For weeks, locals joined hundreds around the state in gathering signatures in their hometowns to oppose Utah tax restructuring that was passed in a special legislative session in December. The referendum signatures were due on Tuesday and obviously caught the attention of lawmakers when the total exceeded 150,000 signatures, significantly more than the 116,000 required to see the topic placed on the November ballot. On Thursday, a joint statement was issued by Governor Gary Herbert, House Speaker Brad Wilson, and Senate President Stuart Adams in which they made it clear that the message sent through the referendum effort was heard loud and clear. They even went so far as to applaud all who had engaged in the process to make their voices heard. As a result, it was announced that a bill will be presented to repeal the tax reform legislation on Monday with the beginning of the legislative session. The hope is it will be signed into law quickly in order to avoid complications as the state budget is implemented. According to Governor Herbert, tax reform will be put on pause likely until a new Governor can approach that process with the legislature. Locals who were part of the referendum effort have expressed relief that the proposed tax increases on food, gas, and services are no longer happening, at least for now.
