The Utah Senate Democrats released the following statement regarding the passage of H.B. 106, Income Tax Revisions:
We are deeply disappointed by the passage of H.B. 106 Income Tax Revisions. While the bill includes much-needed efforts to expand access to child care, it irresponsibly ties these critical measures to yet another income tax cut that overwhelmingly benefits the wealthiest Utahns while draining resources from essential services. This is the fifth income tax cut in recent years, costing the state $165 million annually; money that could instead strengthen schools, expand services, and improve health care.
This kind of political maneuvering forces lawmakers to accept harmful fiscal policy in exchange for desperately needed child care support. It is a coercive tactic that undermines fair and transparent policymaking.
“It has been clear that this is not the year for another income tax cut. Our budget reality does not support it. I have consistently and passionately advocated for expanding tools to address Utah’s childcare crisis for years; I was excited to support H.B. 316, Child Tax Credit Amendments, and H.B. 389, Child Care Business Tax Credit, both of which passed the House on their own merits. Combining them with an income tax cut is a coercive and unfair move that mirrors a Washington D.C. style of political tactics. This is a disservice to Utah’s working families.” — Senate Democratic Leader, Senator Luz Escamilla
This is not just fiscally irresponsible—it’s a direct threat to essential services at a time when our budget cannot sustain another tax cut. The average Utah family will see just $45 in annual savings, hardly enough to make a difference, while the wealthiest benefit the most. Meanwhile, Utah’s lower- and middle-income families continue to pay the highest share of their income in taxes. The Utah Senate Democrats stand firmly against political games that leverage good policy as a bargaining chip for tax cuts that do not benefit the Utahns who need them most.
