Demos back governor on transportation funds

In the simmering fight over transportation dollars, legislative Democrats have aligned themselves much closer to GOP Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. than their Republican counterparts, especially in the House.

Meanwhile, the majority party, in closed caucuses, took baby steps toward adopting the $8.6 billion fiscal 2005-2006 budget.

In a budget proposal announced Tuesday afternoon, leaders of the minority party recommended spending $40 million more on transportation needs. That's slightly higher than the $33 million proposed by Huntsman but less than half of the $85 million that House Republicans are pushing. Senate Republicans have yet to decide on a number.

Additionally, the Democrats, like the governor, are proposing using one-time revenues only, while House Republicans want to use ongoing revenues. GOP lawmakers, including some in the Senate, have warned that Utahns face tax increases unless transportation is adequately funded this session.

Instead, Democrats are pushing for additional education funding, including a 5 percent increase in the weighted pupil unit at the cost of $25 million. They also are pushing for funding to make the salaries of state employees, especially teachers, professors and Utah Highway Patrol troopers more equitable with other entities.

"We're all working with the same numbers, but the difference is we're working with different priorities," said Sen. Karen Hale, D-Salt Lake. "We've addressed our basic infrastructure: the people of our state."

While their budget is close to Huntsman's, the Democrats chose to invest new education money into the weighted pupil unit instead of a statewide math program or beginning teacher bonuses. Rep. Brad King, D-Price, said Democrats wanted to let school districts decide for themselves how to spend the additional money.

"It's important to have the decisions about how that money is spent be made on the local level," King said.

For the most part, the Democrats' budget proposal is very similar to Huntsman's proposal, including compensation and benefit increases for state employees, restoring funding for a number of human services and increasing economic development. In some cases, the intent is the same, but the actual numbers differ slightly, such as a $4 million difference for tourism promotion or a half-percent difference in state employee compensation.

House Republicans had to close their caucus after members split on several key votes.

Later, leaders said most of the 56-member caucus did agree on a "base" budget, and a bill reflecting that spending will be prepared for passage Friday.

After that bill passes, Republicans will get down to the tough choices of divvying up nearly $138 million in new spending for next year.