"We Can Disagree"

None by KCPW

Huntsman Moves Ahead With Tax Cut Despite Education Concerns

(KCPW News) Plans are all but final for a special session of the Utah Legislature next Tuesday to cut the individual income tax. And while most lawmakers appear warm to the Governor's proposal, many in the education community remain wary. Still, Huntsman plans to push ahead without their support.

"We can disagree on aspects of funding," says Huntsman. "I would always argue that this is about economic development. The economy is strong. We had record funding for education last year. We will again this year."

The Utah School Boards Association and Utah School Superintendents Association have both asked Huntsman not to make the cut, since public schools are funded primarily through income tax revenues. Democratic lawmakers also have deep concerns that the long-term impact of the flat tax on education is not yet clear. But Governor Huntsman and lawmakers want to make good on the 70-million dollar tax cut promise they made earlier this year.

"It's 70-million dollars that's already been earmarked and appropriated for tax reform, and I think we need to respect the category in which is has been appropriated," says Huntsman.

If they don't use that money for a tax cut, it's unclear whether it could be absorbed back into education spending. Huntsman says he's not worried about making enemies in the education community with his push to cut taxes. He's confident the reform will strengthen the economy and ultimately lead to more funding for schools. He will issue the special session agenda later this week.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW