Budget Priorities & Redistricting Fight

Governor Spencer Cox unveiled his proposed budget for the next year. On this episode of Utah's favorite political podcast, host Jason Perry leads a discussion about what this suggests about the governor's policy priorities and how it could influence the Legislature. Plus, the fight over Utah's congressional boundaries is taking another turn.

THE DEEPER DIVE:

• The governor is required by state law to present a budget to the state legislature, but lawmakers aren't required to take his recommendations. This year his $30.7 billion proposal is largely "flat" from last year, something Gov. Cox attributes to lower revenue due to Pres. Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill".
• Homeless services would receive $25 million next year under this proposal. The governor described this issue as his top policy priority, including the construction of a new homeless services campus in Salt Lake City. Building this facility in Utah's capital city has received criticism. We evaluate arguments from both sides of the debate.
• Money to support improving child literacy in the state is another big policy priority. As is enhancing school safety programs.
• For the first time since Gov. Cox took office, his budget proposal does not include an income tax cut. He believes the cuts included in the "Big Beautiful Bill" will still help Utahns.
• ️ The ongoing fight over Utah's Congressional Maps will return to Capitol Hill next week. In a special session, the lawmakers will consider a plan to change the filing deadline for candidates. That woudl allow the Legislature more time to appeal the map selected last month by a judge. We examine what impact this could have on the races.

️ FEATURING:
• Rep. Hoang Nguyen – (D) Salt Lake City
• Brigham Tomco – Deseret News
• Rep. Ryan D. Wilcox – (R) North Ogden