State of the State address: Gov. Gary Herbert sees 'hopeful' economic future

SALT LAKE CITY (Deseret News) — In his first State of the State address, Gov. Gary Herbert told Utahns Tuesday the economy is getting better but the tough times aren't over yet.

Herbert promised that his administration "will continue to make sound policy decision to move this state — and your families — back to solid economic ground and toward a more hopeful future."

His annual assessment of the state, viewed by his fellow Republicans as the right blend of pragmatism and optimism, called for no new spending this year but also new efforts to plan future initiatives.

"Now is the time to make what we've got work," Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, said after the half-hour speech, delivered in the House chambers of the state Capitol. "He's on track."

The most sustained applause for Herbert came when he said what's best for the state's economic recovery is "continued fiscal restraint and to not raise taxes." While he got a standing ovation from Republicans, Democrats stayed seated.

"When it comes down to it, if we want to hold education and other programs harmless, we will need to find other revenue sources," said Senate Minority Leader Pat Jones, D-Holladay.

Original Article