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:
One way to broaden our tax base is to eliminate many of the exemptions that certain industries have received. These are some of the exemptions that are being eliminated with this tax reform proposal:
What are the projected savings to the average Utahn: At full implementaion, a typical Utahn, 31 years of age, married with 1 dependent, making $65,325 per year, would have a net tax reduction of $634
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.
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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:
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:
White House Deputy Directors of Senate Affairs talked with us about upcoming Senate bills:
The Department of Interior Deputy Director talked with us about a few issues as well:
Next up was the Department of Labor:
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:
Along with that, I have assigned committee work for Political Subdivisions, Transportation, and Executive Offices and Criminal Justice Appropriations:
Currently, I am also working on four bills for constituents within our district:
And on the Homefront:
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:
On the non-rep side of life, here's what been keeping my family and busy the last few months:
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. |
Logan WildeA rancher, family man and Council Chair in Morgan County, I will fight for local control of education, land, and agriculture in the Utah State Legislature Categories
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Copyright © 2015-2016
Contact Logan Wilde
801-940-2995
votelogan53@gmail.com
801-940-2995
votelogan53@gmail.com