Utah Gov. Gary Herbert recaps his final legislative session

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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov. Gary Herbert took to a podium in the Capitol’s Gold Room on Thursday night to review the 2020 legislative general session, his last as governor.

Herbert touched on the compromises and challenges of the session, including the state’s fight against the novel coronavirus and the recent agreement on education funding. The press conference came just hours after Herbert announced recommendations for emergency restrictions on large gatherings in the state in response to COVID-19.

In his opening remarks, Herbert hailed the recent education compromise as "one of the great legislative feats" of his tenure, especially after the Legislature repealed its tax reform bill at the beginning of the session.

The compromise is still subject to voter approval in November; Herbert said it may forestall a state fiscal crisis by "six to eight years," buying lawmakers more time to enact a reform package that sticks.

The bill includes $403.9 million for education in the next fiscal year, Herbert said.

Addressing the ongoing COVID-19 scare, Herbert said it has introduced uncertainty into the Legislature's final days. Lawmakers have appropriated $16 million for the Utah Department of Health to combat the pandemic.

"We're trying to make sure the people of Utah know we're not taking this lightly. We're taking it very seriously," Herbert said.

Herbert then fielded questions from the assembled media. Asked about his emotions while wrapping up his final legislative session, he called the moment "bittersweet."

"It's a little poignant. ... It's been a great run," he said. "I'm very pleased and grateful for the successes we've had."

Herbert said the final months of his administration will not be a "victory lap," but rather a "sprint to the finish line."

The governor said he would "never say no" to the possibility of a special session addressing COVID-19, but hopes the state is already prepared enough without one. He did leave open the possibility for a special session for other needs, like possibly nailing down details in the education funding bills.

When asked two questions about the abortion-restriction bills considered by the Legislature (a ban on most elective abortions passed on Thursday, dependent upon the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade; a bill requiring ultrasounds before abortions did not), Herbert said such efforts are not surprising in a conservative state like Utah.

But he said the female Senators who walked out while their male counterparts passed the ultrasound bill sent "a strong message."

"I think the sense for many women is, 'Are you listening to us?'" Herbert said. "'We're on the front lines on this issue. We ought to be consulted.' ... We should value their input. There's nobody who understands birth more than a woman."

Herbert concluded his remarks by praising his colleagues in the Legislature for what he said was fiscally responsible policymaking. "This has been a great session. ... I just want you all to know how much I appreciate the great work of the Legislature."