From Deseret News archives:
Governor unveils $11.7 billion budget
"We delivered record tax cuts the last couple of years," the governor said, adding it is now time for Utah to focus on using the ever-growing surplus to shore up "the pillars of strength in our state."
That may not sit well with some lawmakers, who are already looking at ways to address this year's outcry over big property tax hikes in many areas of the state. "I've heard it, but it hasn't been at an overwhelming volume level," the governor said of those concerns. Utahns, he said, need to remember the values of their homes have increased about 13 percent over the past year, the biggest boost in the nation.
Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, said legislators have heard "the plight of our citizens" when it comes to recent property tax increases and are considering a proposal to force local school districts to lower rates.
"I think there is significant interest in the property tax," Valentine said.
Huntsman said he's maintaining his priorities, but that it is too early to talk about possible vetoes.
Democrats, though, liked what they heard in Huntsman's no-tax-cut budget. "Generally speaking, we're pretty excited about the priorities he set," said House Minority Leader Brad King, D-Price. "It will be interesting to see how this budget battle goes down."
Speaking to the Deseret Morning News' editorial board later Monday, Huntsman said he has not seen any specific property tax reduction proposals and is not even sure that GOP lawmakers "are serious" in proposing a tax cut next year.
In his budget, Huntsman, a Republican who has said he'll seek a second four-year term in 2008, continued a trend started several years ago by asking for considerably more cash for public education, especially for teachers.
"We are reaffirming that teachers are back on a pedestal as they should be," Huntsman told a packed news conference Monday afternoon, joking that, "while the weather outside is frightful, my budget for teachers is delightful."
Recent comments
I am an accountant for the state of Utah - my choice. My family...
Steve The Sleeve | Dec. 11, 2007 at 9:36 p.m.
For what it is worth I agree with you totally. The only way to...
To Angela Wright: | Dec. 11, 2007 at 7:24 p.m.
I lived in Utah my entire adult life until 4 1/2 years ago when we...
Angela Wright | Dec. 11, 2007 at 5:21 p.m.
- 1A championship: Silppery Rich win 7:29 p.m.
- Few call Venice home 7:27 p.m.
- Volunteers are needed 6:50 p.m.
- News seeks entries for contest 6:49 p.m.
- Fans greet 'New Moon' stars 6:37 p.m.
- New designation for Clinton Museum 5:54 p.m.
- Eisenhower home oozes charm 5:54 p.m.
- RDP brings family-oriented 'Joyride II' 5:54 p.m.
- Sculptor turns scrap metal into art 5:54 p.m.
- Art canvas 5:54 p.m.
- Apostle's wife felt comfort in attack
- Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
- Short-handed Jazz fly past Sixers
- D-Will home for daughter
- Bench proves fruitful for Y.
- Utes excited for 'dream' game
- Snowstorm hits Utah; 1 dead in crash
- Born of water and the spirit
- GameDay in Fort Worth
- No. 22 BYU holds off pesky Lobos
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
356 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
199 - Senators want food tax restored
164 - Will state consider gay rights law?
148 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
129 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
126 - No. 22 BYU holds off pesky Lobos
120 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
113 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
105
If you are looking for a bird on the cheap, the following specials from...
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
I like how one person on here said "Separate funding for research from...
Hall got a national recognition. A lousy performance had to follow.
Thank goodness, we may finally get some reform. It is a long time over due....
Why does america have to be goodnicks and let people like that come to the...
Utah scores another 7. that's 7 more than our little brother put up on TCU....
i understand if your kids in having surgery bat a TOE or a back spassem give...
What a pounding Utes are taking
Yes, we don't need the military do we? Let's not defend ourselves, lets...
I'm keepin' my health insurance as it is. I got good insurance that pays 70%...
Reading the law, Deseret Book and all other properties fully owned by...

