Political storms may undermine special sessions
Powerful elements exist also to produce a political thunderstorm. Although the issue at the heart of the controversy may be a yawner tax reform it has become a personal matter, thereby increasing the energy potential. Official statements from Capitol Hill dismiss a special session in the next six months, but many legislators are discussing the possibility in order to deal with either a tax restructuring or a tax cut. A special session focused on taxes will be the "perfect storm" of political intrigue.
The prime mover for tax reform (the cold front) is Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., continuing his quest for a flat income tax of around 5 percent. He believes a reduced and simpler rate will attract business leaders and their companies to the state. Furthermore, dramatic changes to the tax code will establish his legacy. A flat tax was part of the failed compromise between the Legislature and the governor last session, and he has not forgotten commitments made.
A counteracting force against the governor is current hostility between the two elected branches of government. Lawmakers are still smarting from the PR spanking received from not funding the Medicaid request made by the governor in the recent special session (only to have the services funded by private donations). They will only help the governor if the possibility exists to benefit their agenda. In addition, leftover animosity between the House and the Senate has increased. Some legislative leaders maintain hard feelings over the GOP primaries where many politicos were forced to choose between the "Senate" or "House" candidates. Any successful plans for tax reform must deal with these dynamics.
As with all things political, there are additional external elements that cannot be dismissed. Conservative legislators and interested political leaders believe a tax cut should be the highest priority and tax reform should be discussed at a later date. Many of Utah's tax policy gurus are grumbling about the direction of tax reform: the dual option system. (Under this proposal, taxpayers could choose the calculating formula.) They believe that enhancing the stability and simplicity of the income tax system is a far better approach than the suggested compromise that desperately avoids creating "losers."
Readers are encouraged to watch this summer as white, puffy clouds transform into a marvelous thunderstorm of political maneuverings.
Webb: Special sessions ought to be employed infrequently, only for issues so compelling they can't wait for a general session and that are simple and straightforward enough that majority support can be readily achieved.
Comments
- 5 hurt in latest Pamplona bull run 8:49 a.m.
- Delay in Jackson guardianship case 8:47 a.m.
- Attempted murder case refiled 1:58 a.m.
- Sports on the air 1:38 a.m.
- This weekend on TV 1:38 a.m.
- Birthdays for Saturday, July 11 1:38 a.m.
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza 1:37 a.m.
- Man spots his stolen car 1:23 a.m.
- Girl critical after run-in with train 1:23 a.m.
- Death investigated as slaying 1:22 a.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- Teacher faces new sex charges
- Man spots his stolen car
- LDS seminary principal arrested
160 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
136 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
99 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
94 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
74 - Letters: Single-payer system best
72 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
By now you've probably read about the investigation that showed just how...
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
I love Millsap, and the Jazz will find a way to move Boozer and match for...
i think its childish to assume that somebody would actually want to get...
Millsap and Boozer need to stay in Utah. Millsap is Boozers backup while he...
Childish and immature? Its always easier being ignorant and presuming things...
can you use words like testimony and church leadership to critisize a...
Bro P really helped me through a tough time in my life when I had him in...
These are only allegations at present, but I hope when he goes to trial, the...
My thoughts are with the Pratt family right now. Michael I hope you are...
It is interesting that everyone who seems to be a member comments on how nice...
You presume, simply because they were gay, that they were trying to "stir...



You can be the first to comment on this story.