$omething for everyone: Programs and pork generously dealt with

Money. Public education funding. Tax cuts. And more money.

That is what the 2007 Legislature will likely be known for — a record spending plan that took care of major programs and special pork projects alike.

Lawmakers and Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. rushed to close the 45-day session at midnight Wednesday — with the majority Republicans praising all the spending in an $11 billion new budget while minority Democrats said a number of critical programs still fall short of what could have been done.

"This is a year of new records, in public education funding, in meaningful tax reform, and all done free of rancor," Huntsman told news reporters three hours before adjournment.

Noting the nearly $2 billion in new money, the governor said: "We've taken care of needs that have languished in the past."

Other than not funding the waiting list for disabled Utahns, there really were no other disappointments, he said.

And Huntsman doesn't necessarily see the need for a special session for repairs in tax policy, although there usually is a special session each year as things arise, he said.

A number of controversial bills "just fizzled" before they grew to the level of mischief, Huntsman said. He now has 20 days to veto bills, sign them into law or let them become law without his signature.

Utah's 104 part-time lawmakers wrapped up their last general session in the cramped, temporary quarters in an office building behind the state Capitol building.

Come the 2008 Legislature, lawmakers and Huntsman will be in the newly remodeled (costing more than $200 million) Capitol.

"No, I won't miss" the temporary quarters, said a relaxed House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, Wednesday night.

Curtis praised Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike, saying "we elevated the discussion this year. And I was amazed that the (tax cut/tax reform bill) passed unanimously."

The $220 million in tax cuts won't come for 10 months, Curtis said apologetically, but he added that was required because of the complexity of all the tax reductions and tax reform.

The imposing Capitol building reflects power and money — both of which were seen on the Hill over the last seven weeks.

Between one-time surpluses this year and tax revenue growth over the next fiscal year, lawmakers had an extra $1.75 billion to spend.

After much wrangling they settled on a $220 million tax cut — the bill passing the last day.

However, all those tax cuts don't come until Jan. 1, 2008. (All of the House, half of the Senate and Huntsman face re-election in 2008, so the timing isn't so bad politically.)