Amid pages of cuts in the latest 2010 budget recommendations, one of the items is not like the others: $50,000 in new, ongoing funding for the Hale Center Theatre in West Valley City.

"It stands out like a sore thumb," said Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo.

The theater is well-known for its family-friendly fare, but is also well-known for its for-profit costume business and six-figure salaries for executives. Two years ago the state Legislature approved $100,000 in ongoing funding and $85,000 in one-time funding. (It also receives funding from the Salt Lake County ZAP tax.)

But during last year's session, says Rep. Ron Bigelow, R-West Valley City, the Senate cut funding for the center deeper than other arts programs at the 11th hour. The $50,000, which Bigelow tried to replace in last fall's special session, is to restore balance, he said.

"There's no attempt to sneak anything by," said the powerful co-chairman of the executive appropriations committee. (The $50,000 in additional funding was approved for the 2009 budget earlier in the session and was signed by the governor. It is proposed to be continued into 2010.)

Bigelow said he expects appropriations in other departments to be added to the recommendations before they're finalized. Bigelow said that while the theater is in his city, it's not in his district.

The state is facing a billion-dollar shortfall in 2010, and lawmakers are finishing up with proposals to cut as much as 15 percent across the board. They are considering drastic methods to make budget, including furloughs for state employees and cuts in benefits, though federal stimulus dollars and rainy day funds are available.

Bramble said it's inappropriate for the theater to receive new funding while everyone else is being asked to bear the burden of a souring economy.

"I think that sends a terrible message to the citizens of the state of Utah," he said.

Bigelow disagrees.

"You could take all the money from arts to meet critical human needs," he said. "But you have to make a balanced approach on the budget."

"It's just a small item."