"We'd like to see that provision completely removed," Crompton said. "At minimum, HB133 should be amended to ensure that children receive equal benefits and that subsidizing private coverage is not more expensive than providing coverage through Medicaid or CHIP. There's no guarantee of either at this point."

The state Department of Health program pays up to $150 per adult and up to $100 per child if family enrolls in an employer's medical benefit plan but can't afford to pay all of the monthly premium. Under current law, a family with UPP coverage can also have children enrolled in CHIP.

As for education, leadership said Monday they wanted to give teachers a $2,500 pay increase on top of the increase they gave last year. They said they also supported differential pay raises for teachers in the sciences, math and special education areas.

Another priority for education was optional all-day courses for students, according to House leaders.

Few specifics were given for funding the Mountain View Corridor. Curtis said his body wanted to ensure the road was built and wouldn't be delayed by lawsuits. The Utah Department of Transportation is currently studying the road for environmental impacts and anticipates receiving federal approval to build Mountain View in 2009.

"We want transit, but we need transportation," Curtis said in reference to groups opposing Mountain View Corridor because of a perceived lack of transit in the area.

Lisa Roskelley, spokeswoman for Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., said teacher compensation was one of the governor's top priorities and that the Mountain View Corridor was a "critical" transportation option for the state.

"He is certainly willing to work with the Legislature," Roskelley said of the governor's attitude toward the priorities.

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com; jthalman@desnews.com