Utah business executives offered some specific advice for the Utah Legislature. The executives, who are pessimistic about their firms in the months ahead, want legislators to focus closely on business-growth policies and not waste time on so-called "message" bills that waste tax dollars as well as constituents' patience.
On that we agree. We don't need a resolution promising to save Utah from imaginary fears that liberals or the federal government will take away gun rights, or property rights, or insert cause here. We also add that legislators should not get Utah involved in long, costly court battles that the state would likely lose. Business wants Utah's Legislature to focus on the economy. Here are some suggestions from the executives, courtesy of Zions Bank's Utah Quarterly Economic Forecast:
* Work on "real issues," rather than the so-called message bills.
* At the top of "real issues," say the business leaders, is cutting taxes and not overregulating businesses in Utah.
* Create legislation that will make Utah more attractive in bringing in new businesses and keeping existing business here.
* Executives also suggest that the Legislature help formulate a plan to encourage consumers to buy within the state.
These are all sound suggestions and we hope that improving the economy will be a higher issue for lawmakers next year than, say, replicating Arizona's anti-illegal immigration law.
Another big concern Utah business leaders have is figuring out how to pay for employees' health insurance, as well as other employee costs, and how inflation will affect those costs. The survey also reveals that the state's business leaders view several factors as determining the economy, including residents, the federal government, big business and banks and other financial institutions.
We hope legislators take the time to read and study the views of Utah's job creators. We can use the brainstorming we can get to get out of this recession.
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