Update: February 3, 2009:The Health and Human Services budget continues to be reviewed by the legislature. On January 28, 2009, the Utah Department of Health presented its budget recommendations and responded to how they would cut their agency budget by 15%. To review their recommended changes see the "Base Budget Reductions - by the Legislative Fiscal Analyst" below. Items in grey indicate a recommendation by UDOH that the item not be cut. All items in white are "on the table".

See below for the schedule, agendas, minutes, and audio of Health and Human Service Committee meetings.

Update: January 28, 2009: T he proposed cuts are so deep that basic governmental responsibilities for the assurance of health and safety will be greatly diminished. Promotion of health and safety, disease surveillance, laboratory testing, environmental health and access to healthcare, and emergency medical services are slated for severe cuts.

If the budget were implemented as it stands today, 296 UDOH jobs are on the line. This would result in a reduction of nearly 30% of all UDOH employees.

Immediate Call to Action

Today is an important time to call your senator or representative to help restore items in the base budget that were recommended for elimination. Please educate your legislator and especially members of the Executive Appropriations Committee TODAY to explain the impact of the elimination of these funds to your organization and ultimately the citizens and visitors to our state.

To address the issue at hand, please ask to reconsider the magnitude of cuts to public health on the Base Budget Recommendations from Health and Human Services.