U.S. Rep. Bill Orton urges Utah lawmakers to prioritize education, outlines health-care and mandate approach

Congressman Bill Orton addressed the Utah House during a committee-of-the-whole session on Feb. 21, outlining the U.S. House majority's approach to the federal budget, health-care reform and unfunded federal mandates. Orton, a member of the House Budget Committee, said the chamber has adopted pay-as-you-go rules and a five-year discretionary spending freeze and is pursuing a mix of market reforms intended to reduce administrative costs and expand coverage.

Orton told legislators that his priorities include bringing fiscal responsibility to the federal budget and stabilizing health-care cost growth. "We are hoping to continue that forward," he said, describing efforts to cap entitlement growth and implement market-based reforms rather than immediate federal mandates. He said certain federal proposals would set targets and goals for coverage and cost containment, and that states that meet those targets through their own measures would be spared later federal mandates.

Why it matters: Orton framed the federal role as one of setting goals while providing funding and flexibility. That stance is central to how the House leadership proposes to avoid imposing unfunded requirements on states: "If the states are able to achieve those targets and goals with actions such as you've been considering here in the state legislature, then mandates would not come into effect," he said.

In response to lawmakers' questions, Orton highlighted several regionally important issues. He said he and other members of the Utah delegation are working to address grazing reform and to improve Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) so counties with high percentages of federal land receive greater federal assistance. On a question about centralized vehicle testing and EPA implementation plans, Orton said he would sit down with state and county leaders and the EPA to seek a reasonable solution and added, "If we end up having to draw the line in the sand, I'll be standing on your side of the line with you doing everything we can to reverse this."

Orton also urged Utah lawmakers to prioritize children and education in any use of a state surplus. "I would ask you to divert it to education spending," he said, adding that he believed investing in children would be the most important use of state funds.

The congressman closed by offering to take further questions and pledged his willingness to work with Utah legislators on federal statutes that affect the state. After his remarks and exchanges with members, the House recessed the committee session and returned to regular business.

The next procedural step: Orton left the floor after taking questions; the House resumed its consent-calendar business and continued considering bills scheduled for second reading and rules shifting.