From Deseret News archives:
Huntsman sets the bar high
The financial plan reflects a booming economy, projected record tax surpluses and remarkably low unemployment rates. These factors present an opportunity to significantly increase public and higher education funding, address transportation infrastructure and plan for future workforce needs. Or as Huntsman explained in a meeting with us Tuesday afternoon, it's an opportunity to "shore up the basics."
Huntsman has established high expectations in the opening salvo of next year's budget deliberations, as he should. State legislators cannot stand behind the tired arguments that there's not enough money to give teachers, college professors and state employees sizable raises. The same goes for reducing class sizes, making greater investments in the state transportation system or paying for "optional" Medicare programs such as dental and vision care.
Setting the state budget is ultimately the responsibility of the Utah Legislature, which is at work on its own proposals. Lawmakers have the unenviable job of establishing a budget that addresses state government's core functions yet can be sustained when revenues are not so robust. It's a difficult job, even under good economic conditions.
While the Huntsman budget provides a springboard for those discussions, it also raises a number of difficult questions. The budget is silent on removing the sales tax from food, although Huntsman says he continues to support a repeal. Economic indicators suggest this is the time for lawmakers to fully repeal this tax, which would cost about $100 million.
The governor's budget also proposes a 7 percent increase in the value of the weighted pupil unit, which would largely go to teacher salaries. He also envisions spending about $25 million for a one-time teachers bonus. Utah needs to do more to attract and retain quality teachers. No one should argue against a pay raise for teachers, who are among some of the lowest compensated in the Rocky Mountain region. Teacher bonuses, however, should be tied to performance.
For the most part, Huntsman's budget is pragmatic. It attempts to address the challenges that accompany Utah's economic boom. For the first time in memory, Utah is facing a worker shortage. Towns and cities experiencing rapid growth due to oil and gas development are struggling to maintain their infrastructures. The state's transportation system must be able to move Utahns and goods from Point A to Point B in an effective fashion.
State lawmakers, of course, will have their own vision for the state's needs in this time of plenty. But credit Huntsman for setting the bar high and opening Utahns' eyes to the possibilities.
Comments
- Steelers lead Broncos at halftime 8:13 p.m.
- Jazz win in N.Y. for 1st time since '04 8:02 p.m.
- Suns outlast 76ers, 119-115 7:51 p.m.
- Quilt auction aims to benefit lives 7:44 p.m.
- Eating fruit not a cause of weight gain 7:44 p.m.
- Charcoal, cat-box filler help with odors 7:44 p.m.
- Wife and friend are too close 7:44 p.m.
- 'Brain' seems scattered 7:44 p.m.
- Locklear at 'Melrose Place' again 7:44 p.m.
- Tuesday on TV 7:44 p.m.
- TCU showdown has big implications
- Seniors helped BYU regroup
- Lambert surprisingly tops news
- Hope for single moms
- Bystanders framed for child porn
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated
- Prep girls soccer MVPs named
- Utah Jazz Extra: Whose hot/not
- GOP blasts Matheson after vote
- Newhouse Hotel, an explosive end
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
269 - House passes health care bill
225 - Lobo suspended
180 - TCU showdown has big implications
175 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
154 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
112 - Thousands protest health bill
110 - RSL rallies to advance
103 - No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy
94
I am liberal and proud. What are you talking about tyranny "Anti-pc" so when...
I had time to read the 2000 pages in this thing. Is there an accurate...
wonderful column. my daughter, living in Scotland, told me that the Mormons...
What going on at the Univ of New Mexico. What is in the water? A few weeks...
That's an interesting take on the first game back in week 2. Others watching...
It's a start in the right direction, maybe just have the UTE v. BYU game held...
We cannot overlook the performance of a man who did not diminish in any other...
I WENT TO THE SNOW GAME THERE LAST YEAR AND IT WAS GOOD TO BAD THEY LOST......
"Overall, however, I think he was one of our most gifted presidents in terms...
I'm conservative, but I like Matheson. A lot. Standing up to your own party...


You can be the first to comment on this story.