This is the February 15 - 28, 1997 update.
February 28, 1997
Contact Vicki Varela, 538-1503
or Paula Ernstrom, 538-1509
Listed below are the highlights of Governor Mike Leavitt's activities over
the past two weeks. Please call if you have any questions.
Restated his position that those who use the roads should pay for them. "The debate in
the Legislature is really about planning for our future," the governor said. "Will we build
roads and other infrastructure at the expense of our school children? At the expense of
prisons that are badly needed? At the expense of child-welfare programs and other critical
needs? Or will drivers pay their fair share?" Under the Legislature's plan to fund road
construction out of existing revenue sources, more than $1 billion will be taken away
from existing programs over the next 10 years. Governor Leavitt has called for an
increase in the gas tax and in vehicle registration fees to help fund the $3.6 billion, 10-year, statewide transportation package.
Met with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, House Speaker Newt Gingrich and
other Congressional leaders to discuss Medicaid reform. Other Republican governors
joined Governor Leavitt for the Washington, D.C. meeting. The governor is leading an
initiative to reform Medicaid so that it protects needy citizens while saving money for the
federal government and transferring power to the states.
Called on Utahns to build on the state's pioneer heritage. This came during "A Night of
Reflection," an event sponsored by the Utah Pioneer Sesquicentennial Celebration
Coordinating Council in conjunction with the LDS Church. " Utah's pioneers coped with
the harshness of the unsettled desert. We must look back and gain strength, but then
move forward to a challenging future. The demands of today's high technology require
the same virtues needed to carve a civilization out of the desert." This year marks the
150th anniversary of the arrival of the early Mormon pioneers into Utah. More than 600
events are scheduled to commemorate the anniversary.
Celebrated 100 years of advocacy for the National PTA. Governor Leavitt joined with
state and local PTA leaders at a ceremony honoring PTA. The governor also declared
February as "PTA Month" in honor of the contributions PTA makes to education in Utah.
"Parents need to play a vital role in their children's education. PTA recognizes that need
and provides an avenue for parental involvement in education," the governor said.
Honored Utah's young artists. Governor Leavitt attended a special showing of the 1995
All State High School Art Show at the State Capitol. The annual show is sponsored by
the Springville Art Museum and recognizes the best in student art from across the state.
Leavitt also declared February 21, as Utah Young Artist Day in honor of the students and
the show.
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