Restructuring and Equalization Task Force to Begin Recommendation Phase

– The Tax Restructuring and Equalization Task Force traveled the state to hold eight town halls during a listening tour to hear directly from Utahns about the state's tax structure during the summer. The public engagement was unprecedented. Approximately 1,500 people attended. More than 540 individuals shared their feedback by commenting online, submitting comment cards and providing public input at town halls.

Over the past two months, during the study phase, the task force has been reviewing possible solutions and analyzing opportunities to adequately fund transportation and education using revenue sources that will grow with the population and the economy. The task force has also been seeking measures to decrease the overall tax burden on Utahns.

Next week, the task force will begin the recommendation phase, during which they will begin to discuss various policy proposals. Sen. Lyle Hillyard and Rep. Francis Gibson, co-chairs of the Tax Restructuring and Equalization Task Force, are sharing their initial draft proposal in advance of the meeting so citizens, business owners and stakeholders have ample time to review it and provide input.

“Tax policy can be complicated with unintended consequences, the task force process enables us to have public input to help anticipate and resolve concerns,” said Sen. Hillyard. “I’m glad to have this initial proposal public now so we can begin to scrutinize and find areas of concern. Our guiding principles have been and continue to be to find the best tax policy structure to support our growing economy for years to come.”

Throughout the recommendation phase, proposals will continue to be refined. The task force will hold additional meetings as they continue to fine-tune a recommendation to present to the full legislature.

“Our main goal through the entire tax reform process is to restructure our complex tax system to fit into our modern economy in order to be able to provide Utahns in all socioeconomic statuses a substantial tax break,” said Rep. Gibson. “This initial proposal does just that and I’m looking forward to presenting it to the public and to receive feedback.”

The Tax Restructuring and Equalization Task Force will hold meetings at the Utah State Capitol on the following dates:

• October 22, 2019 at 4:30 p.m.
• November 7, 2019 at 4:00 p.m.
• November 21, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.

The co-chairs appreciate the robust public involvement throughout all phases and encourage Utahns to continue to engage in this process. The upcoming meetings will be live streamed on le.utah.gov. Public input can be provided at the meeting or online at StrongerFutures.utah.gov.