From Deseret News archives:
Huntsman honeymoon may be over
Lawmakers keeping up push for roads projects
The spat between the governor and lawmakers started when Huntsman said he wasn't sure how to "get the Legislature to play ball with us" on his budget priorities, a statement made during his first televised news conference on KUED Channel 7.
The governor also said during the monthly half-hour program that the state needs to work on its liquor laws, including taking a look at private clubs sometime during the next year. "I think that's a legitimate issue to put on the table and to debate," Huntsman said.
While he said dealing with Utah's liquor laws wasn't on his immediate list, the governor said the state needs to "look at simplicity and clarification of that which is already on the books." Other issues he identified were restrictions on the alcohol content of beer and mixed drinks.
What attracted the attention of lawmakers, however, were his comments on the House GOP caucus position to put $85 million in the budget for roads, an appropriation they intend to continue in future years.
House leaders warned Friday that Utahns could face a tax increase if that road money isn't approved this session. The Senate, however, has yet to take a position on spending any of the state's $237 million surplus or the additional $370 million in new, ongoing money available.
Huntsman's budget calls for just $33 million in one-time money for roads. The governor said he believes that amount is adequate for this year, along with $70 million in bonding to which he is committed.
He said he's "going to continue to drive home" his own budget priorities, including pay increases for state workers and more spending on education. "I put them there for a reason . . . and I'm going to continue to fight for those priorities."
After the news conference, Huntsman said that "like everything else, there will be a negotiation." But he said the $85 million "is a figure that's too high for me. That's a figure that would not allow us to fund some of our other priorities."
He cited restoring dental and vision benefits for the poor, as well as boosting an open space fund, giving teachers raises, and expanding reading and math programs. "We can do transportation. We just don't need to do everything this year or fund it all with cash."
The governor said he has "friends in both bodies, in both parties" and continues to meet with lawmakers "so I can try to recruit them as allies. . . . I think that helps a whole lot so there are no train wrecks a month from now."
