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State revenue is forecast to increase by $34 million during the 2011 budget year; an indication that state recession is ending. However, there are still many economic challenges the legislature will face in 2010. In an effort to maintain our status as the "Best Managed State" in the Nation, I will be working hard to balance the state budget and make sure that in Utah, we live within our means. Questions 2-6 address these issues.
2. It is estimated that the state budget will be short approximately $875 million in 2010. How would you recommend filling that gap? Please mark all that apply.
Other:
3. If spending was cut, where would you like to see those cuts implemented? Mark all that apply.
Other:
4. The legislature has saved $419 million and placed it in a 'Rainy Day Fund.' How would you like to see those savings distributed?
Other:
5. Due to the economic downturn, the Utah Retirement System is under serious financial distress and lost $6.5 billion (over 30%) in 2008. Please mark the types of reform you would support for state employees.
Other:
6. In 2009, the Utah Legislature took pre-emptive action against a federal mandate and passed legislation guaranteeing employees the right to a secret ballot. In 2010 the legislature will address several other state rights issues. Would you support or oppose legislation...
6a. to reclaim land currently locked up by the federal government (which was intended to be state land) developed and used to fund education?
6b. that will prohibit state and local health departments from implementing any new, unfunded federal healthcare mandates?
6c. that would allow Utah to take steps to opt out of provisions that would raise taxes and harm businesses if a 'Cap and Trade' agreement passes congress.
6d. that would allow a firearm manufactured, sold and used in Utah to be regulated by Utah law and not federal law?
7. The legislature will consider ethics legislation in 2010 in addition to measures passed in 2009 (banned gifts over $50 and required disclosure on gifts over $10; prevented legislators from becoming lobbyists within one year of resigning from the legislature; mandated reporting campaign contributions within 30 days, etc). Would you support or oppose the following additional measures?
7a. Create an independent ethics panel to address legislative ethics complaints
7b. Campaign contribution limits
7c. Ban on gifts of any value
7d. Support citizen´s initiative even if flawed
8. In 2004, the legislature passed and the citizens ratified a constitutional amendment defining marriage between a man and a woman. Legislation may be introduced in 2010 that would allow local governments to adopt anti-discrimination measures for housing and employment. Would you support or oppose these measures?
9.The legislature began healthcare reform in 2008 and in 2009 created a consumer oriented, internet-based information exchange to provide one-stop, one-shop healthcare comparison pricing. Would you support or oppose efforts to continue to work toward a consumer-oriented healthcare system in Utah?
10. Legislation may be addressed that would change affirmative action policies in Utah. Generally speaking, do you support or oppose affirmative action policies that give preferential treatment to individuals based on their race or gender?
11. In order to crackdown on illegal abortions, legislation may be introduced that would define abortion as a medical procedure and would remove immunity for women who seek illegal abortions. Would you support or oppose this measure?
12. A company named Utah Crossing, Inc is currently seeking permission to construct a private toll road across Utah Lake in order to ease traffic concerns between I-15 and Saratoga Springs. Utah should (mark all that apply):
13.In July of this year, a law went into effect that significantly increased enforcement against illegal immigration in Utah. The many provisions of this law include requiring employers to use E-Verify, a section that prevents illegal immigrants from receiving state-funded scholarships and a provision allowing local police officers to become deputized federal immigration officials. Utah should (mark all that apply):
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