It has become clear that state revenue from all sources will be less than had been projected. Oil and gas prices remain extraordinarily low and income tax receipts are off somewhat. We will receive final projections on February 19th, but no one expects an increase. We are compelled to further tighten our belts. Rest assured that we will balance the budget. We have uniformly done that every year that I have been here, and we will do it again. In this atmosphere, the most essential matters such as the education of our children will rise to the top of the priority list.
As Internet sales become increasingly prevalent, the challenge of local merchants to remain competitive becomes increasingly difficult. I think we may see a bill suggesting imposition of a sales tax on Internet sales. It would be much easier and more efficient if this were tackled on a uniform national basis. Whether that is possible or likely is not clear. At this point, I can only make clear my appreciation of the value of homegrown retail outlets that are an integral part of our local communities. I want to foster their survival, and will carefully evaluate any proposal that might come forward.
Medical marijuana is a hot topic in many places around the country, and Utah is no exception. It was a central topic of discussion this last summer in the Health and Human Services Committee, which I chair along with Senator Evan Vickers from Cedar City. It has been and remains our design to carefully debate and decide whether, or to what extent, extractions from the cannabis plant may have medical value. Two bills have been presented. One is strictly limited to prescribed medical use in a form that does not include access to the whole plant. The other bill is more permissive. I support the more cautious approach under which prescriptions may only be issued by a licensed physician. We will continue to work with and respond to ongoing research regarding the breadth of circumstance where this medication may be useful. I am crystal clear in opposition to getting on a path that leads to recreational use of marijuana. That path has been followed in some of our neighboring states. During our hearings in the summer, we heard testimony from medical, as well as public safety officials from Colorado. Their testimony about the many negative impacts from recreational use of marijuana was very troubling. Utah doesn’t want to go there.
Public lands continue to dominate many discussions on the hill. The multi-year effort to persuade the federal government to turnover ownership or management of these lands to the western states has not yielded much fruit. The question now is whether to institute a legal challenge in the courts. There are legitimate arguments to be advanced, but the potential outcome remains largely uncertain. The consensus is that if we eventually get to the United States Supreme Court, the decision would likely reflect a five-four vote of the nine Justices. We experienced a five-four vote on the gay marriage issue, but it went against Utah’s position. this remains an important issue for the western states who got the short end of the stick when they came into the Union.
Legislative Report from Rep. Kay McIff
"Rep. Kay McIff."