Welcome to The Senate Site

We were pondering a blog on this topic. Then Utah Issues saved us the trouble. Thanks UI! From their 2007 Legislative Update:

The Legislative Session over and it appears that many can say they are winners. With an estimated $12 billion spending plan coupled with $220 million in tax cuts the 2008 Legislative Session is one for ages. For us here at UI the biggest winner was the Children’s Health Insurance Program which is fully funded at $4 million and will also receive $2.5 million from the Medicaid restricted account for increased Medicaid access. When including the cost adjustments from Rep. James Dunnigan’s HB218 the potential for primary health care coverage for children may exceed 20,000 new enrollees.

The Baby Watch Early Intervention Program was also fully funded with $2.2 million in Provider Rate Increases and Caseload Growth on top of base budget. This money will be used to support an estimated 6,000 children and families in the coming calendar year.

Additional provider rate increases for Dental, Hospital and other provider services was increased over base by $2.5 million. Medicaid optional services Adult Vision and Adult Dental will see $2.174 million in new appropriations and Mental Health Services will receive $2.71 million over base budget. UI is very pleased with the estimated $54 million in additional appropriations for Health and Human Services. This record surplus has given our most vulnerable families and individuals an opportunity to receive much needed medical services.

Other items of note come from Economic Development and Revenue. The Pamela Atkinson Homeless Trust Fund received $500,000 in on-going funds and $500,000 in on-time money and the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund will receive $400,000 in ongoing money. From Public Education an estimated $385 million will provide $68.7 million for teacher salary increases, $33 million in teacher bonuses, $7.5 million for all day kindergarten, and $9.5 million for Education Voucher Scholarships and Administration.

We want to thank Governor Huntsman, the Legislature, and their staffs, and all the advocates for a tremendously successful session.

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