From Deseret News archives:
Walker tax package offers a good foundation
One person who has quite successfully given birth to both (seven kids and a comprehensive tax reform package) is former Gov. Olene Walker. Part of her legacy to Utah is a solid tax-reform foundation for the new bunch of tax reformers to build upon.
Leaders of the state's recently appointed Tax Reform Task Force are talking tough, pledging to butcher sacred cows, upset apple carts, beard lions, leave no stone unturned and employ every other available cliche to demonstrate their independence and courage.
That's good, although talk is cheap and it's easier said than done (that's seven cliches). I believe the stars have aligned (8) to provide this task force with a great opportunity to make real progress.
Tax reform is a top priority for Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. Legislative leaders are supportive. Walker bequeathed a treasure trove (9) of research, data and documentation that won't need to be replicated.
The goal ought to be a tax structure that encourages business growth and a strong economy, which in turn produces more tax revenue for Utah's schools and other needs. Good mobility is a key to economic strength, and transportation funding (both highways and transit) ought to be put on a solid base that grows with the state's needs, so transportation isn't always playing catch-up.
We have evolved into a high-tech service economy, and the tax structure ought to capture revenue from the new economy. All of this should be accomplished in a revenue-neutral plan that is flatter and broader and does not raise overall taxes (although there will certainly be tax shifts).
It's going to be a very interesting summer and fall as the tax-reform effort gets under way. Lobbyists will be swarming like yellow jackets at a park picnic (12), and many tough-as-nails (13) decisions will have to be made. Walker's tax reform initiative was a courageous effort, but it was all theoretical because everyone knew it would not be implemented. This one is the real McCoy (14).
Comments
- Jazz missing 4 to injuries 12:55 a.m.
- Pitta doesn't win award 12:47 a.m.
- Jazz manage a magical win 12:43 a.m.
- Speed skating tuneup Friday 12:41 a.m.
- BYU football: NCAA awards 12:30 a.m.
- Magic unable to continue road act 12:26 a.m.
- Fans should worry about lousy teams 12:24 a.m.
- U.S.-born Hispanics see gains 12:23 a.m.
- Editorial: Extremism spike alarming 12:23 a.m.
- No need for more stimulus 12:22 a.m.
- Nude bathers cited for lewdness
- Few details on missing W.V. mom
- Jazz fall apart late at L.A.
- Defense witness goes on offensive
- Crash landing next to I-15
- BCS = power conference monopoly
- 5 officers lose their certification
- Palin signs books, chats with fans
- I-15 expansion barreling south
- Y.'s Emery bruised, but rarely beaten
- Letters: Global warming a lie
256 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
206 - BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
193 - Palin signs books, chats with fans
165 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
150 - Cougars going back to Vegas
150 - Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
142 - Max Hall wants to look ahead
124 - Nude bathers cited for lewdness
123 - Jazz fall apart late at L.A.
110
Love him or hate him, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch knows how to get attention.
For the latest news in the health care debate and how it affects you...
I too agree that Booz and the team are NOT just going through the motions....
The springs have a long history of being clothing optional, and they provide...
He "needs more outside shooting to beat LA". He needs to design a real...
NCFAA Contribution to College Football Award: LaVell Edwards, Brigham Young,...
Why did the Jazz play so bad against LA and really well for a 1/2 against...
We Coug fans will be forever grateful for your three or four years of bearing...
When was the last time Utah even got to the dance three times in a row; let...
His speech was quite good, I agree with what Gingrich said. However, for...
I believe that a large part of the deterioration of the rivalry is a result...
Good win Jazz!!! Now give Fesenko some Red Bulls and lets see how well the...


You can be the first to comment on this story.