Governor Herbert praises Legislature’s work, highlights budget, education and new Office of Energy

Gov. Gary Herbert addressed the Utah House of Representatives on March 10, 2011, thanking members for their service and praising the Legislature for producing a balanced budget without raising taxes.

"You've created a balanced budget, which is the primary reason of getting together," Herbert said, adding that the Legislature had prioritized education and funded growth in public education while avoiding "too deep of cuts." He said the state was investing in its future and that the budget decisions would support economic growth.

Herbert also highlighted a newly created Office of Energy as a vehicle to develop energy opportunities across Utah, particularly to benefit rural areas. "You've created a new Office of Energy," he said, calling it "an opportunity we have in this state to be more proactive in developing all forms of energy."

On immigration, Herbert said the state had confronted a difficult, emotional debate through an open and deliberate process that began the previous summer. He praised legislators for tackling the issue and for seeking compromise where possible.

Herbert referenced work on the Government Records Access Management Act and the amended House Bill 477, saying the recall and revision were constructive. "We'll protect the right of the public to know, [and] protect the right of privacy," he said, and expressed confidence the parties would produce legislation in June that balanced those concerns.

He closed by thanking members and their families for their sacrifice and public service and offered a short benediction, concluding that he looked forward to meeting again in the coming weeks.

The governor's remarks were delivered as the House completed its procedural closing business; the transcript does not specify a location beyond the House chamber, nor did it provide any formal policy enactments during his brief address.