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U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch visits Utah Senate, urges tax cuts and warns against federal overreach
Summary
U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch answered questions in a committee of the whole, advocating marginal tax rate reductions as economic stimulus and expressing reservations about broad federal hate‑crime language and mandates that shift costs to states.
U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch spoke to the Utah State Senate in a committee of the whole on Feb. 8–9, 2001, answering senators’ questions on federal tax proposals, state budget mandates and hate‑crime legislation.
Hatch characterized the federal debate as centered on substantial tax relief and told senators he expected a large package: "I think we'll have about a $1,300,000,000,000 tax cut," he said, and defended marginal‑rate reductions as a way to spur investment and economic activity. He compared proposed cuts to past major tax changes and argued they could help maintain projected surpluses.
State senators asked about the impact of federal mandates on state budgets. Senator Valentine warned that new federal requirements accompanied by reduced federal funding strain state budgets: "Please don't do that," he said, urging federal restraint in imposing new mandates. Hatch said he supported federalism and cautioned against Washington overreaching while also arguing there are legitimate areas for federal encouragement.
On hate‑crime legislation, Hatch told senators there was no consensus at the federal level. He said many existing criminal laws already address hate‑related acts and cautioned against language that would broadly expand federal prosecutorial authority. "It's probably more symbolic than anything else," he said, adding that careful drafting would be required if states or the federal government moved forward.
Hatch also touched on defense and national security, urging attention to military readiness and noting classified committee work that limited his comments. He closed by encouraging cooperation across parties and offered to field further questions in the future.
The visit was conducted in a committee of the whole and included multiple exchange points where Utah senators pressed Hatch on the practical implications of federal policy for state budgets and programs. The senator declined to endorse specific state actions, instead offering his view on federal policy direction and intergovernmental balance.
