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Show ' THE SAN JUAN BECORD Wednesday January 25, 1989 - Page 3 Utah budget prospects for As the Utah Legislature convened to tackle the problems facing the state, it has the benefit of an improved financial outlook. This was the opinion of Utah Foundation, a private tax research organization, in their latest analysis of state budget prospects for 1989-9- 0. The Foundation study shows that after several years of serious financial problems, Utah state finances improved dramatically over the past year. Not only was the state able to meet all of its legislative commitments last year without d any spending reductions, but it also concluded the year with a sizable surplus. Utah ended the 1987-8- 8 fiscal year with a total surplus of $ 109.6 million, but most of these funds were allocated for a onetime income tax refund totaling $77 million and a $22.9 million transfer to Utahs surplus rainy day fund. After these special allocations and transfers, the state still had an unallocated balance of $9.7 million remaining at the end of the year. across-the-boar- Governor Bangerter has proposed' a state operating 1989-9- 0 are improved budget of $2,555,237,800 for the 1989-9-0 fiscal year. This represents an increase of $75.4 million, or 3 percent over the amount authorized during the current (1988-89- ) fiscal year. The proposed operating budget would allow a general salary increase of 3 percent for state and education employees and still permit a $19 million tax cut. In addition to the regular operating budget, the Governor recommended $312.6 million for capital outlay and $64.7 million for debt service. Thus, the total budget suggested by the Governor for 1989-9- 0 is $2,932,535,300. This total budget is only about $20.7 million more than total authorizations for 1988-8but the 1988-8budget included one-tim- e appropriations to settle the thrift crisis and other nonrecurring items. Foundation analysts indicate that even though the tax initiatives were rejected by the Utah voters last year, they served to focus attention on the need to restrain further tax increases by seeking greater economy in state and local government operations. When the Governor presented his 1989-9- 0 state budget, he in- 9, 9 would include regular operat- dicated that he heard and understands the message sent by the tax limitation moveHe noted that even ment. though the initiatives were defeated, we should not interpret it as a mandate to spend, but rather we should interpret it as a mandate to be frugal. Although total state spending for 1989-9-0 is projected to exceed $2.9 billion, the Found- ation study indicates that a substantial part of these expenditures will come from restricted funds such as federal aid, departmental collections, local property tax for the minimum school program, other taxes and fees earmarked for special purposes. Utahs nonhighway activ- ities are financed mainly from general fund and uniform school fund free revenue receipts. The Governors budget for the 1989-9-0 fiscal year calls for general fund and uniform school fund appropriations totaling $1,479.6 million. This ing appropriations of $1,407.6 million, debt service of $61.3 million, and capital outlay of $10.7 million. The Governor also recommended a new $50 million bond issue to finance most of Utahs capital outlay needs. The general fund uniform school fund spending program for 1989-9-0 would be financed from projected general fund revenues of $801.8 million, estimated school fund revenues of $692.0 million, and a transfer of $12.8 million from Utahs it drops. The fee for grazing year 1989, which runs from March 1, 1989 until February 28, 1990, will be $1.86 per Animal Unit Month (AUM), an increase of 21 percent over the 1988 fee of by Dorothy Nielson There was a light turnout for the town meeting scheduled by Representative Howard Nielson. However, those who attended had a chance to ask many questions as well as get better acquainted with the congressman. Commissioner Mark Mary- - Telephone: EYEGLASSES Burford said. Grazing fees are collected $1.54, under the authority of the Taylor Grazing Act using a fee formula set in Executive Order 12456 of February 14, 1986. That formula consists of a base value of grazing on public lands adjusted by indices reflecting this past years private land lease rates, cost of production, and beef cattle prices. The increase in the 1989 grazing fee was due largely to the increase in beefcattle prices, and to some extent, the increase in private land lease rates. About 19,000 livestock operators depend on lands administered by BLM to supply part of the forage needed by their cattle and sheep each year. 259-584- Primary Childrens Medical Center , 320 TWelfth Avenue, Salt Lake City 84103 All donations for charity care This ad was sponsored by: circuit breaker program which provides relief to elderly individuals and families, and $7 million to speed up the scheduled transfer of sales tax revenue from the state to local units of government. low-inco- at boy represented the county Several topics the meeting. were discussed. Nielson spoke of the problems with savings and loans institutions, many of which face deficits and bankruptcy. They are shaky, Nielson said, because of interest rates, big payments and lack of diverof Catastropic Health Care, stating it is compulsary and will include drug expenses over $600. It will be paid by Part B of Medicare and surtax of income. The deductible will escalate. Nielson also talked of the proposed pay raise for Congress. He is against it. A suggested bill, which he would support, would make pay raises applicable only after a congressman has been in office a This alternative bill year. would not piggy-bac- k on another bill and it would eliminate honoraria. Nielson said the pay raise is a bad idea in view of the size of the budget deficit, and that the budget should be balanced before a pay raise is considered. Nielson also spoke about insurance, the road into Navajo Mountain, and San Juan Marina. Money seems to be the problem for the road and the marina. Making a Job-Relat- ed Move? Moving expenses are allowed only as an itemized deduction, but are not subject to the two percent floor. See IRS Publication 521, Moving Expenses, for details. Get it free by calling 6 AND CONTACT LENSES Office Hours A volunteer will call or you may mail your donation to These three revenue sources total $1,506.6 million, or about $27 million more than the recommended general fund regular appropriations. It was suggested that these excess funds be used to finance a $19 million tax reduction program, a $1 million addition to the sification. He spoke Dr. B.A. Broughton OPTOMETRIST 90 South Main Street Moab, Utah 84532 When you give fund. rainy day Bluff welcomes Representative Nielson Grazing fees rise on BLM land The formula works, Bureau of Land Management Director Robert F. Burford proclaimed as he announced that, grazing fees on Bureau of Land Management administered public lands will rise for the second consecutive year to reflect the strong health of the industry. This second year of fee increases shows the formula we use to determine the fee is working as Congress intended. In good times when prices are up, the fee rises; in hard times when the industry is depressed, surplus Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 noon Closed Thursday Medicaid Accepted The Hitchin Post Boot Shop Cortez, Colorado BOOTS FOR LESS ! Need boots or shoes repaired? Leave work at Juan Record |