Local organizers oppose statewide tax cuts, call for investments in Utah's future instead






© Provided by KUTV Salt Lake City


While Utah lawmakers have expressed that they are looking to cut taxes statewide, some citizens have acknowledged their opposition to this choice. 

Representatives of service providers and advocates for the poor seeking to prioritize the state’s unmet needs such as clean air, lake preservation and affordable  housing said they want to see more investments in their causes in a press conference that was held at the Utah State Capitol on Monday.

Speakers of the coalition said investments need to happen sooner rather than later.

Matt Berry, water fiscal and conservation policy specialist with the Utah Rivers Council, stated that preserving the Great Salt Lake is something that needs to be addressed immediately. 

“This is a long-term set of changes that can cost us $500 million or more,” Berry said. “Look at Senator Romney’s Assessment. He said saving the Great Salt Lake can be a multi-million-dollar project, and the time for investment is now.”

Stephanie Jones with the Community Action Partnership of Utah said that housing is a concern for families and that investing in those needs goes a long way.

“Families are foundation,” Jones said. “But housing keeps families healthy and productive.”

Governor Cox proposed $1 billion in tax cuts for this fiscal year. This could include things like one-time rebate checks, as well as income and property tax reductions. 

Lawmakers said they are also looking at phasing out the social security tax, though they noted that they are holding off on tax-related bills for the time being, as they want all parties to be on the same page before a decision is made. 

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