Utah Legislative session kicks off with strong words against the federal government
(KUTV) Utah lawmakers began a 45-day session on Utah's Capitol Hill on Monday.
The very first order of business was to stand in a moment of silence to honor Unified Police Department Officer Doug Barney, who was slain in the line of duty.
After the ceremonial opening lawmakers got down to business and spoke strongly against the federal government.
"I've had it. I've had it with federal government and its management," said House speaker Greg Hughes. He spoke against the federal government that owns two-thirds of Utah. He says the federal government does a lot of things badly.
"We're talking about a government that is $19 trillion dollars in debt," Hughes said.
He also talked about the legislature's lawsuit attempting to win title to federal land in the state.
Meanwhile Democrats say Republicans are just thinking short-term.
