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Show Scruggs says things going well in Utah ' f ' r : f r . j M F ; ? w - ' y ! K "Springtime is upbeat. ..things are going well in the state of Utah," H.E. 4 'Bud" Scruggs said as he began his "state of the state" talk for Bountiful Kiwanians, at their regular luncheon meeting Tuesday. Utah was recently recognized by "Financial World" as the best financially fi-nancially managed state, which is a solid credit, he observed, because this is not a popularity contest, but decisions are made by hard-nosed investigations by trained accountants accoun-tants and other observers. Scruggs credits this, and other high ratings, to a governor who is "hard-nosed" and knows "how to control business." Specialists who have come to observe and report on Utah's operations opera-tions have been surprised that this is a state in which pension and compensation com-pensation funds are sound, and that bonds pay off every six years. Scruggs compared budgeting to sleeping with a too small blanket. Needs and expectations are expanding. One example: Human services has increased spending $460 million, but there are still many calls for help, some triggered by programs imposed by national legislation which require local funding. fun-ding. On jobs: Scruggs reported that for three years in a row, jobs have increased by 30,000. A major factor which impacts Utah's financial and planning problems prob-lems is population growth such as a birth rate that is twice the national average. Touching on the fact that Utah spends fewer education dollars per child than most other states, Scruggs noted we should remember that we have a great corps of teachers who do a fantastic job. Plus, we know that children are keys to our economic future. In response to questions, Scruggs talked about the plan for bringing industries into Utah who would bring br-ing in more taxes and pay more tax-paying tax-paying workers. Sonia Wood competed in the - Intermediate Division of the I Junior Miss Dance and Drill I National Solo Competition in the 2nd grade category. She received the title of National ; Queen. |