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Richard Piatt ReportingA tense battle over the budget continues on Capitol Hill. In the Senate, the chamber was empty before lunch. The 'sauntering' sign understated the tense, closed-door meeting. In the House they had unity early in the day, but raised voices behind closed doors later.
The tension is over a fight over tax reform. The House and Governor want the sales tax off groceries. The Senate wants an income tax break. It's coming down to one or the other and the State Can't afford both.
This week, the House has been frustrated with the Senate.
Rep. Steve Urquhart, House Majority Whip: "We kept coming back with offers and we kept getting no, no and no. And this morning we finally had some give and take."
Later, the Senate seemed frustrated with the Governor, who pushed tax reform during his campaign.
Sen. John Valentine, Senate President: "The income tax issue was number one. We tried really hard to get our body to understand it. Now the sales tax on food is number one. We're trying to figure out which one is number one."
And, at his KUED news conference, Governor Huntsman indicated he's willing to play hardball, prior to a special session.
Richard Piatt: "What can really can change in a special session if they're so entrenched in what they think?"
Gov. Huntsman: "Well, you've got a lot of individual projects and priorities. Those are all going to be put on hold until we get serious about removing the sales tax on food."
To which one Senator responded this way.
Sen. Greg Bell, (R) Fruit Heights: "Based on the comment we heard the governor made, it sounds like he's raising the conflict level considerably."
Offers and counter offers continue to fly back and forth. Publically, all sides are putting on an optimistic front, but the level of frustration underneath is like nothing most people can remember at the Capitol.
