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SALT LAKE CITY -- Gov. Gary Herbert says Utah's economy is turning a corner and is optimistic about jobs and growth.
Herbert was asked about the economy Thursday in light of two recent developments: new homes sales are reported at record lows, and Utah's Unemployment Benefits Trust Fund is projected to go broke due to unusually high demand.
At his monthly KUED news conference, the governor told reporters he's optimistic about the state of Utah's economy despite trouble spots including those.
"The good news is that we see a lot of indicators that we are turning the corner," Herbert said.
"The good news is that we see a lot of indicators that we are turning the corner," Herbert said.
Herbert says cutbacks he ordered for state agencies will provide a cushion for the ongoing economic challenges. Those cuts will take effect next week with the start of the state's new fiscal year.
The governor says state economists are projecting growth in the economy, and that corporate income taxes are up and businesses are starting to hire more workers.
"Inventories are down, temporary services hirings are up, which means that businesses are looking to hire people," Herbert said. "They're a little bit uncertain about whether they can do it on a long-term basis, so they're hiring temps that will eventually become permanent hirings."
The campaign of Herbert's Democratic opponent Peter Corroon says the governor is "painting an overly rosy picture and should check his numbers."
E-mail: jdaley@ksl.com
