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The legislative session getting underway today won't be easy, primarily because of the challenge of setting a workable and balanced state budget. With the economy in recession and revenues declining dramatically there simply won't be enough money to fund all of the state's many needs.
But how much should be cut, and which programs should take the biggest hit? That's the $10 billion question.
Key legislative leaders say there should be a reduction in state spending of about 15-percent. That, in KSL's view, isn't the most prudent approach. It would devastate vital human service programs, severely impact education and public safety, and do serious, unnecessary harm to the quality of life in Utah.
Governor Huntsman, on the other hand, has outlined a much more creative approach that would keep most cuts at about seven-percent, with education's hit being less than four-percent. Among other things, it would require bonding and drawing on the state's Rainy Day Fund, something the conservative majority is reluctant to do.
KSL is all for belt-tightening and balanced budgets. However, rather drawing a hard line in the sand at the beginning of the session, we urge lawmakers to follow the governor's lead and look for creative ways to limit the damage.
