IDev TV

ST. GEORGE – The Utah Legislature opened its annual 45-day general session Monday with the prospect of hundreds of bills to consider and nearly $13 billion in taxpayer funds to allocate.

A prayer and music from the Osmond family got things rolling, and legislators said they felt a more optimistic mood than in the past three years, when the effects of the Great Recession resulted in major cuts.

I think everybodys encouraged that the economy looks better, Rep. Don Ipson, R-St. George, said after the proceedings. The Governors Office of Budget and Planning projects a $280 million surplus for the 2012-13 fiscal year, which starts in July.

I think Im cautiously optimistic well make some headway, Ipson said.

Still, the surplus is not enough to fund expected growth in enrollment at public schools and the states higher institutions, increasing costs for health care, proposals to restore funding to items cut in previous years from human services programs and a host of other demands.

Much of the surplus is likely headed to schools, with leading Republicans and Democrats calling it a priority, but even with $41 million needed to cover the costs of an estimated 12,500 new students likely to pass, there are still questions about whether the state will fund a small pay increase for teachers as well as support initiatives for more online classes, technology, and more charter and private school opportunities.

There is also a desire to put funding into the states institutions of higher education, which used tuition increases to offset cuts over the past few years, and human services advocates are seeking the reinstitution of some programs that were cut during the recession.

You are in this room to make the hard choices, like others have before you, House Speaker Becky Lockhart, R-Provo, said in her opening comments, advising legislators to keep in mind the needs of their constituents and focus on doing the greatest good rather than sending messages or funding pet projects.

In addition to budget matters, lawmakers are considering a slew of other issues, including more proposals for immigration laws, an overhaul of management at the states liquor agency and proposals to challenge the federal government on health care and public lands.

Lockhart urged House members to find creative solutions to problems and reiterated the desire of Republicans – who hold a veto-proof supermajority in both chambers – to avoid any tax increases.

Be bold, she said. Be brave. Be able to say when this session is over that you did your very best.

Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, noted that economic trends point toward Utah recovering from the troublesome economy better than most states, and said legislators from other states often ask him for advice. He urged Senate members to learn from bees, Utahs symbol of hard work.

The beehive is a colony where a group works together for the benefit of all, he said.

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