Legislature gliding to a quiet finish

With only three days remaining in the Utah Legislature's 2008 session, much of the state's budget has been wrapped up and only a few major issue bills remain to be debated.

Among the topics still on the table: immigration, school equalization, funding for transportation and teacher salaries. Several small funding bills will also be debated, but lawmakers and the governor say there are few items left on their agendas.

For the most part, it's been a quieter, more respectful session than usual, according to legislative leaders.

Over $11 billion in funding has been allocated, with only a few remaining millions left in the Legislature's treasury.

"There are still policy statements, but the financial portion is pretty much done," said House Majority Leader Dave Clark, R-Santa Clara. "It's been a smoother session."

Still, this is the Legislature. A lot can happen in three days, he noted — bills can be amended and small last-minute funding issues could come up.

"I think we've got general agreement, but until we adjourn sine die, I've learned to pay attention," Clark said.

That optimism about the potential for efficiency during final three days is echoed by Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, who said he is still hoping to finish by dinnertime Wednesday — an almost unheard of accomplishment in legislative sessions, which typically conclude in a scramble until midnight.

Regarding education, lawmakers are still debating whether to boost the state's basic per-student funding formula by an extra 1 percent in one-time dollars. GOP leaders and Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. met late Thursday to work out a deal on the increase, which would be on top of a $1,700 salary increase for teachers and 2.5 percent hike in Utah's weighted pupil unit, or WPU.

Huntsman said in an interview that there is little left on his agenda this session with the exception of the additional money for teacher salaries.

"I think all our priorities are moving as we had anticipated and hoped," Huntsman said.

In addition, the governor also avoided a veto override on a bill intended to limit his powers to sign agreements on behalf of the state similar to one dealing with climate change made last year with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

As promised, Huntsman vetoed the bill Friday night. But legislative leaders agreed not to attempt to override that veto after the governor promised in the future he will consult with them before signing any such agreements to "give them a sense of direction."