Utah lawmakers preparing for the start of the 2023 legislative session

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah lawmakers will return Tuesday morning to Capitol Hill to begin the 2023 legislative session.

There’s plenty of anticipation and optimism heading into the 45-day session, as lawmakers on either side of the aisle have a look at what to do with Utah’s giant finances surplus.

“2023, I don’t assume it’s any shock, will probably be with the yr of the tax minimize once more, once more, and once more,” stated Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton.

Adams stated this would be the third yr of tax cuts.

“Each tax goes to be on the desk,” he stated. “We’re going to speak about revenue tax, tax on social safety. We’ll speak about property tax.”

With a $3.3 billion surplus, Gov. Spencer Cox needs to offer a few of it again to the individuals of Utah battling inflation.

“We have now proposed some one-time tax cuts and rebates. Sending checks again to Utahns — which might assist them not simply with the rising value of property values, however meals, transportation, all the will increase that they’ve seen over the previous yr,” he stated.

Newly-elected Home Minority Chief Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake Metropolis, is hoping these tax cuts are focused to these most in want.

“We’d like to see no tax in any respect on social safety. We’d like to see the gross sales tax on meals go away,” Romero stated.

Tax cuts might be achieved, leaders say, whereas additionally spending a file quantity on schooling.

“I believe we’ll fund instructor salaries instantly, which isn’t very traditional that we do,” Adams stated.

Together with Cox’s proposal of giving each instructor a $6,000 pay increase.

“My expectation is that college districts will give them their regular raises and this will probably be on high of that,” he stated.

Romero needs to go even additional.

“I’d additionally wish to see how we may discover full-day kindergarten and make our classroom dimension smaller.”

Different matters up for debate: abortion, transgender surgical procedures for minors, psychological well being, home violence prevention, and managing Utah’s booming inhabitants.

“We have to ensure that, as we’re rising, that the infrastructure retains up with it,” Cox stated. “You possibly can preserve a top quality of life with extra individuals, however it’s a must to be intentional about it.”

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All sides agree — water conservation can be an enormous precedence in order that we will get extra water to the Nice Salt Lake.

“After all, high of thoughts for all Utahns is water provide, and specifically, the Nice Salt Lake,” Romero stated.

“We’ve received to discover a option to clear up our water issues, however I’m optimistic,” Adams stated.

The governor and lawmakers encourage Utahns to become involved, saying you can also make a distinction by voicing your opinions about proposed payments.

The session will finish on March 3.