"Transportation is a major issue when people are stuck in traffic," he said. "When they see the benefits of the work we have done to this point, they think the problem is solved. But it is not. . . . I really do believe there is a transportation crisis pending."

Lawmakers have yet to agree among themselves just how much more cash should go for roads. The House Republicans staked out a position early on, agreeing before the session started that $85 million needs to be spent on transportation needs.

Putting more ongoing tax revenues into roads also keeps it away from growing state programs and non-road budgets, something conservative lawmakers like.

But the Senate GOP hasn't taken a position on spending. Last Thursday, they rejected the House proposal in a closed-door caucus vote. Senate leaders say their members aren't ready to decide what should be allocated.

Huntsman made it clear earlier in the session that the House number is too high. He pledged to fight for the other programs he believes should be funded, including pay increases for teachers and state workers, and boosts to Human Services programs aimed at helping the poor.

Updated revenue estimates for 2005-06 will be available in a few weeks. And depending on whether they are up or down, the final $8.6 billion budget for next fiscal year will be adjusted accordingly.

And if revenue estimates come in even higher than the $300 million-plus in new tax dollars state budgeters are anticipating now, Huntsman and GOP legislators could creep closer together in the roads vs. salary argument.

Still, the new poll shows strong support for Huntsman's budget position. Jones found that even among the most conservative, Republican Utahns, most still favor spending more money on salaries, education and Human Services rather than on road work.

---

E-mail: bbjr@desnews.com; lisa@desnews.com