“I’ve had enough experience in public service as an elected leader and having served on numerous boards, that one needs to be careful not to overpromise and then underdeliver. Having a deep knowledge of citizen needs in Davis County and, in particular, the communities of House District 16, my priorities as your state representative will be as follows:”
Bob Stevenson For Utah House District 16
Bob's Priorities
1—Remove The State Tax On Social Security
The time is NOW to fully and completely remove all state income taxes on social security. You have already paid taxes on social security; you should not have to do it in retirement! Instead of Utah being only one of eight states that impose a state tax on Social Security, we need to join the other 42 that don’t!
“I’ve had enough experience in public service as an elected leader and having served on numerous boards, that one needs to be careful not to overpromise and then underdeliver. Having a deep knowledge of citizen needs in Davis County and, in particular, the communities of House District 16, my priorities as your state representative will be as follows:”
1—Remove The State Tax On Social Security
The time is NOW to fully and completely remove all state income taxes on social security. You have already paid taxes on social security; you should not have to do it in retirement! Instead of Utah being only one of eight states that impose a state tax on Social Security, we need to join the other 42 that don’t!
2—Reform Property Taxes
Taxes on private and commercial property have been, and always will be, the most hated tax. The fact is, you never really own your property because the government can step in if you fail to pay and seize it. That’s not right! But we have become so used to property taxes to fund our schools and communities that we’re sort of trapped. There are better ways to provide this critical funding. Other states, like Washington, have removed taxes on private property and have found ways to provide public funding. We can do this, too, and I will fight for reform. It won’t be easy, and it can’t be done overnight, but we have to start now.
3—Attainable Housing for Our Children and Grandchildren
It goes without saying that we are in a crisis. You hear about it, and I hear about it. With the median home price in Utah pushing half a million dollars, my children and grandchildren are priced out, and so are yours. That’s why we are seeing so many apartments, condos, and townhomes, and even they are out of sight. There are smart and sensible ideas I’ve thought long and hard about, and they start with helping cities enact ordinances that incentivize smaller lots. That’s where we have to go, and I’ll work with my colleagues in the Legislature to enact real change.
4—Smart Water Policy
As a member of Weber Basin Water Conservancy’s Board of Directors, I have received a first-hand, data-driven education on the current crises. It’s not just about conservation, although that is critical. We’ve all needed to accept and get used to less green grass! We can’t conserve our way out of this. We need to think ahead and plan now to build more reservoirs and detention basins. Saving the Great Salt Lake by bringing it back to acceptable levels. I’m committed to supporting current efforts and finding new and more innovative solutions to accomplish this objective.