The 2015 legislative session begins in two months. Posturing on issues has already begun.
A UtahPolicy.com poll conducted by Dan Jones & Associates shows 70 percent of Utahns believe state liquor laws are hurting tourism and economic development, and 61 percent support removing the “Zion Curtain" requirement that separates restaurant patrons and liquor preparation. Should — and will — the Legislature make changes to Utah's hospitality laws?
Pignanelli: "We are determined no other state shall take this glory away from Utah. We will be the deciding state to end Prohibition and I am sorry that our plans may upset the starting time of celebrations in Eastern centers." — Franklin Riter, president of the Utah League for Prohibition Repeal, December 1933
From the early 1920s to the late 1990s, my family owned establishments that provided high octane refreshments to thirsty Utahns (Yes, that includes Prohibition Era). In the 20th century, every male Pignanelli owned, managed or worked in a tavern or bar. In this century we are just very good patrons of such enterprises.
Thus, my heritage and life is a testimony that an adult CAN drink in Utah. Most complaints about "Utah's crazy liquor laws" are just disguised attacks against a certain religious institution. Unfortunately, these disingenuous comments have over time created a perception that is different from reality.
Admittedly, quirky and silly laws have afflicted imbibers — but they never prevented the consumption of liquor. Booze is not Diet Coke and therefore its distribution must be controlled by the state. Burdensome regulations on businesses that are ineffective in promoting responsible consumption (i.e. "Zions Curtain") should be abandoned while others that prevent problems (i.e. mandating food while drinking) must be enhanced.
This emotional issue will be debated by lawmakers and in the public arena, but passage of any major modifications in the next session is unlikely.
Webb: Alcohol abuse causes immense pain and suffering in society and billions of dollars in costs. Victims of alcohol abuse include children of alcoholics and innocent people who are killed or injured by drunken drivers. We need reasonable regulations that discourage irresponsible alcohol consumption while allowing sensible drinkers, including tourists, to imbibe. I doubt the Zion Curtain discourages drinking, and it has become a symbol used by those who like to ridicule Utah and its alcohol laws. Legislators ought to get rid of it.
The Deseret News reported that Rep. Mel Brown is asking fellow lawmakers to consider extending the general session to 45 working days instead of 45 calendar days. A good or bad idea?
Pignanelli: While I sympathize with the ideal of giving lawmakers more time to contemplate legislation, a full-time schedule has done nothing to help Congress. Expanding the session beyond 45 days only hampers lawmakers with busy outside careers. Our state needs their real world expertise in the crafting of policy. The Legislature is efficient and accomplishes the necessary objectives within current constraints. The system is not broke and so let's not fix it.
Webb: Utah’s 45-day session is a frenzy of intense activity that isn’t always deliberative. The short session forces legislative leaders, members and staff to be highly organized and to prioritize legislation to ensure important laws get passed. Compared to the U.S. Congress, it is remarkable how much gets done in such a short period of time, with little partisan rancor. The short sessions also require much work to be accomplished at interim meetings between sessions.
Certainly, things get crazy at session’s end. Some good bills die, and many pass without committee scrutiny or even being read by legislators. But adding more session days wouldn’t change that dynamic. Work always expands to fill the time allocated to do it. The same frenzy would occur at the end of a longer session, so let’s keep it 45 calendar days.
Coalitions of prominent Utahns are advocating for increased revenues to address pressing needs in public education, transportation and water. Will legislators raise taxes?
Pignanelli: Lawmakers are appreciative and respect the efforts of these very smart and visionary Utahns who develop credible and important proposals that benefit all citizens. But the Legislature is unlikely to raise taxes next year.
Webb: Utah needs pro-growth tax reform that broadens the tax base, keeps tax rates low and arrests the loss of purchasing power in the gas tax.
Utah legislators do well in most areas, but they are failing in the most important area of all — education. The biggest crisis facing Utah is a poorly educated workforce. Utah’s schools need more money to implement far-reaching reforms. Innovation and technology initiatives will cost money. Utah has been doing education on the cheap, spending less per pupil than any state in the country. We must do better.
Beyond education, Utah’s population will nearly double in the next 30 years, requiring massive investments in transportation infrastructure and water development.
Even with an expected substantial budget surplus, Utah leaders need to start talking seriously about pro-growth tax reform that will also generate more revenue for Utah’s critical needs. It’s time for some carefully targeted tax boosts.
Republican LaVarr Webb is a political consultant and lobbyist. Previously he was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and Deseret News managing editor. Email: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as minority leader. His spouse, D’Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is a state tax commissioner. Email: frankp@xmission.com.