The voices of concerned public officials around the state were heard as Governor Cox considered S.B. 197, ‘Property Tax Amendments. Governor Cox emphasized that he is proud of the historic tax cuts implemented in Utah in the last five years but that it is time to go back to the drawing board and craft a tax policy that will ensure Utah’s prosperity for generations to come and with that he decided to VETO S.B. 197. “A number of our county government leaders expressed concerns and asked for a veto due to administrative challenges with this policy change,” shared Governor Cox. “They also expressed concerns about the impact this would have on our senior population. I agree with both of those concerns…While S.B. 197 contains well-intentioned goals of reforming and streamlining property tax relief programs, it risks cutting off the most vulnerable of Utah’s expanding senior population from a critical tax relief lifeline, while also adding administrative burdens on counties. A more prudent approach would be to revisit these reforms as part of a comprehensive, coordinated review of Utah’s tax system.” Governor Cox said he is committed to working with the legislature on a more complete approach to future tax policy. Uintah County Treasurer Wendi Long was among the public officials that petitioned the Governor with concerns, requesting he VETO S.B. 197.
