Hilman was referring to the governor's request that lawmakers meeting in special session also authorize up to $15 million for the construction of a parking structure at the State Capitol Complex. Complete restoration of dental benefits would have cost $3.9 million, an amount Senate Democrats requested in a Wednesday letter to the governor.

Rep. Pat Jones, D-Salt Lake, also seemed frustrated Monday that Huntsman didn't ask for full restoration of dental benefits. She did, however, express optimism that lawmakers would change their previous position and at least fund a portion of the services.

"I'm hoping that those who have been resistant will soften their hearts and understand that not only is it the right thing to do but it will prevent major medical costs down the road for all taxpayers," Jones said.

Barbara Toomer with the Disabled Rights Action Committee promised that lawmakers will again see members of her organization at this week's special session, which began Monday, advocating for this funding.

"We told them we weren't going to go away and we aren't," she said. "It's just appalling to think that this compassionate Legislature, in a time of so much money, is willing to throw us all out in the cold."

Another item on the agenda, or call, for the special session that may well spark controversy deals with changes to a new law reducing the sales tax on food. Lawmakers agreed last session to cut 2 percentage points from the state's share of the hated tax.

Some, though, are having second thoughts. GOP senators voted last week to seek a six-month delay in the implementation of the new law, set to take effect Jan. 1, 2007, because of concerns over the accuracy of the $70 million price tag.

Valentine said there are also worries over the effect of the new law on retailers, who have already sought additional financial help handling the adjustment in rates. "One of the solutions might be a six-month delay," the Senate president said.

A legislative interim committee recommended fixes to the new law's definition of prepared foods, so someone buying, for example, a hot breakfast sandwich at a fast-food outlet doesn't pay more tax that someone buying the same item at a grocery or convenience store.

Also on the agenda for the special session is:

• Allowing the Tax Commission to share confidential data with the governor's office as well as legislative staff to help avoid errors in calculating the cost of changes to the state's tax system. Several multimillion-dollar errors helped kill the governor's income tax reform plan.

• Giving the governor and other state executives a pay raise, likely the same cost-of-living increase received by state employees. A bill that would have increased their salaries failed to pass in the final hours of the 2006 Legislature.

• Restoring $291 million in Utah Department of Transportation funds that were vetoed by the governor because of a technical problem in the state budget. Action is needed so the agency can move forward on planned road projects this summer, including the construction of passing lanes on U.S. Highway 6, said spokesman Nile Easton.

Another transportation-related item on the agenda, if approved, will allow UDOT to transfer ownership of a maintenance shed in Meadow, Utah, to that city.

• Making various other technical corrections to the budget and consider legislation dealing with the exchange of securities.

---

Contributing: Nicole Warburton

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