Other Tax Commission Figures Now in Question

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State Lawmakers Challenge Accuracy of Fiscal Notes

(KCPW News) A calculation error now indicates the Governor's flat tax proposal would cost more than double the original estimate. The Utah State Tax Commission is shouldering the blame for the math flub, but state lawmakers are now squeamish about the validity of other fiscal notes prepared by the commission.

During a legislative committee Wednesday, Representative Becky Lockhart pointedly asked Commissioner Pam Hendrickson what assurance she has that so-called fiscal notes prepared by the commission to estimate the cost of other bills are accurate. Hendrickson tried to assure lawmakers she is fixing the problems that led to the errors.

Since lawmakers often disagree with cost estimates placed on their proposed measures, the new-found errors in the tax proposal are likely to encourage challenges of fiscal notes on future bills. When the State Legislature meets in special session next week, it plans to pass a measure that will allow staff from the Legislature and Governor's office to double-check analysis produced by the State Tax Commission.

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