California Journal of Politics and Policy

By the 2013 Legislative Session, the worst of the Great Recession was over.  For the first time in several years, Utah was not facing a financial crisis and lawmakers could afford to debate subjects that did not revolve around averting disaster.  With almost half a billion in new funding, legislators focused on the policy area the majority of Utahns consistently identify as a high priority – education. Considered by many a subdued session, many bills that could have proved controversial were shelved and lawmakers opted for interim studies rather than large appropriations. While the session was considered largely uneventful, legislators were challenged with responding to an investigation of the state Attorney General and passed several bills accordingly. Overall, the 2013 session marked the beginning of a return to fiscal health in Utah, and legislators could once again focus on issues beyond managing the budgetary stress and fallout from the recession.