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Richard Piatt reporting The Utah Legislature counted down the minutes Wednesday night as the 2005 session ended.
A lot of bills have generated interest over the last 45 days. Here's how some of them ended up.
You'll recall the bill to tax and reorganize Intermountain Health Care is on hold right now. IHC agrees to take part in a multi-year study before anything happens.
The controversial Tuition Tax Credit bill failed this year. The Carson Smith speicial needs scholarship--which is tuition tax credits for children with special needs-- passed.
Hate Crimes failed for yet another year.
Selective hunting on Antelope Island passed.
The so-called 'hotter' B and C waste is officially banned---the Governor already signed that bill.
And state workers are loosing a benefit to cash in their sick leave for health benefits.
Budget wise, transportation was a big winner with a $120-million dollar boost this year.
Public education gets a $71 million dollar bump in classroom money.
Dental and vision benefits are restored, and health insurance for children is funded.
State workers will get a raise---some of them a big boost to bring them up to market scale.
And the Governor's priorities are mostly met. The phase out of corporate income taxes is undergoing changes right now.
There have been some rough spots: A standoff over a Vets retirement home in the House and a drug rehab program in the Senate ended with neither being funded. But, both the House speaker and the Senate President praised fellow lawmakers and the Governor for a productive session, they say.
The Governor says he's had ups and downs, but over all says he's pleased, too.
