Today I received an inviation from my represenative, Wayne Harper (R-West Jordan) to attend a town meeting on February 7 from 4-6 pm at the West Jordan City Library, 1970 E 7800 South. He also included a questionnaire,
covering a few of the issues and topics that may be consider this session.
Here are the items on this questionnaire (each question is a “yes” “no” answer unless otherwise indicated) – at the bottom of the really nice brochure it says “Paid for by the Republican Party”. There were many spelling errors that I have corrected in my re-typing of the survey below.
Representaive Wayne Harper
House District 43
2009 Legislative Survey
The steep increase in property tax assessments in many parts of Salt Lake and other counties has led to many bills addressing property tax reform. Some say radical reform is needed – cities and counties caution that radical changes may only lead to steep increases in other taxes and fees. Questions 1-5 deal with some proposals being discussed.
1. Pass a California-type plan (“Prop 13″) to freeze taxes indefinitely until the property is sold. (Note: Under this plan, two homes valued at the same amount might be assessed differing taxes, with one person paying $700 a year an dtheir neighbor paying $2,000 per year) based on when the home is purchased. Do you favor this plan?
2. A different proposal is to assess the value of properites each year (rather than every 5 years) so that large “swings” in valuation do not occur. Do you favor this plan?
3. My proposal to reduce property taxes by 40-50% and to increase sales taxes 1.4% to provide thesame amount of revenue for schools. Do you favor this plan?
4. Should property tax increases by limited to the annual increase in the Social Security cost-of-living index?
5. Should a vote of the people be required to authorize schools, cities or counties to increase property taxes more than the annual cost of living rate?
6. There may be several proposals for the legislature to consider that may stimulate Utah’s economy. What types of economic stimulus proposals would you support, if any? Mark all that apply:
— I would not support any economic stimulus program
—Borrow money to keep road projects going
—Federal/State partnership to provide more capital to home buyers
—Begin several building projects in cooperation with public/private partnerships
—Use funds to attract businesses to relocate to Utah brining new jobs
—Lower taxes
—Other____________________________
7. Utah has been ranked as a top performing state and the “Best Managed State” in 2008. However, the entire country is in a recession and Utah has been included. In the 2008 special session that cut state budgets, public education was held harmless. With the requirement to have a balanced budget, additioanl cuts need to be made upt o 15%. Should public education bear a proportional share of the budget cuts like every other state agency?
8. Transportation revenues are down significantly even though the Republican Legislature has allocated over $300 million in ongoing dollars towards road projects. This affects the amount of money for new road construction and maintenance. Should the Legislature:
___Increase motor fuel tax by .05 cents per gallon for maintenance.
___Increase sales tax by 1/4% for additional for new construction
___Borrow more money for projects
___Increase vehicle registration fees by $10 or $20
___Do nothing and wait for the economy to rebound
___Other__________________
9. In 2008, the REpublican Legislature reformed Utah’s immigration laws to better combat illegal immigration. Would you support or oppose these more stringent measures?
___Support ___Oppose ___Undecided
10. In 2004, the Legislature passed an dthe citizesn ratified a consitutional amendment defining marriage between a man and a woman. Advocates in teh gay community have initiated legislation which addresses medical care, fair housing, employment, wrongful-death and domestic partnership rights for same-sex couples. Would you support or oppose these measures?
___Support ___Oppose ___Undecided
11. Legislation loosening Utah’s liquors laws will be presented in 2009. Would you support or oppose eliminating private club fees at Utah’s bars?
___Support ___Oppose ___Undecided
12. Your comments:
Your email:
Filed under: Education, Gay rights, Immigration, Liquor Laws, Property Taxes, Transportation, budget
