Leadership for both the Senate and the House is established through elections within the majority party. The Republican Party currently holds a majority of seats in both the Senate and the House. Under the Utah State Constitution, the state budget falls under the jurisdiction of the State Legislature and Senate and House Leadership are charged with coordinating the budget. In the case of compensation of state employees, Senate and House leadership, along with the chairpersons of the Executive Appropriations Committee, will play a major role in deciding if and how much money will be allocated.
Senate
Sen. John L. Valentine, President of the SenateRepublican, Orem
Sen. Peter C. Knudson, Majority LeaderRepublican, Brigham City
Sen. Dan R. Eastman, Majority WhipRepublican, Bountiful
Sen. Beverly Evans, Assistant Majority WhipRepublican, Altamont
House
Rep. Jeff Alexander,Majority LeaderRepublican, Provo
Rep. Stephen H. Urquhart, Majority WhipRepublican, St. George
Rep. Ben C. Ferry,Assistant Majority WhipRepublican, Corinne
Executive Appropriations Chairpersons
Sen. Lyle W. Hillyard, Co-ChairpersonRepublican, Logan
Sen. Curtis S. Bramble,Vice ChairpersonRepublican, Provo
Rep. Ron Bigelow, Co-ChairpersonRepublican, West Valley City
Rep. Stephen D. Clark,Vice ChairpersonRepublican, Santa Clara