| Where to spend it |
|
(in millions) |
Choose how you would
like to see the budget surplus spent.
Enter dollar amounts, in millions, in the categories below. |
|
|
| REPEAL
THE SALES TAX ON FOOD: The sales tax on food
brings in $165 million to state coffers annually. Check the
box to take that money from the surplus instead. |
|
|
|
| REDUCE INCOME
TAX: Several proposals would cut the state
income tax rate, currently at 7 percent. It would cost between
$20 million and $60 million to cut it below 5 percent. If
you favor using money from the surplus to cut this tax, enter
an amount. |
|
|
|
PUBLIC EDUCATION:
Public schools get the largest single chunk of state tax dollars
— more than $2.7 billion. Still, Utah has the lowest
per-pupil spending
in the nation. If you favor using money from the surplus to
increase this spending, enter an amount |
|
|
|
| HIGHER EDUCATION:
The state's 10 public universities and colleges are fueled
with more than $1 billion in public funds. If you favor using
money from the surplus to increase this spending, enter an
amount. |
|
|
|
| PUBLIC SAFETY / CORRECTIONS:
State law enforcement and corrections cost about $500 million
this year. If you favor using money from the surplus to increase
this spending, enter an amount. |
|
|
|
| ARTS / CULTURE:
Enter an amount if you favor a one-time payment from the surplus
to enhance art, music, dance, history and state licensed public
broadcasting organizations. |
|
|
|
| HEALTHCARE:
Utah spends about $1.8 billion (including federal funds) on
health programs and administration. If you favor using money
from the surplus to increase this spending, enter an amount. |
|
|
|
| ROADS: Transportation
funding — mostly for highways — tops $850 million.
If you favor using money from the surplus to increase this
spending, enter an amount. |
|
|
|
| SOCIAL PROGRAMS:
Welfare and other social programs in the state cost more than
$500 million. If you favor using money from the surplus to
increase this spending, enter an amount. |
|
|
|
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
The current administration wants to boost government efforts
to promote job growth in Utah. If you favor using money from
the surplus to increase this spending, enter an amount. |
|
|
|
| WATER DEVELOPMENT:
Bills have been introduced authorizing the Lake Powell Pipeline
and Bear River projects. Other measures would boost water
development funds. If you favor using money from the surplus
to increase this spending, enter an amount. |
|
|
|
| RAINY DAY FUND:
Utah's emergency reserve fund now has $170 million. If you
favor using money from the surplus to increase this spending,
enter an amount at right. |
|
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|
