Governor Norman H. Bangerter praises session achievements and urges fiscal caution in closing address

Governor Norman H. Bangerter addressed the Utah House in Committee of the Whole on Feb. 26 to summarize accomplishments of the 1992 session, thank members and staff, and urge prudence on borrowing.

"We live in Utah. We—re blessed with a little bit of money to address some of the needs that we have," Governor Bangerter said, opening his remarks and noting gratitude for staff and his wife, Colleen. He highlighted education as a central focus of the session: passage of a strategic planning reauthorization (House Bills 162 and 158), class-size reduction measures aimed at second grade, and funding for the Education Technology Initiative including telecommunications support.

On higher education, the governor noted significant steps on bonding for libraries and facilities and partial funding for enrollment growth. He called attention to library funding as a program addressed quickly during the session and said the House initiated completion work for institutional libraries.

The governor praised bills targeting public safety and health: legislation regulating precursor chemicals used in illicit drug manufacture and measures to address clandestine drug labs. He also cited passage of bills on air quality, automobile emissions and clean fuels as helping preserve Utah—s environment.

On capital finance policy, Bangerter said the House had enacted a major capital facilities program but emphasized his preference for limited-term debt. "I—m insistent on keeping that debt at 6 years," he said, framing shorter debt terms as a way to maintain flexibility and avoid overextension when conditions change.

Bangerter closed with thanks to members, staff and spouses, and with an appeal that despite partisan debate the legislature—s deliberations sought the state's best interest. He left the House with customary well-wishes at session end.