In December 2012 Sentinel News polled our local legislatorsto discover the top legislative issues for 2013. Most replied on issues with State finances, and the “Fiscal Cliff”. Related issues include Obamacare, the State budget, and Education funding. Following are their individual responses.
Senator Allen Christensen, who resides in North Ogden and is on several human services committees, said “Obamacare is one of the biggest” issues. Next, he listed whether to put sales tax back on food, new legislators learning, budget concerns of either +300 million dollars or -280 million dollars, depending largely on the federal “Fiscal Cliff.” He said it is frustrating that “we have to sit by and wait for them (the federal government) to act.” He said that’s, “scary stuff.” There also would be housekeeping items as usual.
Representative Ryan Wilcox, whose District includes North Ogden, most of Pleasant View, the North Eastern part of Ogden and surrounding smaller areas said that financial and Obamacare concerns were right at the top. Representative Wilcox said that taxes are a big issue. Wilcox says he just received a new assignment as chairman of a House financial committee.
Senator Scott Jenkins, whose district covers the western part of Weber County, didn’t hesitate in saying that education funding and education are at the top of the list as usual. He mentioned that education always wants more funding, yet the educational results must be looked at in conjunction with that funding. The “Fiscal Cliff” and government take top spots with him too. There is a 500 million difference in potential budget amounts for 2013 due to the federal/state situation. He says that could be “pretty bleak on the future.” Lastly, he said that if the State has the money, there could be some building construction.
Representative Lee Perry, whose District includes Northwestern Weber County and Southern Box Elder County, listed State finances as the most important, and said the finances depend on what the Federal Government does. He says the “Fiscal Cliff” will result in cuts. Next he listed immigration, since there is a law ready to take effect this summer. Perry suggested that there might be some amendments to that. Next, he listed Medicare/Obamacare/Financial concerns. The question is what the federal government will try to force upon us. Lastly, Representative Perry listed education as a top issue.
Senator Peter Knudson from Brigham City immediately listed the State Budget as top priority – again with a possible $410 million surplus or $280 million deficit. He described the “Fiscal Cliff”, basically making Utah a victim of the federal government. He said the legislature would have to take the first several weeks of the legislature in making cuts. He said that might be as much as 1 billion dollars. He also described several issues with Medicaid becoming very expensive. Currently, the State is only responsible for 30% of the Medicaid costs, but the federal government has proposed cutting their contribution for Medicaid.
Sentinel News thanks each of these government officials for their responses and encourage prudence and fiscal responsibility as they consider legislation with the aim of restoring our country's financial stability.
