2010 Legislature Wrap Up
Representative Roger E. Barrus
The 2010 Legislature was able to conclude its work a "little" early on March 11 and adjourned one whole hour before it was required to do so by Utah's constitution. The legislature can only be in general session for 45 days each year. Any issues that may come up during the year are handled in a special session, usually lasting only a day. Given the economic condition of our country and state, I felt this was a remarkable session having achieved a balanced budget that covered the priorities of public and higher education, public safety, and health and human services. There were significant cuts made to other state agencies and services to achieve the balanced budget. The only tax increase passed was an increased tax of one dollar on each pack of cigarettes sold. Survey results from my online survey this year showed that a cigarette tax was the most widely accepted tax increase, if one were imposed during the 2010 legislative session. I did vote to increase the cigarette tax not to just increase revenue, but primarily as an incentive for smokers to stop smoking and for kids to not start.
Several other significant bills were passed this year that have been highlighted in past weekly updates. Among them is a reform of the public employees retirement system, which was no longer sustainable at its current level of benefits given the $6.5 billion loss it sustained from the economic downturn. A package of ethics reform bills were also passed that will help sustain the integrity of the institution of the legislature. I am personally pleased to see this done. Most men and women with whom I serve are very honorable, but politics can corrupt if there are not checks and balances. Those we represent deserve nothing less than for their elected representatives to uphold the public trust. I will say, however, that I am concerned with the citizens' ethics initiative that is circulating because it places a lot of power with a handful of individuals who themselves are not accountable to the citizenry as they are not elected public officials who can be removed from their positions through the vote of the people. I believe you will find that the ethics issues that are of public concern have been addressed thoroughly in the ethics package passed by the legislature. One of the bills even provides that Utah's Constitution be amended to include an ethics commission responsible to address ethics complaints against legislators.
A package of healthcare reform bills were passed that will keep Utah at the leading edge of providing quality healthcare at affordable prices in a competitive environment. They address tort reform, transparency in pricing, individual coverage versus employer coverage, and access to an open insurance portal for individuals and employers. Utah does not need a national healthcare plan. Each state should be able to address healthcare issues that best suit its citizens. One national change that would help is to allow individuals to purchase health insurance across state lines. That would open markets and increase competition.
To wrap up the 2010 legislative session, I have attached a couple of links that will lead you to a summary of the 2011 budget appropriations and some selected highlights of bills passed during the 2010 session.
You can also access this information by clicking appropriations here and highlights here.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you in the legislature.
Representative Roger Barrus