From Deseret News archives:
Most Utahns would forgo tax cut
But while nearly 60 percent like the new tax plan, if given the option of cutting income taxes by $70 million or spending that amount on public education, a clear majority want the money spent on schools, not tax cuts, pollster Dan Jones & Associates found in a survey finished Friday.
Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. issued the long-awaited special legislative session call Friday. Utah's 104 part-time legislators will gather Tuesday at the Capitol Complex to consider Huntsman's dual-track income tax system, which includes a $70 million tax cut over two years.
Legislators will also vote on whether to allow voters to raise their own sales taxes by a quarter cent. The money would go to fund new roads, TRAX and commuter rail lines.
The income tax questions reflect a more mixed view by residents, Jones found.
Over the years, public opinion surveys have consistently shown Utahns want more money put into public education.
When legislators have given relatively small tax cuts in the past, residents have often said they would rather the money go to schools.
Democratic legislators held a press conference last week to say that while there may be some good aspects to Huntsman's income tax reforms this year specifically, the indexing of the current progressive tax system to inflation overall, they don't think such tax cuts should be given in a special session or at this time.
But Huntsman has been arguing for two years that Utah's personal income tax system needs to be reworked.
And since it was made clear by House Republicans last general session that in any "reform" there could be no segment of taxpayers who would have to pay more, an overall income tax cut would have to come with any reform.
GOP legislative leaders say they have the necessary votes Tuesday to pass Huntsman's new dual-track income tax system. And a majority of residents like the new tax plan.
Comments
- Jazz game at a glance 10:41 p.m.
- Fort Hood suspect acted alone 10:38 p.m.
- Man unapologetic after slaying 10:35 p.m.
- AIDS leading cause of death for women 10:31 p.m.
- 9 men executed over ethnic riots 10:31 p.m.
- Iran accuses U.S. tourists of spying 10:30 p.m.
- Soccer all-state honorable mention 10:29 p.m.
- Strollers recalled after amputations 10:28 p.m.
- Lawmaker seeks E. coli inquiry 10:27 p.m.
- Palestinian says time's running out 10:27 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
- House passes health care bill
228 - TCU showdown has big implications
182 - Lobo suspended
182 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
154 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
117 - Thousands protest health bill
112 - RSL rallies to advance
103 - No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy
96 - Utes pound winless Lobos
89
Meghan McCain, the daughter of former presidential candidate John...
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
True, no style points. However did this "victory" cause anybody to think...
I think the band is awesome and incredible. However, a quarter million...
Go UTAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! BEAT TCUUUUUU(EEEEWWWWW)!!!!!
Sorry if you haven't noticed but um last year, I can't think right now...
material. The stonger schools from the old SWC were invited to the Big 12....
First off, i would like to recall 3 weeks ago when i picked hunter to be...
Last time I checked fans don't play the game. I'm not sure what fan support...
Win is a win? NY is the worst team in pro ball.They were lucky to win.
I have been following these articles by Mr. Ash. I find them fascinating and...
To Sally Hale and BHR: I think that both of you need to understand that...



You can be the first to comment on this story.