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Show Garth Jones reviews legistature "The Republican controlled house and senate of the Utah Legislature will probably take a different approach ap-proach to tax reduction than that proposed by Governor Scott Matheson,'" stated S. Garth Jones, Representative to the Legislature from Iron and Kane Counties. He indicated that the Republican Party will be looking at some differences dif-ferences in the means of reducing the tax bite on Utah citizens, but share the concern with the Governor, in his "State of the State and "Budget Report, that cuts must be made. The Republican philosophy does not favor a tax shift - taking from one to give to the other. "We will be looking at a line of priority that would include a heavy reduction in property tax, some adjustment in income tax and possibly a program that would provide local governments an opportunity op-portunity through revisions' in the sales tax to have more flexibility to adapt to local needs," he said. The Governor, Jones said, is proposing an overall increase of the state budget of 5.5 percent with a seven percent increase in the general fund. He is also providing for some "circuit breaker" relief in the property tax, a removal of the sales tax on food, and a rebate program that would begin in 1980. For those wishing to receive information in-formation on specific bills and their status in the Legislature Representative Represen-tative Jones indicated that a toll free number, 1-800-662-3367, has been established, The representative also asked that constituents contact him to inform him on their feelings on various bills as they progress through the Legislative session. The Legislature is just beginning to roll with standing committees beginning their work Wednesday. As bills are introduced the committee work will be increasing and the session "should be in full swing by next week," Jones indicated. |