Thank You, Gov. Huntsman

Gov. Jon Huntsman has called the Legislature into a special session, to address projected shortfalls in Utah’s 2008-09 budget. That is the kind of leadership Utah needs right now.

Only the Legislature can set/modify agency budgets. Outside of the annual 45-day general session, however, only the Governor can call the Legislature into session to do that. In the fall of 2001, the economy was headed south. The Legislature wanted to address the budget, but Gov. Leavitt would not call us in. Instead, he incorrectly opined that the downturn was V-shaped (quick down/quick up). The several-month delay getting into session and adjusting the budget meant that deficits had to be absorbed over fewer months in the fiscal year (5 months, instead of 9), thereby making the cuts steeper. (If we need to cut the budget by X, that amount is easier to swallow the longer period over which it can be spread).

Though national and international factors mostly drive the economy, states can do a lot to help their citizens. Utah has worked hard to build a stable, efficient state government. Our goal is for the State to provide reliable services and infrastructure and to allow citizens to keep more of their own money. The quicker we match our budget to the realities of the downturn, the more likely we are to achieve that goal and make sure that Utah is one of the last states to enter the downturn and one of the first to pull out of it.

No doubt, especially deep into an election cycle, we’ll catch grief for anything we do to solidify the budget. But, that’s how it goes. Some lead, and some criticize. Right now, struggling Utahns need the backing of a solid state government. That requires a governor who is willing to lead. So, thanks, Gov!