Politicians and political prognosticators are ringing in the new year with preparations for the upcoming Utah legislative session and presidential inauguration. What are the hopes of national and local politicos for the new year?
Utah legislators and lobbyists alike: Better-than-expected revenue projections. Final budget numbers will be available in February, but the budget looks lean for now.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy: To find appalling government waste, they can cut PDQ that will please the MAGA mob enough to forget about their current differences in immigration policies.
President-elect Donald Trump: End the war in Ukraine, pacify Russia, stabilize Gaza, contain Hamas, finish the border wall, expel convicted criminal immigrants, make a deal with some American company to buy TikTok, reduce inflation and restore American manufacturing, preferably all in the first 100 days of his presidency. No problem, right?
President Joseph Biden: To enjoy his golden years of retirement, go on vacations and take long naps — just not in the Oval Office.
House Speaker Mike Johnson: To be reelected speaker this week — after only one ballot — and deflect challenges for the rest of his term, of course, after he sends President-elect Trump a fruit basket and heartfelt thank-you card for his continued endorsement.
Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: That Americans use those gym memberships Santa delivered and learn to avoid processed food.
Mayor Jenny Wilson, Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Ryan Smith: A resolution of the planning and funding for the sports and entertainment district. Oh, and that the Utah Hockey Club has a winning season.
Sen.-elect John Curtis: The honeymoon with the media continues and aids in his attempts to build coalitions and strengthen his influence.
Sen. Mike Lee: Aspires for even more opportunities to cite germane sections of the Constitution and Federalist Papers from memory while chairing the Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz: Is holding his breath that universities across the country come to their senses and protect women’s sports.
Utah Senate President Stuart Adams: He remains optimistic that he will move the needle on high-speed rail.
Utah Democrats: Pray Musk, Ramaswamy and the MAGA warriors overstep their mandate.
Utah’s university and college presidents: That their proposed reallocation of state funds is enough to satisfy legislative leaders.
Cowley: My greatest hope for the new year is that after crafting funding and zoning accommodations for hockey and baseball teams, the Legislature refocuses its efforts on the most important sport — rodeo — and incorporates a fully operational rodeo arena into the ongoing Capitol complex redevelopment plans. Hey, a cowgirl can dream, can’t she?
Pignanelli: As Utah continues to grow and prosper, the availability of excellent Italian food also expands.
With the Utah legislative session just a few weeks away, what do your humble authors anticipate being the big issues that make headlines during the most tumultuous 45 days of Utah politics?
We are importing energy for the first time in our state’s history. Lawmakers will focus on expanding options for power generation. Air quality and environmental impacts will be a part of these conversations as energy producers and the Legislature explore innovative solutions to unlock Utah’s energy-producing potential while safeguarding the health of residents.
Although Utah is growing, tax revenues are down, signifying a cooling economy. Capitol Hill and the media will ponder what this means for employment, tax policies, etc.
Growth, impacts of homelessness, affordable housing and transportation will force creativity to find solutions when funding is limited.
Public and higher education will continue to be scrutinized to promote greater efficiencies and choice while maximizing outcomes for students, employers and taxpayers. Lawmakers will also examine universities’ policies to ensure that wokeness does not impede their central mission — education.
A recent survey showed Utah Republicans have faith in our state’s election integrity, but there is still momentum for legislative adjustments. Gov. Spencer Cox mentioned changing due dates for mail-in ballots, while others suggest promoting in-person voting. There is a small but passionate undercurrent to revisit the caucus-convention system once again after another riotous, haphazard election cycle.
Although Utah already successfully held the Winter Olympic Games in 2002, there is much preparation to be done before their return in 2034. In a tight budget year, it will be a stretch for the Legislature to sock away all the money needed, but other efforts can be undertaken. Transportation will be critical to success, but it may look different than widening I-15 again. Look for pilot projects or consulting RFPs seeking innovative mass and micro transit solutions. The biggest announcement yet to be made is who exactly will lead the Salt Lake Organizing Committee — or in other words, who will be the new Mitt Romney of the upcoming Games?
Lastly, we predict the unpredicted. Oftentimes, there is a major issue that requires legislative attention that nobody anticipates, consuming the collective hot air of the Capitol. We are making friendly wagers, guessing what the surprise controversy will be (i.e. record snowfall flooding the Great Salt Lake, declaring a public health emergency over seagulls infected with bird flu or even a cataclysmic shortage of fry sauce and Diet Coke). We will keep readers advised!
