From Deseret News archives:

Money abounds, but lawmakers feeling squeezed

56th session opens Monday, promises to be very 'different'

Published: Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005 11:31 p.m. MST
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• Divvying up nearly $600 million in new money, both in growing ongoing tax take and one-time revenue surpluses.

• Reforming the state's tax structure. Huntsman wants some things done now, like cutting some business taxes to promote economic growth. Huntsman, whose family owns one of the largest businesses in Utah, said he knows some people are saying: "There goes Huntsman trying to pay off his corporate friends. But that's not the case." Real tax reform must come, this year and onward.

After lawmakers adjourn March 2, he wants in-depth studies of the most basic taxing matters. "We have a tax system based on taxing mining, manufacturing and agriculture. But we're a service economy."

Taxing some services — like attorney bills, haircuts and landscaping — must be discussed, says Huntsman.

"We're hearing real concerns about the idea of a one-rate sales tax," said Curtis, "How will the arts get their share of sales tax; businesses are worried about the streamline sales tax proposal."

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• Reorganizing parts of state government. Huntsman wants to split the Department of Community and Economic Development, bringing tourism promotion and economic growth directly into his office. Other smaller changes must be made, too, like pooling all information services and personnel functions in one place.

• Finding millions of dollars for a growing school-age population.

• Getting pay raises for state workers and teachers. "We have to really do something with the pay package, help those who were loyal state employees who sacrificed during the lean years," says Valentine.

• Figuring out how to rebuild I-80 in eastern Salt Lake County and expand a number of Utah County roads and freeways.

• Defining reciprocal benefits for the partners of people who aren't married, both in heterosexual and homosexual relationships.

• Toughening ethics standards for public officials, at least for the executive branch.

• Hate crimes. Legislators will again consider a bill killed in the past several sessions that would enhance criminal penalties for those who attack people based on the victim's race, gender, sexual preference, age, ethnicity or other characteristics.

• Divorce. Should Utah's "no fault" divorce law be repealed, forcing the finding of specific wrongdoing before a divorce is granted? Should divorcing couples be required to attend at least one counseling session before a legal divorce is given?

You're not invited

While most Utahns don't visit Capitol Hill during a legislative session, leaders are specifically asking some groups not to come this year.

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Armando Chavez vacuums the floor in preparation for the upcoming Utah legislative session on Capitol Hill.

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