These are classic discussions published back in December 2009
Gov. Herbert’s Proposed Budget
Gov. Herbert announced his budget recommendations today. (Here is a video link to his presentation). Because budget recommendations from Governors are, well, recommendations, and those recommendations aren’t actually put into place, it is very easy for Governors to employ smoke and mirrors that play well to the media and the general public but put the Legislature in the unenviable position of doing the tough things those Govs fudged. As far as I can tell from my review so far, Gov. Herbert avoids budgeting parlor tricks. He puts forward a responsible budget that will serve as a sound basis for legislative discussions.
And, Gov. Herbert sticks to his pledge to not raise taxes. He states, “In putting this budget together, my first priority was, in fact, to not raise taxes, if at all possible. . . . I think, as we go forward in this fragile, yet recovering, economy, that a tax increase at... (read more)
No Tax Increase
The Tribune editorialized against my effort to balance the State budget without raising taxes. They write, “Sen. Steve Urquhart is trying to round up a majority of his Utah Senate colleagues to promise to oppose any tax increases in next year’s general session of the Legislature. . . . To say that the St. George Republican’s tax pledge effort is a bit premature is like saying that Custer slightly underestimated the Sioux at the Little Big Horn.” That’s good writing. (As I’ve written before, I love editorials that make a crisp point).
However, the editorial continues, “We have discussed all kinds of possible tax increases on this page.” To be more precise, the Trib has editorialized in favor of raising taxes. So, the Trib believes that it is premature to oppose tax increases, but that the time to push for tax increases is now. Clearly, as has been alleged, ideology does factors into... (read more)
Utah’s 2010 Budget
Utah balances its budget every year. Revenues must match expenditures. With the continued economic downturn, Utah’s tax revenues now do not match the State’s expenditures. There are 3 main tools the State can use to bring its budget back into balance. It can (1) reduce expenditures, (2) raise revenues through increased taxes, or (3) draw money from the rainy-day fund. Of course, the State can employ any mix of the 3 options, so long as revenues match expenditures.
I believe that my constituents do not want the Legislature to raise taxes. Therefore, I will oppose tax increases. (I am not opposed to adjustments — raising some taxes, while lowering others — so long as the adjustments are revenue neutral; the one possible exception my constituents raise is the tobacco tax; perhaps the tobacco tax should be raised to the western states average, even if not revenue neutral, so long as the increased revenue is... (read more)
Sen. McCoy Resigning
I was sad, but not entirely surprised, to learn that Sen. Scott McCoy is resigning his senate seat. It is nearly impossible to balance the time demands of a big firm law career and the Legislature.
Scott brought a great deal of smarts and energy to the Senate, and he will be missed. His many talents and contributions cannot be skinnied down to one issue, though he likely will be remembered most for his efforts on equality issues. From his arrival as “The Gay,” to his departure as a respected legislator and colleague, Scott has helped humanize and lift the debate on gay rights issues. It is anyone’s guess where Utah and America will be on these issues in the future, but it is certain that we need reason and decency in our public discourse as policy is considered. Thank you, Sen. McCoy for your service, and best of luck with your future.
Attorney General John Valentine
That has a very nice ring to it! I’ve been talking with friends for quite a while about encouraging John to run for Attorney General. John is an outstanding attorney and a person of the highest character. Though his recent announcement doesn’t completely clear the way (because he’s still considering a 2012 gubernatorial run), I’d love to see him think about the AG position. He would be great and would serve the State very well!
Sense and Nonsense