Observations and advice as Utah lawmakers convene amid dark clouds

The Utah Legislature convenes Tuesday amidst difficulties both here and in Washington.

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

The Utah Legislature convenes next Tuesday under some dark clouds: Turmoil in the nation’s capital, a raging pandemic and economic jitters. We try to forecast the chance of storm.

The Legislature is adjusting rules and protocols to prevent outbreaks of the coronavirus and reduce the threat of disruptive protests. This will impact public access and deliberations. Can the “peoples business” be done in this style?

Pignanelli: ”Be open to adjustments. There’s nothing about this current moment in history that allows for stubbornness.” — Unknown

The world record of balls juggled is 11, by a British 18-year-old. The Utah Legislature is about to attempt a similar feat.

For 45 days from Tuesday, the Legislature will pass a budget, prevent coronavirus outbreaks, review legislation, contain left- and right-wing protests, etc. — while admirably providing public access. For protection, visitors’ bags will be inspected and committee hearings restricted. To compensate, the legislative website will have enhanced interactive features.

An invigorating feature of a normal legislative session is the daily pandemonium in front of the House and Senate chambers. Lobbyists, activists and others congregate to argue and negotiate — a vital part of democracy. Such personal contact and gatherings are now prohibited.

The political community is quietly conjecturing what happens if there is an outbreak of the virus on Capitol Hill. Do they adjourn early or move to all virtual?

Because a substantial portion of legislative activities will be conducted on a virtual basis, the traditional commitment to transparency and adequate notice must be prioritized. This hybrid of personal and electronic access will be permanent; therefore, standards must be established this year.

Politics is central to the human condition and adapted to challenges for millennia. Our state officials are learning new juggling skills.

Webb: The Utah Legislature has done an outstanding job of using technology to provide access to legislative proceedings and to follow legislation. However, it is easy for lawmakers to become insulated without in-person interaction.

It’s fairly simple for the public to observe committee hearings virtually, but more difficult to provide meaningful input. Leaders are working hard to allow maximum public interaction. They should go out of their way to allow the public to ask questions, provide suggestions, and register their opinions — and do it all remotely. This will require more patience and perhaps longer meetings.

Members of Frank’s profession will find ways to interact with legislators on behalf of clients. The general public must have the same opportunities.

What are the major issues likely to be discussed and the politics surrounding them?

Pignanelli: As usual, the biggest issues will be budgetary. But the unusual feature is the concern by lawmakers that the revenue surplus may be the temporary bump of the federal stimulus. Education funding will undergo a new twist, a result from passage of the constitutional amendment expanding programs funded by income taxes. Other deliberations include the relationship between the governor and Legislature during emergencies, potential of a tax cut, reorganization of state agencies and funding of large projects. Also, there will be legislation establishing the legislative committee to realign legislative and congressional district boundaries.

Webb: Utah is extremely blessed to enjoy strong revenues and have a fat one-time money savings account. We can thank federal stimulus and lawmakers who were wise and frugal amid economic concerns when the pandemic hit. Bottom line: lawmakers have money to spend.

The priorities ought to be: First, conquer the pandemic by getting everyone vaccinated. Spend what is necessary. Second is education and workforce development funding, particularly teacher salaries. We have a lot of ground to make up in properly funding education.

Third, infrastructure spending to prepare for Utah’s rapid population growth. Good mobility is crucial for a strong economy. We can’t fall behind on highway and public transit expansion or we’ll never catch up. Bonding could be a part of the solution. Housing prices and shortages are another big growth challenge that must be addressed with the private sector taking the lead.

Fourth, saving money to deal with what is almost certain to be a rocky time ahead economically. This can be done by putting money in the bank. But even better is to utilize a “working rainy day fund” by putting money into one-time projects (especially infrastructure) that build the economy, with that money being available in future years for other uses.

Personally, I think the times are too uncertain to provide a tax cut, especially one nobody will even notice. Governors and legislators love to say they cut taxes, but what is being proposed is token, at best.

For the first time in many years, the overwhelmingly Republican Legislature will be dealing with a federal government completely controlled by Democrats. What happens?

Pignanelli: Congressional Democrats always breed multiple message bills from the Legislature. Further, there is growing frustration that Utah succeeded during the pandemic despite dysfunction in D.C. and other states. These emotions will foster actions by Gov. Cox and lawmakers through various national organizations and Utah’s delegation to repel perceived federal overreach.

Webb: Be frugal and prepare for the day when federal profligacy and monumental debt produce a federal implosion, forcing Utah to survive on its own without federal largesse.