The Issues

I am completing my second term in the state senate. When first elected in November 2000, my constituents asked me to address issues like Education, Transportation, Energy, Taxation, and a host of others. We have made significant progress on many fronts, I’ve sponsored bills that address these important priorities. By listening to constituents and working hard to forge consensus among my legislative colleagues, we can continue to make a difference.

We have made significant progress on funding education and transportation, while at the same time, reducing the tax burden placed on our citizens. Over the last few years, we have increased education funding by unprecedented amounts and have significantly increased teacher compensation, as well as other policy decisions that have benefitted our state. Utah enjoys recognition as the best fiscally managed state in the nation. We are one of the best states to start a business, raise a family, find quality employees, and educate children. All of these require teamwork with constituents, the legislature, governor's office, executive branch, and a host of other stakeholders.

We have many challenges. With the growth in student population due to the influx of new students, education continues to be a top priority. Addressing illegal immigration and its impact on our state, and meeting the growing demands of government will continue to be difficult issues for Utah.

Private school vouchers were rejected by the public in a referendum last year. I do not believe that we will see vouchers proposed in next few years, however, I support parents have a stronger voice in the education of their children. The challenges vouchers were intended to address, including class size reduction, increased per-pupil spending and parental choice are still here. With the defeat of vouchers, we need to come together as a community and find other viable solutions.

2008 is the first year that our income tax reforms will be in effect for the entire year. While I generally support lower taxes, I believe that the fundamentals of good tax policy include consistency, stability, and predictability. It would be prudent to see the full impact of the tax reforms of 2005 - 2007, before we make any major new changes. Tax policy has a great deal to do with our ability to attract new, quality businesses with quality jobs, and to generate economic development. As such, we should continue to fine tune our tax policy to be competitive.

Transportation funding is one of our greatest challenges. Quality roads, mass transit, and other forms of transportation benefit all Utah citizens. Because miles driven is increasing faster than gasoline tax revenue, gas tax may not be the best, or only, alternative to fund these infrastructure needs. The Utah legislature has made significant progress, and has appropriated hundreds of millions of dollars over the last few years to address our highway construction costs. We will continue to seek the best alternatives to pay for these transportation needs.

As the successful sponsor of legislation banning late term abortions, and prohibiting state funding of abortions, I am a staunch defender of the rights of the unborn child. I would support a more restrictive abortion law and believe that there are many times when it is appropriate to defend our rights, even when there is an expense associated with the defense of these rights. The right of the unborn child to live is perhaps one of the most appropriate of rights to defend.

I generally favor nuclear power and generally favor constructing a nuclear power plant in Utah to meet our growing demands for energy sources that do not contribute to our CO2 levels or harm the environment. I would want to see a specific proposal, however, before agreeing to support a specific project. I have heard from many constituents that favor nuclear power, but have not seen any specific proposal that addresses many of the concerns that have been raised historically. I will continue to study the issue and look forward to hearing from constituents and stakeholders.

I am undecided on the issue of private clubs. There have been several unintended consequences identified with the repeal of our private club laws. Thus far, I have not seen a proposal that adequately addresses these issues. I will continue to study the issue and look forward to hearing from constituents and stakeholders on this issue.

On the 4/10 workweek, like many Utah citizens, I am willing to support the governor's one year trial. I am looking forward to the analysis of the actual savings compared to the level of "customer service" available under the 4-day schedule.

I do not support a 4-day work week for legislative staff. The needs of constituents are not limited to just 4 days a week.

Disclosure and transparency are critical to the integrity of our system. Over the last several years, there have been many advancements and improvements in disclosure of lobbyist expenditures. I support lobbyist disclosure of their expenditures.