Comments about ‘Utah Legislature: State may delay road projects to save money’

I know that we NEED the road construction, but it seems like as much as it helps, it's always one more mess to cope with. And it's neverending.

It's an unpopular thing but honestly that is what must be done. The popular Republican belief is that if you cut taxes, the economy will grow and result in more revenue. It's a flawed theory. Recently Utah put in place a 5% flat tax. Since then, revenue has gone drastically down. Even though I personally would have to pay more in taxes, I definitely support reinstating a progressive tax system in Utah.

I get very annoyed reading endless stories about "the people" clamoring for lower taxes, a balanced budget, and maintaining or increasing services. You can't do all of them.

Like it or not UDOT, the road construction is not a priority, except to maintain. Not all road construction and repair needs to be done at once. Most traffic congestion is because of UDOT and excessive number of roads being closed at the same time. Budget cuts and less money means less construction and less spending. Why does UDOT and UTA think they are immune to cuts and funding? Roads and buses are a convenience, not life threatening costs.

Now if the governor would do some changes to UTA and TRAX with their wasteful spending spree. The money they have should be used to keep the system in service and providing service what is in place, not land speculation and developing.

Of all the needs in this state, like human services, education and public safety, I think having a quicker ride to the grocery store or home from work should be at the bottom of the list.

It is disheartening to see many legislators unwilling to delay a few road projects, but eagerly jump at the chance to gut out the education budget.

What.

Put kids before roads?

What the heck is happening?

"We need road construction," Sen. Wayne Niederhauser, R-Sandy. I wish somebody on the hill was as passionate about education as they are roads!!!!!

According to polls and surveys, we are dead last in school funding, and number one in the country on having the least congested roads. Were are our priorities, build baby build. Keep um dumb and stupid, give um an orange vest and a shovel and they will be happy. I know that is the motto on the hill. I will never vote for an incumbent in this state until things change.

You can always donate your money to the state. Why do you wait for a tax increase if you are so eager to help.Many of those that want lower taxes give a portion of their money to charities. That is a much better place to help the needy than a government bureaucracy.Maintaining the infrastructure is one of the few roles of government.

The Legislature wants roads over cops and other important services? Glad to see the Governor has his priorities straight.

Hey, Raise my taxes, please! | 4:36 a.m. If you like taxes so much, just pay more. No one will stop you.

We recently thought we could afford a flat Utah income tax, it turns out we were wrong. Lets axe it.

Companies who take minerals out of Utah can probably afford a small tax increase, at least temporarily, until this recession ends.

People who earn over $200,000 per year would not be hurt by a small temporary tax increase.

___________

Yes raising taxes may be difficult, but so is not keeping 12th grade, so is not providing safe roads that are not too crowded. So is not ensuring that kids of poor families get proper dental care.

We have elected people to office who are extreme, we need to elect people with moderation and who have common sense.

(the state GOP) have their priorities straight: Roads over people. Forget education, public safety we can cut that to the bare bones (already done this legislative session) but heaven forbid we delay (don't ever mention the cancel word that would be too much) a road project to save money during the worst downturn in 70 years. What messed up priorities the GOP in this state has taken to. I am glad I don't claim that party anymore (I am independent). I say shame on them that claim to be Christian after choosing roads over people. I really don't know how they stand themselves (hypocrisy runs at an all time high on the Hill).

thanks to that flat tax I pay $700 more this year than last on $2000 more in income. Glad the rich got a nice tax break on my back. Now let's see them create some jobs (ha ha ha). Last thing the rich need is a tax break. The middle class is the backbone of the country and keeps it afloat.

It's nice to see Gov. Herbert caught on to the idea of cutting somewhere other than education and Medicaid. Many of these road projects can be bumped for a year or two. Some in the Legislature claim roads will bring more people back to work. But, isn't it counterproductive to put people to work on the roads while forcing education to layoff hundreds of people? Come on Legislature... use your brains.

If you've ever done maintenance, you know that you never save by putting off maintenance. That $12 you saved by not replacing that hose before in broke while driving on the freeway that overheated your engine causing a warped head was a fool parting with his money. The same is true of roads. Call it deferred taxation.

hey, I thought BO's porkulus was paying for everything. How can we not spend what he has given us in his benevolence?

I can't describe how disappointed I am in the legislature clinging to their roads while they cut higher education and highway patrolmen and release prisoners early. Stunning.
I was born and raised in Utah (even Utah County), and while I only have the power of one vote, I WILL exercise it. In November, I will not vote for any incumbent. It appears to me that they want to be able to say that they didn't raise taxes so that they can be re-elected, regardless of how much pain it causes the State.
Next election, you're out. I would love nothing better than to have not one incumbent at the next legislative session. How refreshing that would be.
If you're a legislator, I'd ask around, it appears to me that I am very much not alone in my feeling.
Thanks to Governor Herbert for showing some common sense.

Of course not...we have to pass all these "gun laws" first!!!

and all the others who want to raise taxes...you probably don't pay your share anyway so by all means, pay more taxes, just don't raise mine.

Too many people in this country don't pay any federal income taxes and are always encouraging lawmakers to raise taxes on all those "rich folks".

For those of us who already see more than 50% of our income going to the government, we think that is more than enough!!