SALT LAKE CITY – February 20, 2007– Senate President John Valentine and House Speaker Greg Curtis listed Utah’s most compelling economic priorities at the Utah Technology Council (UTC) Legislative Leadership event recently at the Marriott City Center Hotel in Salt Lake City.

Both Curtis and Valentine agreed that the top priorities revolve around the Engineering Initiative, research and development tax cuts, a mining inputs tax exemption, lowering or capping the top income tax rate and the continuation of the USTAR Economic Development Initiative program.

The UTC event gave Utah business leaders and other attendees an opportunity to ask questions of legislators before the legislative session ends. Each speaker used vivid descriptions to demonstrate the efforts of the legislators on Capitol Hill.

Senator Valentine likened the current legislative session to the one held one-hundred years ago. He said in 1907 the legislature discussed the need for the Capitol building remodel. A hundred years later a remodel is being completed. In 1907, the legislature was discussing automobile speed limits and if 20 mph was too dangerous for Utah citizens. Speed limits are also a topic during the current session.

“As they did then, today we are still talking about very important issues to this community directly like the research and development credit,” said Valentine, a 19-year veteran of the Utah legislature. “It is a major incentive to try to keep research and development in this and other industries.”

Representative Curtis shared an analogy of the death of a great-aunt whose estate is to be divided among 10 other relatives. The attorney opens the will and there is $100 to divide. It is a simple decision to give everyone $10 and go to lunch. When the will is opened and there is $100 million, people come forward with compelling arguments that they should have more than a 10 percent share because they have special needs or debts or special circumstances. According to Curtis it is no different in the legislature.

About Utah Technology Council
As the premier professional organization for more than 3,900 Utah technology companies, the Utah Technology Council (UTC) exists to form closer relationships with industry and community leaders, develop superior management talent, sharpen professional skills and help gain access to capital. For more information on UTC, please visit www.utahtechcouncil.org.

Agency Contact:
Cheryl Snapp Conner
Snapp Norris Group
T) 801.208.1100

UTC:
Judy Young
T) 801.568.3500