House Republicans met for more than five hours Monday in their annual pre-session caucus, hearing a budget pitch from Gov. Gary Herbert and forecasts for the state's economic recovery, but took no positions on taxes, ethics or other key issues.

"I think in years past we probably hurt ourselves taking motions this early in the game," said House Majority Leader Kevin Garn, R-Layton. "It's too early. There's a lot more information we need to have."

But leaders said there is a general willingness among the 53 Republicans in the 75-member House to work with the governor to implement his budget blueprint.

Herbert proposed an $11.3 billion budget last week that essentially would hold the line on state government, avoiding deep cuts, but not providing for any growth.

Two years ago, the House GOP took a vote to embrace specific tax cuts leading up to the session, but has since abandoned that policy in favor of a discussion of the issues.

That discussion included pitches from Rep. Kay McIff, R-Richfield, for an increase in the sales tax on food, and from Rep. Paul Ray, R-Clearfield, for a hike in the tobacco tax. Rep. Greg Hughes, R-Draper, argued against any tax hikes in the coming session.

Members of the House Conservative Caucus met Monday morning and voted unanimously to oppose tax hikes, reiterating a position the group staked out last month.

Sen. Steve Urquhart, R-St. George, has lined up commitments from 13

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other senators to oppose any tax increases, unless it is offset by other tax cuts.

But there is no formal effort to gather firm no-tax pledges in the House, at least not yet.

"I don't think we're in a position now where we understand all the information," said House Speaker Dave Clark, R-Santa Clara.

"Philosophically, I'm working to get to the point where we don't have a tax increase," Clark said. "I think that's the right place to work toward. I think it's too early to make that decision arbitrarily without all of the information."

Sen. Dan Liljenquist, R-Bountiful, discussed a package of bills he plans to sponsor in the coming session to address a projected $6.3 billion shortfall in the state's retirement system that would include an end to double-dipping, postponement of retirement dates and a change in benefits.

Senate Republicans plan to meet this morning to discuss issues in the upcoming session, followed by a budget meeting of the Legislature's Executive Appropriations Committee.