Becky Edwards

In the majority caucus today at noon we discussed the FY10 budget actions by the Appropriations Subcommittees. These numbers are grim. I feel like I should have one of those warning signs posted: “For Mature Readers Only.” I’ll go through each of the Appropriations Subcommittees and indicate the total cut they are taking both in dollars and in percent of their budget. I’ll also include an example or two from each committee that will show how the cuts play out on specific line items in each budget.

Capital Facilities and Government Operations
$58,674,600 cut
-29.1%
They are requesting a $30M bond to cover new facilities and maintenance on current facilities

Commerce and Workforce Services
$20,822,100 cut
-17.3%
Rehabilitation Services cut by $2M

Economic Development and Revenue
$20,971,900 cut
-18.5%
USTAR recruitment budget cut by $4.36M
Tourism marketing cut by $3M

Executive Offices and Criminal Justice
$107,505,700 cut
-18.2%
Cuts will necessitate closing courts to the public 1 day a week
Juvenile Justice Services Long term lockup facility, cut $2.5M
Closure of pods with total of close to 500 beds, cut $15M

Department of Health
$65,969,900 cut
-17.1%
No new PCN applicants cut by 1.69M
Lower Medicaid rates cut by 1.62M

Department of Human Services
$52,597,000 cut
-17.5%
Local Mental Health cuts $1.75M

Higher Education
$155,767,300 cut
-18.4%
Utah Education Network cut $1.4M (distance learning program)

Natural Resources
$11,601,800 cut
-16.8%
Fire Suppression program cut $4M

Public Education
$453,618,600 cut
-17.9%
Social Security and Retirement, cut $96.5M
Reduce school year by 5 days, will save $12.5M each day school isn’t in session

Transportation, Environmental Quality, National Guard
$57,562,200 cut
-52.0%

TOTAL CUTS to FY 2010 General/Education Funds
$1,008,869,100 cut
-19.1%

The House leadership has given instructions to us all to come to the caucus meeting on Thursday prepared to discuss specifics about these cuts, how the federal stimulus package will be implemented, and what our other revenue enhancements may be including bonding, fee increases, and taxes on tobacco, motor fuels, and restoring sales tax on food. Within our current economic framework it is easy to get discouraged. However, every morning as we begin our session on the floor of the House we recite the Pledge of Allegiance. In those words lie an inspiration and a sense of history that instills in us a sure knowledge that we can and will move beyond our current situation to a state of prosperity again. “I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America. And to the Republic, for which it stands. One nation, under God. Indivisible, with liberty, and justice, for all.”