While legislators got their transportation and building funds, Huntsman also could have a number of his initiatives mostly funded, including $19 million in one-time funds to promote tourism, $7 million in ongoing funding for corporate tax breaks, $10.6 million for market adjustments of salaries for state employees, and $3 million for the LeRay McAllister Land Fund.

"We're excited about it," Huntsman's chief of staff, Jason Chaffetz, said Wednesday evening. "I think both sides can claim victory. We made good progress. . . . We're looking for one big group hug."

Helping to push lawmakers toward a budget deal was the fact that Huntsman wouldn't be available for further talks Monday because he'll be in Washington, D.C., for a meeting with President Bush.

The budget takes a first step toward restoring adult vision and dental benefits for Medicaid recipients, appropriating a total of $4.9 million. Although the money represents only one-time funding and would probably need to be ongoing funding to fully restore the benefits, Chaffetz said it was still "very important" to provide the money this year.

There are a few items that Huntsman is still lobbying for, such as $14 million to aid technology programs at Utah State University and the University of Utah, which includes a $3 million brain-imaging machine sought for the U. as part of a technology and research initiative. That has not been approved by the caucuses, however.

"That's one I think you'll see more about in the closing days of the Legislature," Chaffetz said. "It's still being discussed."

As will always be the case, not all lawmakers are happy with the budget, and they could attempt to change the bills as the measures move through the House and Senate chambers. However, with the Republican caucuses requiring a majority of their chamber to approve a budget item — 15 in the Senate, 38 in the House — it is doubtful much, if anything, would get changed.

Democratic leaders did attempt some amendments during Executive Appropriations in order to provide needed funding for HIV medication, mental health assistance and trail development. All of those motions failed on primarily party-line votes.

"We need to look outside the fiscal process at what could happen to these people: increased suicide, jail, family problems and increased hospital costs," Sen. Gene Davis, D-Salt Lake, said about the unfunded request of $3 million to help an estimated 12,000 people diagnosed with mental problems. "We need to look at that very closely."

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