by Tax Watchdog | Mar 20, 2006 | 2006 Enterprise Articles
by Howard Stephenson After flat or moderate budget growth from 2001 to 2004, state government growth has re-accelerated to levels that surpass growth rates of even the 1990s, according to a recent analysis by the Utah Taxpayers Association Public education spending is...
by Tax Watchdog | Mar 13, 2006 | 2006 Enterprise Articles
by Howard Stephenson When the legislature adjourned sine die on March 1, everyone knew they’d be back in a matter of weeks. The Latin words sine die mean literally, “without day” indicating adjournment without additional days to meet having been designated. But...
by Tax Watchdog | Feb 20, 2006 | 2006 Enterprise Articles
by Howard Stephenson The Utah Legislature will be providing substantial increases in funding for public education this year, thanks to an improved economy and a renewed commitment by lawmakers. While the increased funding will be significant by any measure, there will...
by Tax Watchdog | Feb 13, 2006 | 2006 Enterprise Articles
by Howard Stephenson Having lobbied the Utah Legislature for 15 years as a taxpayer advocate and then having served 14 years in the Utah Senate I have never been more concerned about the effect of the media on public opinion than I am today. In enumerating the...
by Tax Watchdog | Jan 16, 2006 | 2006 Enterprise Articles
by Howard Stephenson Utahns will most likely be getting tax cuts next year as state government revenues continue to grow dramatically. With surpluses projected at $1 billion following four years of revenue stagnation, it’s time for serious tax cuts. The Governor and...
by Tax Watchdog | Jan 9, 2006 | 2006 Enterprise Articles
by Howard Stephenson The years of tight budgets appear to be over for a while. But with good times come greater temptations for policymakers to use the largess to grow government. Thanks to the availability of significant rainy day funds and the ability to extend bond...
