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Richard Piatt Reporting Governor Huntsman's ideas for tax reform are still a hard sell at the Legislature. Lawmakers have been meeting all day about whether to meet in a special session. Changes in tax policy would be front and center at that session.
Part of the problem is that some lawmakers see the Governor's tax reform as simply a tax cut for the richest Utahns. Some are wondering if boosting education funding might be a better idea, but the fact is, 70 million dollars is waiting, already dedicated to tax reform.They approved that earlier this year.
The Governor appeared in person to once again pitch a system that would give you a choice: Pay your income taxes at the current, 7-percent rate with deductions, or pay a flat rate of 5.3 percent with no deductions.
Lawmakers are worried about winners and losers in the proposal. How much would most people really save? Also, people are still wondering about the state's under-funded education system.
Kim Campbell, Utah Education Association: "We wish that instead of talking about tax cuts they were talking about investing in education. We feel that would be a better return of the 70-million than a tax cut."
Rep. Ralph Becker, House Minority Leader: "I have concerns about the tax changes as they are proposed. We're really not changing the tax amount for most Utahns."
The other issue that's creating a stir here is the idea of changing the way Salt Lake County would pay for new TRAX expansions. Right now, voters will decide whether to raise property taxes. A bill proposed for the special session would let people vote on a sales tax increase instead. That would spread the cost over a larger population, including tourists.
There are philosophical differences on both these items in the Legislature. Today---not the actual special session--is when all the heavy selling is taking place.
