SALT LAKE CITY -- Prayers, choirs and speeches opened the Utah Legislature's 2011 general session Monday at the state Capitol.

But the congenial tones of the morning pomp and circumstance will soon give way to political maneuvering as the state's 104 part-time legislators get down to business. Setting a budget and hashing out a passel of illegal immigration bills figure to occupy much of the debate during the 45-day session.

"I hope we're ready," said Majority Leader Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City.

Illegal immigration and a Utah County boundary dispute that cost a lawmaker his seat were among the issues addressed outside of chambers by groups holding news conferences and demonstrations on Capitol Hill.

Before lawmakers got down to business, Elder L. Tom Perry, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offered the invocation in the Senate. Elder Ronald A. Rasband, of the Presidency of the Seventy of the LDS Church, gave the prayer in the House, expressing gratitude for the past leadership and praying for those assuming the roles.

Elder Rasband also acknowledged "there are many gray issues before this House." He prayed for wisdom and good judgment, and "that there will be compassion and peace in those things which are done here."

Legislative leaders outline goals for session

New House Speaker Becky Lockhart, R-Provo, told lawmakers they will debate immigration and health care reform, education, and "address an economy that needs less government, not more, while it recovers."

Lockhart also referred to a "dangerous" problem in the state budget, the so-called structural imbalance left as a result of the end of federal stimulus funds and other one-time sources of revenues.

In his opening speech, Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, told his colleagues to leave a mark on history during the session.

"Let's make a good mark. Be remembered as one who made a difference," he said. "Be a David to a Goliath of bad government."

Senate Minority Leader Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake, asked senators to give Democratic ideas a fair hearing and allow them to be part of the conversation in the public square. He also asked for debates to be civil.

"It's important as we disagree to not be disagreeable," he said.

Lawmakers face tough issues

One of the most talked about and controversial pieces of legislation this year is undoubtedly Orem Rep. Stephen Sandstrom's Arizona-style immigration bill. Protesters are already speaking out, as lawmakers prepare to debate it.

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Boundary issue top priority for some in Legislature

Emotions ran high Monday morning on Utah's Capitol Hill over redistricting issues in Cedar Hills.

"We don't want Utah to be like Arizona. We don't want to have to walk around with documents all the time," said Lais Rodriguez, who protested Monday at the Capitol.

Some lawmakers are hoping for a reasonable balance to the contentious discussion of illegal immigration.

"I think it's possible, I hope so," said Rep. Kay McIff, R-Richfield. "There will be some strident voices; there will be some moderate voices."

Another hot-button issue is balancing the state budget. The Republican majority in the Legislature and GOP Gov. Gary Herbert are already at odds over whether further budget cuts are needed this session to deal with the so-called structural imbalance left as a result of the end of federal stimulus funds and other one-time sources of revenues.

Lockhart referred to the $313 million imbalance as a "dangerous" problem in the state budget.

She also raised a popular issue with her party: state sovereignty.

"Is Utah willing to tell the federal government to go away when it oversteps its authority," she asked, invoking a warning by Thomas Jefferson about government becoming "big enough to take away everything that you have."

Lockhart was sworn in by the man she defeated for the position after last November's elections, now-Rep. Dave Clark, R-Santa Clara.

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Story written by Dennis Romboy and Lisa Riley Roche, with contributions from Sam Penrod.

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