State House and Senate leaders say this legislative session is one of the roughest they've seen in years, due to the volume of complex issues they must address.

The leaders expressed their feelings at a press conference Wednesday, just hours after a House committee approved a highly debated bill that would tax credit unions throughout the state.

"This is my fifteenth legislative session, and I really believe this is the hardest, most difficult legislative session since I've been at the capitol," Speaker of the House Martin Stephens said.

Lawmakers have debated a diverse range of issues, from budget cuts to seat belt laws.

"It's not just because of the budget, it's not just because of the banks and credit union, it's not just because of the tuition tax credits," Stephens said. "It's because all of those things are here in one session, in addition to a myriad of other very complex issues. That hasn't happened for a long time."

Senate President Al Mansell echoed Stephen's sentiments.

"This is only my ninth season, so I'm a rookie, but I have never seen a more busy year," Mansell said. "These issues that we're grappling with are very complex. They're taking a lot of time and a lot of effort on everyone's part to make sure we get it right."

Stephens said this year's crunch has caused extra work hours for lawmakers.

"You're seeing lawmakers spend an awful lot more hours here at the capitol," Stephens said. "The bills are more complex than we've had for a number of years."

Stephens said this year's stress levels might be partially blamed on the 2002 Olympics coming to Utah.

"We asked legislators to try and limit their bills and we had fewer days to do our business last year," Stephens said.

The Utah 2003 general legislative session runs from Jan. 30 to March 5. Despite the heavy workload, Mansell said he does not anticipate the session will be extended.

Tuition tax credits for parents who enroll their children in private schools has continued to dominate this year's session.

Senate Bill 34, which gives parents a $2,132 income tax credit for each child enrolled in a private school, was passed by an overwhelming vote in the Senate on Tuesday.

"The Senate has clearly spoken that it will go through," Mansell said. "We've now sent it over to the House for their debate, and it should be an interesting and lively debate over there. I would assume it has an excellent chance."

Stephens pledged his support of the bill.

"I support tuition tax credits, and I'll be doing what I can to get it through the House," Stephens said. "I have no idea where we are, we haven't started to count noses in the House yet, but I'm hopeful it will be successful in the House as well."



Copyright Brigham Young University 6 Feb 2003