Grading the Gov.

Every year, the Cato Institute grades the nation’s governors on their fiscal policies. This year’s report is out now, and it gives Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., a respectable B. Read the report here.

Cato is a Libertarian think-tank. I am not a Libertarian. The philosophy is too amoral for me. But I do tend to be Libertarian on fiscal matters.

The report praises Huntsman for his tax reforms, specifically his 5 percent income tax rate and reductions in the sales tax on groceries. Then it says, “Unfortunately, Huntsman has completely dropped the ball on spending, with per capita spending increasing at about 10 percent annually during his tenure.”

My question is whether Huntsman really deserves all the credit or blame, considering the Legislature’s role. I do think he deserves credit for the tax policy, which was a central part of his agenda. He also has the power to put more of a harness on spending, but we live in a state where some needs (i.e. education) always demand more.

What do you think? Would you give Huntsman a B on fiscal matters, or do you think lawmakers have more to do with the state’s relatively good position in a difficult economy?