In his budget, he proposed $60 million for tax cuts — about $23 million to establish a lower, "flatter" income tax rate for Utahns and the rest, about $37 million, for some reduction in the sales tax on food.

"The question becomes whether to invest in infrastructure or lower taxes," said Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem. "This is a debate which still needs to happen."

The caucus' lack of a decision about a tax cut is similar to what happened during the general session last January when House Republicans wanted $85 million for transportation but Huntsman only wanted $33 million. Senate Republicans, however, could not reach a consensus about how much to support until pushed by the House.

Senators finally agreed to $70 million in extra funding midway through the session, but only because of a compromise with the House. The debate ended when the revenue estimates were revised upward by $112 million in late February, and transportation was actually given a total of $120 million in new money.

House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, said that he expected the Senate to work in a similar fashion in regards to tax cuts. Because there are fewer senators, they can move more quickly in making decisions.

"I didn't anticipate them to come out with a number," Curtis said. "It's the difference in how the bodies work."

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