 2003. "The Gold Plus level is what we hope all companies strive for," stated Nilson. "Implementing a comprehensive, long-term health promotion program allows companies to see changes in health care costs, productivity, and the overall health of their employees." Criteria for the Gold Plus level include documenting positive outcomes, such as behavior and environmental change, policy development, a wellness committee, a mission statement addressing employee health and wellness, and a health promotion program budget.

The Healthy Worksite Award is a part of the A Healthier You 2002ä Legacy Project, which also sponsors awards programs for schools, communities and college campuses. Governor Walker will present the awards at a special luncheon to be held at the Embassy Suites in Salt Lake City on January 29. For more information contact Lynne Nilson at (801) 538-6256 or visit www.health.utah.gov/worksitewellness.

*2003 Healthy Worksite Award Recipients

Bronze Level

• Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators
• Salt Lake CAP Head Start
• Utah Valley State College

Silver Level

• Children's Miracle Network
• Clearfield City
• Futura Industries
• ICON Health & Fitness
• Murray City Corporation
• Utah County
• Workforce Solutions

Gold Level

• Convergys Corporation
• Delta Air Lines - Reservations
• Honeywell
• Northrop Grumman Mission Systems
• Summit County
• Ultradent
• Utah Army National Guard
• Verizon Wireless

Gold Plus Level

• American Express
• BD Medical
• BYU Wellness Program
• Davis County
• Discover Financial Services
• Fairchild Semiconductor
• Healthy Utah
• Intermountain Health Care
• Intermountain Power Service Corporation
• Novell
• Nu Skin Enterprises
• Pepperidge Farm, Inc.
• Provo City
• Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah
• Salt Lake County
• Schreiber Foods Inc.
• USDA Forest Service
• Utah Transit Authority

11:58:57 AM    

The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands invites all elementary schools throughout Utah to participate in Utah’s annual Arbor Day Poster Contest and other activities that teach children the importance of trees in our communities.

First place winners in four Utah regions will receive $1,000 each for their schools. Schools may use the prize money any way they wish. Students win U.S. Savings Bonds, framed certificates, an Arbor Day T-shirt and other prizes. Registration deadline is February 6, 2004.

Winners will be awarded their prizes during annual Arbor Day celebrations to be held in several locations around the state. The grand prize poster is professionally printed and distributed statewide, and the winning fifth grade poster will be entered in the National Arbor Day Poster Contest.

Registration materials are now being sent to principals and Arbor Day coordinators throughout Utah. Teachers and schools not receiving registration materials in the mail, or desiring more information, should contact the Utah Arbor Day Committee at the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands in Salt Lake City, (801) 538-5555 or visit our website at www.ffsl.utah.gov/arborday.htm

6:54:19 AM