But the Republican majority rebuffed final pleas for dental and vision programs for the poor and increased funding for the state's disabilities services waiting list.

In response to the dozens of people who demonstrated for dental and vision benefits at the Capitol, Sen. Fred Fife offered a innovative idea. The Salt Lake City Democrat suggested the state put $390,000 into a matching fund account with an optical company offering what he said would be a "private-sector partnership."

"We can leverage our money," Fife pleaded, waving a photograph of a constituent's gap-toothed smile. "You've all seen there is a crying need for dental and vision services. I really think this is the thing to do."

But Fife's proposal, like Sen. Ed Mayne's plea for an additional $1.4 million for the state's disability service waiting list, were voted down by the Republican majority.

Senate budget chairman Lyle Hillyard defended the spending package against those requests and others that ranged from money for birth defects research to additional funding for open space. Democrats called for tapping a small part of the money budgeted for highway construction.

"There is never enough money," Hillyard said. "Once you start moving money back and forth, you jeopardize the budget. I can guarantee that you can triple the budget and still not meet all the needs."

But Huntsman's USTAR program, which would establish research facilities at state universities in hopes of attracting to Utah the brightest scientists in the nation, received full funding - $50 million for facilities and more than $15 million in annual funding.

The main budget committee also provided $850,000 to hold a regional primary. Huntsman believes the primary will make Utah and other Western "fly-over" states players in presidential politics.

But Huntsman appears to have lost his all-day kindergarten program. Lawmakers would not pony up the $7 million required.

Two key cogs in the budget, income tax reform and a reduction in the sales tax on groceries, await approval. Hillyard said the budget numbers will not be affected if lawmakers turn down or modify either proposal, as long as the result returns the agreed upon $160 million to taxpayers.

Other highlights

* 6 percent raise for teachers.

* $50 million for ongoing Capitol reconstruction.

* $50 million for a Utah Valley State College digital learning center.

* $20 million to expand Gunnison prison.

* $3.6 million for corrections officers raises.

* $2 million for This is the Place Heritage Park.