Utah State Representative Scott Chew has penned an open letter to his constituents in Duchesne and Uintah County regarding HB441, explaining the need for tax reform. “You all know that I promised to do my best to represent the citizens of our district (#55), but with HB 441, a situation has arisen where representing the concerns of folks at home is in conflict with the oath when I became a Utah State Representative – ‘To keep Utah economically sound’,” shares Representative Chew. “Utah’s General fund depends on sales tax on Goods, but Utahns are not spending as much on Goods as in the past,” he explains, “so the General Fund is sliding down. The state’s population is rapidly increasing and causing an increased demand on state services (transportation, Medicaid, wildlife, [and] water to name a few). How do we fund these state services? In researching for tax reform it became apparent Utahns spend most money for services, hence the basis for HB441 came about,” shares Representative Chew. He continues to explain that the concerns of many throughout the state have been instrumental in slowing HB441 down but now, he says, the help of Uintah Basin residents is needed. “Leadership has promised to come to our area this spring or early summer to explain-listen-and help create solutions. When the meetings to explain and listen come to our area it is imperative that you attend,” says Representative Chew. He urges all to be there to help “create the ‘How to’ in order to help Utah remain the best managed ‘State in the Nation’!” Representative Chew can be reached through email at
scottchew@le.utah.gov
.
