Details of Proposed Budget
Dec. 14, 2000-- Governor Leavitt says, "Education plus better-paying jobs equals quality of life."
That's the equation he used to headline next year's proposed budget.
Government Specialist Richard Piatt reports from the state capitol.
Financially it has been one of the best years ever for Utah.
There is a surplus to the tune of $656 million dollars, and the Governor reccomends almost all of it be invested in people.
If there's a clear winner in this budget, it's education.
Governor Mike Leavitt: IT'S CLEARLY A TARGETED, STRATEGIC BUDGET TO BOLSTER PUBLIC AND HIGHER EDUCATION AND TO INSURE WE HAVE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY INTO THE FUTURE.
As earlier reported, the Governor is recommending a whopping 8 percent increase in public education. That amounts to a total of $2.4 billion.
Higher education's growing enrollment and technology needs are addressed with an $837 million proposal.
But, according to the Governor, the good news isn't just in education. In fact, there is growth in the rest of the state's budget, too.
For the first time, Leavitt wants to give 6 percent raises across the board to state employees.
And the Governor is recommending modest tax cuts by re-indexing tax brackets and taking needy Utahns off the tax rolls.
Other highlights include $3.4 million to fund drug courts.
More than $800,000 to hire new state troopers.
And there is more than $22-million of ongoing funds for health care for low income families.
The budget really gets applause in the area of human services.
Roz McGee/Utah Children: AT FIRST LOOK, WE'RE VERY PLEASED. WE'RE INTERESTED IN THE AREA OF HUMAN SERVICES AND HEALTH. WE'RE PARTICULARLY PLEASE THE AREA OF ADOPTION SERVICES ARE BEING ADDRESSED.
Lawmakers will ultimately set the budget. There, too the response seems positive.
Sen. Al Mansell/Senate President: THERE'LL BE SOME CHANGES. BUT THE BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE BUDGET, THE LEADERSHIP I'VE BEEN WITH IS QUITE SUPPORTIVE OF THAT STRUCTURE.
The Governor's budget may be big, but there are very few new programs. Most of the money goes to education.
