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The state of Utah could get $1 billion of the federal stimulus money to pay for hundreds of construction projects, but state lawmakers have mixed feelings about the money.
Some legislators feel that the "handout" is too good to be true; others see the money as a gamble betting that increasing debt will get us out of debt.
President Obama traveled to the Midwest with urgency today, courting grassroots support for the stimulus plan. "Folks all across the country are under siege, and we need to give you more of the money you've earned so you can spend it and pay your bills," he said.
But even as Congress fights over the details, Utah's lawmakers have a slightly different battle: A balanced budget is a constitutional requirement here, and there are serious questions about whether the $800 billion stimulus plan will help or harm Utah in the long run.
"In the short term it is good. The bad part is in the long term it needs to be paid back, and it will take taxes on the citizens in order to pay it back," said Rep. Ron Bigelow, R-West Valley City.
There's no question that Utah will benefit. For example, $190 million worth of road projects won't get done otherwise this year. But lawmakers wonder: Will the money come with strings attached?
Senate Majority Leader Sheldon Killpack, R-Syracuse, is skeptical of funding programs with the stimulus. Consumers need the money more directly, he says.
"At some point, these problems with ongoing programs we can't afford don't go away because we're borrowing money. We have to ask those questions," Killpack said.
There is agreement that something needs to be done, but there is not agreement on what that is. "Every economist agrees that government spending in a recession is essential, so this bill isn't perfect, but it's essential," said Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri.
Utah's governor and many state lawmakers say they're ready to accept the stimulus package, regardless of its long-term effects.
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
