As with most sessions there will be some new concerns along with some old ones that have never quite been resolved. But not a session goes by that doesn’t involve money — either too much or, more often, not enough.
“The budget will be a big issue this session,” newly appointed Senate Majority Leader, Sheldon Killpack, R-Syracuse, told the committee last Thursday. “It won’t be a matter of where to spend but where to cut the money.”
Killpack said the legislators have the responsibility to look at what will benefit the whole state and not just one group. “We’re going to get a lot of people coming to us lobbying for their projects,” he said. “People will say, ‘Why are you putting money into . . . instead of . . .’ But we must look at the big picture and key areas that will create long-term, high paying jobs.”
Another major issue to be addressed is energy. “Different ideas are presented and the general public doesn’t always know how much it costs,” said Killpack. “We must be very smart as we move forward. We will be meeting with the governor later today. But he gets to play Santa Claus and we have to play the Grinch.”
Rep. Roger Barrus, R-Centerville, who has been serving as chair of the Natural Resources, Agricultural and Environment Interim Committee said his group has been working with the governor and his staff as well.
“The governor looks more to renewables than fossil fuels,” said Barrus. “He wants to come to an agreement on energy for the Legislature in 2010. Legislative policies will drive energy policy. I want to look at the cost to the consumer to develop an energy resource.”
Health care reform will play a big part during the 2009 session as well. Both Barrus and Killpack have been serving on the health care task force that was formed after last year’s session.
“We’d really like to see reform so that an individual owns his own policy and it isn’t so employer driven,” said Barrus.
Killpack pointed out that the consumer has to take some responsibility for staying healthy, too.
“We’ve become a nation of coddlers,” he said. “We coddle bad behavior. People are not held accountable for personal choice. What is affordable? People will shell out $100 a month for satellite but won’t spend a dime for health care.”
Weber State University, Rocky Mountain Power and DATC also presented legislative objectives they would like addressed in the upcoming session such as funding for new building projects.
“We can’t start more programs until we get a second building (at the Davis campus),” said Weber State President Ann Millner. “Weber State can play a major role in the economic development of Davis County.”
Steve Rush of Rocky Mountain Power told the committee that his company would be pushing for legislation that would look at the rules for public utilities. The power company has been asking for rate increases to cover its operating costs.
“Transmission lines are important, and they are usually outside of Utah,” he said. “It is the lifeblood to get power into Utah. We’ve picked a fight with the Public Service Commission. If we are going to carry billions of dollars we need to see a return.”
Other discussion included the proposed area code overlay. “We (Qwest) are at a point of approaching an exhaust of the 801 area code,” said Eric Isom, who also serves as chair of the committee. “In 2009 we’ll need overlay area code relief. The benefit of the overlay is you can keep your existing number. The downside is 10 digit dialing starting in March.
“If we did a split instead of the overlay it would force a change in phone numbers which could hurt businesses.” Isom urged the legislators to keep an eye on any legislation that might push for the split rather than overlay.
Kori Ann Edwards gave an update on the Utah Procurement program that has seen an increase in contracts awarded to Utah businesses creating or retaining more than 5,000 jobs.
The committee will meet twice a week once the session begins to discuss relevant pieces of legislation. Due to a vote last session to start a week later, the legislative session will start Jan. 26, 2009.
bginos@davisclipper.com
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