Budget 2010: Public health

Officials with the state Department of Health, one of the most people-oriented agencies in state government and likely the most in demand because of the poor economy, said is relieved by Gov. Gary Herbert's "maintain services" approach to the 2010 budget.

It could have been worse — and has been for the health department. The agency was threatened with outright closure a year ago and has had its hands full meeting demands of a new flu virus and has $50 million less than it did in September 2008.

It's also dealing with a 30 percent enrollment increase in Medicaid, the government health insurance plan for poor and disabled Utahns.

"The governor's budget recognizes that we have made the adjustments and reductions and also shows that he understands that cutting back programs would be like kicking people when they're down," said Dr. David Sundwall, health department executive director.

— James Thalman