Bagels and Budget
Thanks to those who came to the “Bagels and Briefings” today. Our discussion centered on the most recent version of the proposed FY 2011 budget and the tax structure in Utah. It is always great to have these opportunities to discuss issues with interested constituents. Hope to see you again at the Legislative wrap up meeting in a few weeks that will follow the end of the session.
Budget adjustments made by the Executive Appropriations Committee and discussed on Thursday afternoon in our Republican caucus can be found at this link:
http://le.utah.gov/interim/2010/pdf/00000510.pdf
Some other useful links are available now. A very helpful chart describing the changes to the URS system can be found here:
http://le.utah.gov/lrgc/2010retirementbenefitstable.pdf
Most recent budget changes for FY 2011 (including the anticipated $43M additional revenue anticipated from the tobacco tax) can be found here:
http://le.utah.gov/interim/2010/pdf/00000510.pdf
As you look at the budgets for each appropriations committee the area at the top that is highlighted indicates the cuts from last year that have already been made. The lighter highlighted section at the bottom of each budget category indicates the areas not considered by the appropriations committee, but still receiving review for possible additional funding. The un-highlighted section of each category represents the recommendations of the appropriations committee. You will note areas of proposed budget restorations, both using one-time and on-going money (columns Q and R). If you have questions, please let me know and I’ll try to answer them. This was the topic of our spirited “Bagels and Briefings” this morning. One thing you will note is that in this proposal Public Education takes a $21M additional cut, beyond the cuts inherent in our not funding for growth (funding for growth would require $75M). Know this represents a utilization of about half the Rainy Day funds, leaving $210M in the Fund.