Empty pockets

Money. Money. Money.

That's the theme of the upcoming 2002 Utah Legislature, leaders from both political parties agree.

But this year, lawmakers have to contend with the lack of money.

And that's quite a switch from the past decade, when Utah's 104 part-time legislators and GOP Gov. Mike Leavitt had the luxury of having to decide how to spend the annual increase in tax dollars generated by a growing economy. Indeed, the state's current $7.3 billion budget is double that of 10 years ago.

But those days are gone, at least for now.

The state's sluggish economy has lawmakers going into this year's session — beginning preliminarily on Tuesday — facing a $200 million shortfall in revenue in the current year's budget.

"We're going to focus on the budget" this session, said House Majority Leader Kevin Garn, R-Layton.

"In the first two weeks, we have to make some quick, tough decisions — cutting that $200 million" from the current year's spending, said Garn. Only then can legislators start work on adopting next year's budget, which is also strapped for funds.

If lawmakers don't trim $200 million from next year's budget as well and start from a lower base, they actually start budgeting for next year in the hole — no growth money for any programs.

Legislators will start reviewing budgets and bills on Tuesday. The 2002 general session doesn't formally start until Jan. 21 — a date set in the state Constitution.

But because lawmakers are taking off two weeks (Feb. 8-22) for the Winter Olympics, leaders decided to hold two weeks of preliminary meetings to make up for lost time. No final bills can be approved nor budgets set in the next two weeks. But critical decisions will still be made, then ratified if need be after Jan. 21.

Another change this year: Because of Sept. 11 security concerns and Olympic events held in the Capitol itself, metal detectors will be set up at several entrances for the first time, and anyone coming for legislative hearings will have to pass through them. Other new security measures will be taken as well, officials say.

While the 2002 Legislature haggles over how to spend the state's shrinking budget, public education should get the most attention, according to Utahns polled by the Deseret News and KSL-TV.

Pollster Dan Jones & Associates found other issues, in order of importance, are public safety and security, driving under the influence enforcement and punishment, tax rates and fairness, human services (such as welfare and foster care) and growth planning.

Issues like roads and environmental protection round out the top 10 (see chart).