Dear Representatives,

Sutherland supports these bills because they will work to improve budget sustainability and provide greater long-term stability for essential government services.

The long-term revenue information that HB 311 makes public will ensure that budget decisions will be debated and determined in the context of “big picture” fiscal trends, instead of just in the context of a few years which do not reflect longer-term economic cycles.  Additionally, by recognizing the reality that above-trend tax revenue growth may be temporary and short-lived, HJR 11 provides a budget-process framework to translate long-term revenue information into short-term prudence in budgetary decision-making – bolstering Utah’s place as an example to the nation of wise fiscal stewardship.

Perhaps most importantly, this transparency and prudence will encourage public trust in state government and Utah policymakers, as both current and future generations of Utahns see that the essential government services they rely on – functional transportation modes, quality educational options, and a stable social safety net – are being built to last for both themselves and future generations, rather than just for the next election cycle as has become typical in the politics of Washington, D.C.

We encourage you to support HB 311 and HJR 11.  Thank you.

Derek Monson

Director of Policy

dmonson@sutherlandinstitute.org

Cell: 512-698-1657

Stan Rasmussen

Director of Public Affairs

srasmussen@sutherlandinstitute.org

Cell: 801-718-1841

Sutherland Institute

801-355-1272