Utah’s 1977 Legislature is history now and the post- session appraisals are under way. This is the time when friends and foes get in their licks – what the lawmakers did that was “right” or “wrong” and what they should have done. From our observation, we feel the lawmakers earned good marks, generally speaking. Economy-wise they even pleased the Utah Taxpayers Association, though they gave Utah its first billion – dollar budget. “Spending increases were moderate and there were no new taxes,” said Jack Olson, UTA executiver vice -resident. “In addition, the legislators provided $10 million in tax telief.” Gov. Scott M. Matheson also was pleased with the work done by the legislature. “You have come up with priorities that will be in the best interest of this state,” he told the legislators at the close of the session. “Collectively and individually, every member of this Legislature should be thanked for the energy, dedication and hard work put for forth during this session.” Those are kind words, and though tempered by the comments of critics, the lawmakers seem to come off quite well in post – session appraisal. The governor’s two main disappointments were failure of the Legislature to pass a gasoline tax boost he had recommended to alleviate the highway programs financial distress, and de eat of his REVAMP proposal that would facilitate re-examination and reform of the executive branch of government on a continuing basis. Undoubtedly Utahns haven’t heard the last of either of these issues, which probably will rebound of future consideration. Some feel the lawmakers evaded a financial responsibility in the case of the highway department which faces a sizable deficit. Governor Matheson won approval of two tax cut measures – a $2.4 million “circuit breaker” property tax relief program for the elderly and a reduction in the state inheritance tax that will benefit small family farms and businesses. Legislators added another $5.3 million tax reduction, trimming 3 per cent off the state sales tax on utility bills. The governor was allocated a reserve fund fogcpossible drought relief work; an ucation package was approved that apparently is acceptable to both teachers and administrators; Utah’s first set of comprehensive guidelines for meshing energy development with environmental concerns was adopted; and a new circuit court system was approved. These are among the legislative measures that won public attention. As with many a legislative session, the 1977 lawma ers had to greatly speed up the process to meet the adjourment deadline. Undoubtedly there were meritorious bills which had to be bypassed and others that received too little consideration in the waningl days. Wit t e Democrats and Republicans each controlling one house, there was a certain amount of “politics” but generally this didn’t seem to ominate the session. Some Utah County legislators have noted that committee work was extensive and effective, and this is good. Generally it was a hard-working session and the ‘ lawmakers are entitled to the state’s thanks for their efforts.