Utah lawmakers will be focusing heavily on budget issues and education funding as they begin their 2012 General Session. Republican Senate President Michael Waddoups says the session will have an optimistic tone because Utah's economy is growing. Waddoups says a $200 million surplus means state agencies will not be facing cuts and employees could even get small raises.
During the first weeks of the session, legislators could approve agency budgets at last year's funding levels and even provide additional money for student growth in public education.
As a guest on Utah Public Radio's Access Utah, Governor Gary Herbert said he is recommending in his proposed budget additional funding for education initiatives that utilize technology.
