As the Chinese might say, these are interesting times. They have been particularly interesting for state legislators trying to write budgets as the economy imploded, state revenue projections plummeted and President Obama wrestled a stimulus package through Congress. Now that the state's budget for 2010 is in its final draft, we can say that Utah lawmakers have done a respectable job lopping $1 billion out of the state spending plan.

We say this with a couple of reservations. It won't become apparent how many state workers will lose their jobs until the various departments make final decisions on how to implement budget cuts. The effects on social services also are not entirely clear. What is certain is that there will be painful reductions in both state employment and programs.

But it could have been worse. Much worse. The major reason why it is not is the $561 million made available to Utah from the federal stimulus package.

Even then, Utah's budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 will shrink from about $11 billion to $10 billion. Across departments, state spending will decrease about 9 percent. Public schools will fare a bit better than that, cutting back by about 5.2 percent.

Before the stimulus funds became available, lawmakers were looking at 15 percent cuts across the board.

True to form, Utah's Republican lawmakers, who rule the Capitol, have taken a dim view of tax increases to supplement revenue. We respect that. Hiking taxes during a steep recession is generally not good economic policy, though with falling oil prices there was room to bump up the state fuels tax. They did boost vehicle registration fees by $20, and did the same for several court and other fees, all good moves. So far, they have refused to raise cigarette taxes, although they are keeping that one in their back pocket for possible use in a special session this summer if revenues continue to deteriorate.

From today's vantage point, that is almost certain to happen. So the lawmakers also were wise to preserve the $414 million in the state's rainy day fund and another $100 million education reserve, because it's going to keep raining. But they took a deep breath and agreed to bond for $2.2 billion for roads and another $115 million for buildings, a courageous move to keep people working.

We wish they hadn't left some federal money for social programs unclaimed on the table. But otherwise, it's hard to quibble.