John Massey Rides into the Sunset

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2007

LEGISLATIVE FISCAL ANALYST TO RETIRE

John E. Massey, the Legislative Fiscal Analyst for the State of Utah, notified the Utah Legislature today that he plans to retire from the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst (LFA) effective July 30th, 2007.

Massey started work at LFA in 1989, with staff responsibilities for the Capital Facilities and Government Operations Appropriations subcommittee. He was appointed to lead the office as the Legislative Fiscal Analyst in August of 1998. The LFA staffs the nine legislative appropriations subcommittees, makes budget recommendations, prepares fiscal notes on all legislation, builds revenue projections, drafts all appropriations bills, and prepares reports for the Executive Appropriations Committee of the legislature.

Lyle Hillyard, Senate Chair of Executive Appropriations said, “John Massey has done an outstanding job, both personally and professionally. He took over the position as Director of LFA immediately following an icon - Leo Memmott. John was given the tremendous challenge of filling those shoes. He did so magnificently.”

The State of Utah has enjoyed a sterling reputation among the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Council of State Governments, and other national organizations as one of the leaders in State fiscal management. In 2005 Governing Magazine named the State of Utah as one of only two states receiving an “A” grade for money management. In addition, Utah continues to be one of only seven states to enjoy a AAA Bond rating, the highest in the industry. Massey hopes his office has played a part in these successes, recognizing the joint effort it takes to achieve this recognition.

Senate President John Valentine said, “John Massey is conscientious and loyal to his mission. He has handled this extremely high-pressure leadership role very well in the bad times as well as the good. He is a consummate professional.”

During Massey’s tenure, office processes were refined to include the development of an integrated financial management system. This system allowed for more accurate and timely preparation of documents and appropriations bills. In addition, the presentation documents were greatly improved to allow legislators more time to understand their budget assignments and to have quicker reference to key issues being discussed in the committees. Massey credits his success to an exceptional staff, working together to improve the LFA as a service arm for the legislature.

Nationally, John Massey has served as the Chair of the State Debt Management Network for the Council of State Governments, chair of the Fiscal Affairs Committee for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), as well as three years on the NCSL Executive Committee.

LFA is a non-partisan office and John Massey made it a priority for his staff to be of service to all legislators, maintaining a productive working relationship with all political parties on the Hill. Massey has also enjoyed a positive working relationship with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget.

Senator Hillyard commented, "LFA must remain politically neutral. There is unbelievable pressure on the director and his office to change revenue projections and fiscal note bills - all of which John Massey has handled in an impressive manner."

Eighteen of Massey’s 20 years of service to the State have been with the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst. Thinking back, Massey indicated,

“I truly appreciate the opportunity to have worked shoulder to shoulder with such marvelous co-workers and the dedicated men and women who are willing to serve in the legislature. The legislature has always been very supportive of our office and regularly expressed appreciation for the work we do. I want to express special appreciation to Speaker Curtis and President Valentine for the support I have felt over the years, as well as the great co-chairs of the Executive Appropriations Committee with whom I have been privileged to serve.

"Not being around the action will be a difficult adjustment, but I am looking forward to new challenges. It will be nice to work on projects that I have neglected, and spend more time with my wonderful family. You will probably see me contributing to the process in some way in the future."

The Speaker of the House, Greg Curtis (R-Sandy), said of Massey, "John has been an integral part of the legislative process. Accuracy of fiscal note bills is vital to good legislation and a sound budget. John has been with us through challenging times of economic drought and times of plenty and has managed both equally well. He has been well-balanced and fair to the process. We will miss John and thank him for his contribution to the great state of Utah and to the legislature."

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CONTACT:

Janeen Halverson
Senate Minority Executive Assistant
Office: 801-538-1406

Jennifer Lambert
Executive Assistant to the Speaker of the House
Office: 801-538-1930
Cell: 801-232-1893

Ric Cantrell
Chief Deputy of the Senate
Office: 801-537-1407
Cell: 801-673-603

John Massey
Legislative Fiscal Analyst
Office: 801-538-1034