As 2024 reaches twilight, politicians understand that what happened this year will impact policy deliberations in 2025, especially in the Utah Legislature. We examine some of the more interesting and novel dynamics lawmakers will encounter in January.
An unprecedented number of women (31) will serve in the Legislature next year. Most Democratic leaders are female but several freshman Republican women are entering the ranks. How will this impact Capitol Hill?
Cowley: Hallelujah, and what the heck has taken so long?! Since the passage of the 19th Amendment, women have voted at a slightly higher rate than men, and it is about time we inch toward equitable representation in our legislature.
In most households, it’s women who manage the budget and feel the sting of inflation the sharpest. Female legislators will be well positioned to address a down-budget year.
I don’t think anyone should be hired, or in this case voted into office, solely based on their gender. I am not celebrating JUST because these lawmakers are women, but because these specific women are highly qualified. They bring unique perspectives and a breadth of knowledge to Capitol Hill. They are not better than their male colleagues but see issues through a different lens, a lens shared with half the population, and will help bring balance to consequential issues.
I’d like to think these women are inspiring future lady lawmakers. For younger generations, it is easier to see yourself doing something important or difficult when you can model it after someone else already doing it, especially if they look like you. As Shania Twain says, “Let’s go, girls!”
Pignanelli: “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” – Margaret Thatcher
Gone are the days when female politicians were pigeonholed into certain ideologies or belief structures. As with men, female lawmakers represent interests across the political spectrum.
Intelligent, hard-working women fostered all the significant initiatives in the country and Utah. Although many contributed to this legacy in the Legislature, two shining examples include House Speaker Rebecca Lockhart and Senate Minority Leader Karen Mayne. They represent the formidable prowess of courage, savvy and efficiency common among female lawmakers.
Although fewer in number in the legislative deliberative process, women, whether as lawmakers, lobbyists or otherwise engaged, have a greater impact upon the results.
The female Democratic leadership team will provide articulate responses to government actions to which they differ. Of course, their Republican counterparts will continue to modify state government to fit a specific agenda.
Among these female lawmakers are future members of Congress, mayors and a governor.
Legislative budget analysts are predicting a lean fiscal year. After so many sessions of large budget surpluses, what does it mean to have dampened revenues for the upcoming session?
Cowley: The Utah Legislature is constitutionally mandated to balance the budget, and the occasional lean-budget year is a blessing in disguise because it requires the Legislature to cull government waste. This creates challenges for lobbyists like Frank and me but is good news for voters who want to see their tax dollars spent wisely.
There is a reason why Utah is known for both “thrift” and “industry.” These things go hand in hand and have seen our state through good times and bad. Our economy is among the strongest in the nation. Revenues are down, but our state is in good hands — great business owners, a highly skilled workforce and yes, elected officials too. Utah is great because of the people in it. That won’t change because of one bad budget year.
Pignanelli: The state was blessed for many years with large surpluses. Much of this was infusions of federal dollars that were wisely allocated for essential projects.
The state is not in dire straits. Our economy provides opportunities for employment and investment. This flattening of the revenue curve is a natural and expected fundamental of economics.
Potential funding for new projects or expanding current activities will be limited. This will change the flavor compared to prior sessions. Also, there will be further incentives for lawmakers to trim expenditures to free up resources.
Once again, there will be another lengthy debate about changing the constitutional requirement that income tax receipts be dedicated to education and disability programs. The general fund continues to suffer because of the allocation of activities in our economy. So, despite any restrictions on funds, there will be no limitation on the amount of speeches on this perennial topic.
The Legislature starts the day after Donald Trump is inaugurated as president. How will this change in presidential administrations affect legislative deliberations?
Cowley: Republicans in the Utah Legislature have had an on-again, off-again relationship with Donald Trump but at the present, they are cheering for the reforms promised in his campaign. The realities and repercussions of deportation of immigrants living in the country illegally and the impact from tariffs to Utah businesses will be top of mind for legislators to address.
Pignanelli: Legislators on both sides will have great fun promoting or questioning the administration’s and Congress’ actions. This will drive multiple resolutions regarding public lands, energy development, etc. Since there will be fewer pennies to spread around, this will provide other opportunities to perform for constituencies.