Unfunded Mandates

I'm concerned with the number of "unfunded mandates" that come down from the Legislature, impacting our taxes on the local level. In a similar vein, the legislature often promises matching funds, for things like "corridor preservation", which entices counties to raise taxes/fees that would otherwise remain low.

These policy decisions allow local, as well as state officials to be "little Pilate's" as they shift blame for taxes and fees imposed upon citizens.

What is the proper role of the legislature in offering incentives and mandates for how local governments prioritize spending?

Tyler Farrer
Technical Support
North Salt Lake


Dear Tyler,

You make a good point. Un-funded mandates pose a major problem for local government officials across the state as well as the nation. As state leaders we have sent a strong message to the Federal Government: “no more un-funded mandates.” The Utah State Legislature has made real efforts in the past few years to stop the practice of passing un-funded mandates along to county or city governments. Over a third of the members of the House and Senate have had extensive experience in local government, many serving as mayors and city council persons as well as city and county administrators. These legislators know first hand the problems with mandates of any kind. Many of us ask the question before we vote for any legislation, “how will this affect local government?” We will continue our efforts to stay out of the business of telling local government what to do and how to do it.

When it comes to the transportation problems our state will face in the coming years, we believe that both state and local government must develop partnerships in seeking solutions. The corridor preservation efforts over the past two years is a perfect example which will benefit everyone in Utah. Experience shows that when local governments have a stake in the problem as well as the solution, all our citizens are winners. We can no longer ignore the need for transportation corridors throughout Utah. The Corridor Preservation fund as well as other transportation partnerships will save billions of tax payer dollars over the next few decades while at the same time sustaining the lifeblood of our state's economy.

We believe the proper role of the Legislature is to involve our city and county officials in the process of providing better more cost effective government. The people deserve it, and our system of government demands it.

Brad Dee
Utah State Representative, Assistant Majority Whip, District 11