Utah doesn't have a tax revenue problem, we don't need to raise your taxes, our problem is where the tax is coming from.  As a state, we are seeing a depletion in general funds and an increase in income tax. In 2019,  we have seen over a billion dollars in growth within state funds,  $230 million in general funds and $869 million in education funds. The transportation fund has decreased with time. Property tax has remained consistent.   
As a state, we are seeing the need for additional funds, to fund expenditures like the increased services to Medicaid. Since all services except education come from the General Fund or sales tax, we need to find a way to fund new expenditures, without creating debt for our state.  
We have several options to fix this problem:

1. Constitutional amendment to allow for more of the general funds to be taken out of income tax. This would do away with that clear seperation of where funds are going in the state.   It would be like having a giant funding bucket to fund every program in the state.  By the time you got to the bottom of the list, the smaller programs wouldn't receive any growth funding to fund equally important programs.  
2. Decrease services-since the majority of funding goes to social services, this area would see the largest cuts in funding. Taking a 10% cut from across the board ($240 million) wouldn't solve the overall issue of decreases to revenues we are seeing in the general fund. The public just increased the tax burden with Proposition 3 last year($90 million) would just be wiped out by a overall reduction in funds.  Also, we would have to increase fees for services which is an all-around tax increase.  (Look at table 2 to see where these funds are distributed.)
3. We can spread the tax burden across a larger population and services that are currently exempt from taxes.  This would capture those fields that are not currently being taxed and would allow the state to lower the overall tax rates.   
4. Do nothing.  This really isn't a solution and will just create financial uncertainty for bonds for all the governments in the state. Kicking the can down the road is not a solution.  During the next downturn in our economy, the state of Utah will be forced into drastic changes with its revenue sources.  

None of these solutions are easy, but the 3rd has the least drastic consequences.  

I know this isn't an easy topic, and I value your thoughts and input. As always, you can reach out to me here, or email me at loganwilde@le.utah.gov. Thanks so much for trusting me with your voice and your vote. 

Lots of exciting things have happened in the last few weeks on the Hill. One thing that will be coming up this week is tax reform. I'm adding a video to help you understand the dilemma we face as a state. I would love to hear your ideas and input on this complex issue. 

I've had a few complex bills on my docket this session. First and foremost is HB 50 which has past both the House and Senate and is waiting for the Govenor to sign into law.  There are a few counties that are going to be changing classification statuses in 2019.  Because of the types of changes to these counties they could see a HUGE 
cost to their residents.  Political Subdivisions committee review these changes and made the recommendation to put a hold on these changes for 3 years until we could understand the implications to these counties.  

HB 200 Appointment of Constables Amendments makes changes to the process in which a city or counties appoints a constable.  

HB 247  County Recorder Fees  makes an adjustment to the fees we are charging when a person records with the recorders office.  Recorder fees have not been updated since the early 90's.  Unlike other fees within a county, these are set by the state to have consistency.  

HB 315 is the yearly Land Use Bill.  Land Use is more of a living document, so each year there are changes to this statute do to the changes that come from courts to local laws that change.  One of the changes it makes is that a planning commission can not make a recommendation before public comment has been made.   

HB 323 Impact Fees Amendments is a bill that would allow Rich and Daggett Counties to add an impact fee like larger counties  for fire equipment.  

HB 351  Oil and Gas Amendments is a bill that take out two words so communities can plan better for where they would like pipelines.    

HB288:Critical Infrastructure Materials. I spoke to this issue last Sunday on my Facebook page.  I know this is a big issue, with very differing views on what is the right course of action. I believe that this bill will protect our resources, and still allow our local governments the authority they need to move forward.   

​Well, the session is up and running full steam ahead.  Here are some of the highlights from our first week: 

• We started working on base budgets. Currently, I am on the Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Environmental Appropriations Committee. The legislative process ensures that one branch of government can’t hold an agency budget hostage. Base budgets are the very basic elements of each agency’s budget. This allows the basic services to continue without the risk of a shut down.
• We recertified all the key staff positions that help with the legislative process.
• I presented my first bill of the session to the House. It passed with 69 votes.  House Bill 50 will put a hold on counties changing classifications for three years.  Due to the growth in the state, we have several counties that are close to changing classification status. Cache and Wasatch are the closest to changing classifications.  Cache, which has a transit district, would be required when it changes classification to start planning much in the same way as UTA.  This would require Cache county to spend millions of taxpayer dollars on planning for transit they may not actually need right now.  
• I am also the vice chair of the Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Environmental committee.  We have been listening to committee bills this first week.  Several have dealt with the reauthorizing of many of the agencies and the standing laws these agencies are governed by.  
• I have been contacted by many of you concerning the initiatives that were passed last year.  Medicaid seems to be the topic that concerns most individuals I have spoken with. I have 2 goals as we move forward with Medicaid for the State of Utah: First-That we cover 100% of those that fall below the federal poverty limit. Second-That we make it sustainable for Utahns moving forward.  If these two goals can’t be met, I will not vote in favor of any bill.   

On a personal note, my oldest daughter was able to spend the first day of the session with me. I was glad she got to spend a little bit of time with me before we dropped her off at the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday afternoon. I am grateful to her, and the example of integrity she sets for our family. 

As always, I am thankful for your support and trust. If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me at 801-940-2995 or loganwilde@le.utah.gov. I'm always glad to hear from you.

Hello All! It's been a busy few months at the Wilde home, I apologize for neglecting the political blog. Now that the campaign and election season are done, and the holidays are finished, I hope to be more consistent keeping it up to date. While the kids are busy playing, I will take a minute and update. 

The summer and fall were spent parading, townhalling, meeting constituents, putting up many signs, and debating Democrat opponent Chris Neville. We spent long hours travelling to the various regions of HD53. We met many good people, and I appreciated hearing about their concerns and needs. Though Chris was a worthy opponent, and worked tirelessly in his campaign,  our efforts paid off in the end, and I was re-elected for a second term as the representative for House District 53. I am humbled by your trust in me, and thankful for the opportunity to be your voice on the hill for two more years. 


December brought a special legislative session to address the Medical Marijuana Initiative and the compromise bill that has caused such a stir.  After reviewing both Proposition 2 and HB 3001, I decided to vote in favor of HB 3001.   After the comparison of the bills, I felt that HB 3001 will help the most individuals safely over the years, that is why it won my vote. I've included a comparison from Libertas Institute that you may find helpful. As always, if you have questions about this or any other issue, please contact me. 

​

Life has been pretty busy on the homefront as well. Our oldest moved to Snow College in August. She has completed her first semester, and is headed to Louisiana to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in just a few weeks. Kim started working part-time as an aide at the Morgan Elementary Preschool, and loves it. The rest of the crew are enjoying school,  finding fulfillment and being involved through drama, debate, and basketball. 

As a family, we've enjoyed this holiday season, ins spite of the rush and busyness that invariably accompanies this time of year, we still had time to laugh and grow together. As we wrap up this year, we count our blessings. One thing that I continue to find gratitude for is the ability to serve in the state legislature. I am so thankful that the people of district 53 allow me to represent them. Thank you for placing your trust and your voice in me. I hope and pray that I can continue to be a voice for you, for local government, for agriculture, and for the rural way of life that I so dearly love.  As always, if I can help you in any way, please text, call, or email me.  In the meantime, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

​

​I had the opportunity to travel to Washington DC last week. The state legislators and county commissioners were invited to the White House to visit with elected officials and staff. What an amazing chance to talk with our national leaders about the needs, issues, and concerns in our state.
 
We had the opportunity to hear from the Vice President Mike Pence; Senators Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee; and Congressmen Rob Bishop and John Curtis.  I was particularly impressed with our Vice President, and his humble plea that we pray for our great nation.
 
We met with the Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary. As a group, we discussed several key issues:

• Forest health in the state of Utah and targets for improving forest health.  The Forest Service fought 26,000 forest fires in 2016, fighting these fires taxed the budgets of both federal and state agencies.
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reforms, the USDA has been encouraging reforms to NEPA for many years. It is takes years of work to meet the qualifications set forth in the NEPA requirements to replace deteriorating infrastructure in the nation’s public lands. NEPA reforms will with over-burdensome requirements. We talked about their expectation and what will help the agency move forward.
• Congress just passed a farm bill with work requirements associated with the bill. Work requirements in the SNAP program aligns with what states have requested.

 
White House Deputy Directors of Senate Affairs talked with us about upcoming Senate bills: 

• Workforce amendments
•  Infrastructure and water resource measures that need to be funded.
•  President Trump’s ongoing pledge to increase access to rural broadband.
• Small business health insurance plans that will allow businesses to join together to get better health coverage plans.

 
The Department of Interior Deputy Director talked with us about a few issues as well:

• Returning law enforcement in the BLM to local jurisdictions. This will minimize conflicts between federal agencies and local law enforcement.
• The administration is exploring the possibility of moving the BLM Department Headquarters to the western states.  

 
Next up was the Department of Labor:

• Worker Visa Programs-as a state we are very concerned with the worker visa programs, the H2A and H2B visa are so complicated for worker and employers to navigate. This problem is being voiced by local governments across the county. If our worker visa program is too hard to comply with, it encourages illegal immigration.  

 
We also heard from the Trump Administration on the grants they are helping with in Utah. Throw in a personal tour of the US Capitol Building from Congressman John Curtis, and it was a very eventful two days in Washington. I am so impressed with our current administration for reaching out to our local and state government leaders to see what and where they can help us. I’m thankful that they are trying to listen to our voice, understand our needs, and help when and where possible.
 
This is just a quick summary, if you have questions, please reach out to me, I’m always happy to listen. Thanks again for your trust and support, my family and I so appreciate it. 

Hey there! Now that girls camp, a tonsillectomy, and a quick trip to DC are done, I've got a minute to share my thoughts. I apologize, my plan was to write this up last week, but other stuff took precedence in the campaign manager's life. Now that life is back on schedule, and Charli is on the mend, we are back to work.

As most of you know, Utah's primary election is tomorrow, June 26. Though it is too late to put your ballot in the mail, it is not too late to let your voice be heard. I encourage you to drop your ballot in a designated ballot box, or swing by your local county office and hand deliver it to your clerk. If you want the experience of personally casting your ballot, that is available at your county office as well. However you choose to vote, make sure your voice has a chance to be heard. 

Some of you may wonder if voting in a primary election really matters. Maybe you think that one big name, or that incumbent already has the election in the bag, so your vote isn't important, it won't change the outcome anyway. I'm here to tell you that just isn't true. A few years ago, I was up against that one big name, that incumbent who everyone knew. When all was said and done, nine votes made the difference. Believe me when I say your one vote matters. 

Maybe the political dynamic in your area has left a bad taste in your mouth, making you think that perhaps, not one of those guys is worth voting into office. Though politics can get heated, and passion may cause a candidate to speak or act in ways that may reflect badly on them in the heat of the moment, I have learned that most of us running for office are good men and women, who care about our communities, and want to help make them a better place to live. I encourage you to learn about each candidate, about their positions on the issues, find out what they value, what matters most to them. Listen to their ideas, what they want to see happen in your community, and how they will help make that happen. Then go and vote for the ones that most align with your values and views. 

No matter which party you identify with, or what values and issues matter most to you, I encourage you to vote, to share your voice, and let it be heard. I truly believe that voting is not just our privilege, but it is our duty and obligation. I echo the words of President Rutherford B. Hayes, "To vote is like the payment of a debt, a duty never to be neglected, if its performance is possible."
 
May we each hold that right, that privilege, that duty sacred. May we use our heads, and listen to our hearts, then go to the ballot and let our voices be heard. 

​Hello All! Just a quick update on what’s been happening the last few weeks. In case you wondered, your representatives don’t just lounge around and play while the session is out. We have interim work days and committee assignments that we fulfill all year long.
I have been asked to serve on two committees this summer:

• UDOT’s Road Usage Charge Committee

This committee looks at the road usage charge.  As the buying power of gas is diminished by new technology, efficiency, and fuels that are not taxed in the same pattern as petroleum, we need to protect the road tax which ensures quality and sound roads for a strong economy.  We will be looking at trials of tolls structures, charges for vehicle miles driven, and security of information collected.

• Transportation and Tax Review Task Force

On this committee, we looking for the best and most economic way to shift the road tax to a user-based or vehicle-miles driven system. The goal is to achieve a zero-net/zero-increase from the tax that is currently collected. 

• I will also serve on the Housing GAP Coalition

This coalition is studying the Housing Gap which is growing in our economy. This gap may be the biggest threat that Utah will face in the coming years. We need to understand why the cost of housing is rising so rapidly out of low to moderate income makers range of affordability. We have many instances in the state of more people renting instead of buying homes. This creates a huge problem, because a home is where most individual’s store their  wealth/assets for retirement.    
 
Along with that, I have assigned committee work for Political Subdivisions, Transportation, and Executive Offices and Criminal Justice Appropriations:

• Political Subdivision Committee

We have been working on Boundary Line Agreements, Local Ordinance Penalties, Political Subdivision Lien Authority, Park Safety, County Form of Government, Affordable Housing Set-Aside, Indigent Defense, Resort Community Infrastructure Costs, and Land Use Development and Management Act.

• Transportation Committee

Follow up on SB 136, Long-term Planning Projects, Autonomous and Connected Vehicles, Unmanned Air Traffic Management, Inland Port Development, Vehicle Registration freezes for unpaid parking tickets, Roadway Tolling, Advancements in Vehicle Emissions testing, and Roadway Safety.

• Executive Offices and Criminal Appropriation

We haven’t had a chance to meet yet this summer. 
 
Currently, I am also working on four bills for constituents within our district:

• Greenbelt Amendment, this bill will allow an individual to apply for a waiver if they are doing a conservation project on the property. 
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors on Boats with Cabins, this bill will require boats with sleeping cabins to have carbon monoxide detectors, preventing loss of life.
• Constables in Counties, we are working to clarify the rules that pertain to small rural counties.
• Home School Athletic Rules in Rural Utah

Last Thursday, Representative Tim Quinn and I had the opportunity to sit on a panel with other legislative candidates at a Gun Safety Townhall Meeting hosted by students from Park City High School. I was so impressed with Faith Staley, Adam Herbst, and Adam Hickey, the students who created the event. It was well organized, and the students and public who attended were respectful and thoughtful in their questions. There are many issues surrounding guns, our second amendment rights, and keeping our kids safe at school. While I firmly believe that our right to bear arms needs to be protected, I appreciate the concerns and worries of these students who want to be and feel safe at school. I applaud their efforts to be engaged in the discussion of possible solutions in a civil manner. You can read more about the Townhall here.
And on the Homefront:

• Our oldest daughter graduated from high school! Thankfully, Kim survived the day with just a few (happy) tears.
• Our youngest daughter decided that the best way to kick off summer was with a broken elbow. She will enjoy the next few weeks of summer in a sling.
• We celebrated Memorial Day with our local Veterans at a service at the Morgan County Courthouse. How thankful I am for those who have sacrificed (and for those who still do) for our safety, for our freedom, for our country. They truly have given more than we can ever repay, and I thank each one of our vets.

That about covers what’s been going on in my house for the last few weeks. I’ll check back in around the end of June. Until then, I thank you for the support you give my family. As always, if you have needs, questions or concerns, please contact me at votelogan53@gmail.com.  

Hello All! It's been a busy few months, and the blog has been neglected. As soon the session ends, the farming begins. Factor in calving, planting, a quick family trip, five county conventions, the state convention, shearing, and a campaign manager that's been focused on our first graduating daughter, and the blog was bound to fall by the wayside for a bit. Without further delay, here's what I've been up to since March:

• I had the opportunity to get to all five county conventions in District 53. I enjoyed meeting with the delegates and listening to the needs and concerns in their precincts. Kim was able to come with me to each convention. She says they definitely don't count as a date, even if they happen to be on her birthday.
• I was able to meet with Senate hopeful, Mitt Romney at a delegate meeting. I appreciated hearing his thoughts and views on how he can benefit our state by serving in the US Senate.
• I had the unique opportunity to attend the production of Hamilton at the George and Delores Eccles Theater with my daughter and two juniors from our district. It was an interesting take on the life of Alexander Hamilton, and I enjoyed it very much...though the kids may have liked the rapping more than I did. 
• I enjoyed attending the state Republican Convention. Though I wasn't able to meet with all of our district's delegates while there, I appreciate their time, effort, and diligence in the vetting process. The delegates are vital to the caucus and convention system, and I appreciate all they do.
• I was honored to attend Uintah Basin Tech's 2018 Graduation Ceremony. I want to congratulate the graduates, they have worked hard to gain an education. May their futures be bright and full of opportunities for continued learning and growth.

On the non-rep side of life, here's what been keeping my family and busy the last few months:

• We took a quick trip to Moab over Spring Break. What a joy it was to get away for a few days and just play together as a family. Kim was especially happy that the internet at the cabin we rented was almost non-existent, so she had our family's undivided attention.
• Farming, farming, and more farming. We calved in March, while planting the fields and crops as well. At the end of April, we brought the sheep home from Delta, and then we sheared, sheared, sheared. I am so grateful for the blessing of working with my brothers, father, and our children on this ranch.
• My amazing campaign manager took a few days off to attend BYU Women's Conference with her parents. Sadly, the car broke down while they were there, and I was called to rescue them. Thankfully, the trailer, car and family all made it safely home again.
•  High School Graduation!! Our oldest daughter, Madi, is just days away from this milestone. I am so proud of her, and all that she has accomplished so far. I can't wait to see what the future brings to her.

 That's about it, folks. As always, I am grateful for your continued support and trust in me. If you have any questions, needs, or concerns that I can help with, please contact me.