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Last Friday was what I think of as the "day of reckoning" as the Executive Appropriations Committee made final recommendations for the fiscal year 2024-25 budget. This year, the budget was much tighter, which means a large number of bills were not funded, and many programs were cut or did not get the money they requested this year, which is always very disappointing for those whose lives are impacted. There were some bright spots including a 5% increase in the weighted pupil unit (WPU) for education.
Utah is a bit unique because every legislator sits on at least one appropriations committee and gets some input on budget as part of their committee votes. The Executive Appropriations Committee (which is made up of Senate & House leadership plus the appropriations chairs) then takes those recommendations and works with our amazing staff from the Legislative Fiscal Analyst’s office to balance the budget. Utah is known for our fiscal responsibility and along with necessary cuts, the recommendations included strategic investments across vital sectors, including education, social services, infrastructure, energy, and water, while also providing Utahns with an income tax cut for the fourth consecutive year. Here is a recent article that on the latest budget recommendations, which will be adjusted this last week of the session.
There are a lot of bills related to education. It’s an area that everyone cares about, and many lawmakers spend a lot of hours crafting and creating bills designed to bring about what they see as positive change in our education system. Others, like me, are more hands off and prefer not to micromanage our public education system, leaving more decisions up to local school boards. Everyone appears to sincerely believe their chosen approach is aimed at the well-being of our students, teachers, and the entire education community. Here is a list of some key education related bills that the legislature is considering:
Supporting Our Teachers (H.B. 105 and S.B. 52):
Utah's educators are the backbone of our education system. Recognizing their dedication, H.B. 105 proposes an increase in funds for classroom supplies, easing the financial burden on our teachers. Simultaneously, S.B. 52 expands the Educator Salary Adjustment Program, ensuring fair compensation for even more of our hardworking teachers.
Investing in Tomorrow's Educators (H.B. 221):
Our aspiring teachers deserve every opportunity to succeed.H.B. 221 introduces the Stipends for Future Educators Grant Program that provides a paid stipend for student teachers to help encourage them to complete their training and contribute to the future of education in Utah.
Teacher Retention (H.B. 431):
Navigating administrative challenges can be tough.H.B. 431 introduces a hotline for teachers facing hurdles, providing crucial support. Additionally, the bill advocates for paid maternity leave and introduces the MASTER Program, offering recognition and extra support for our valuable teachers.
Empowering Our Educators (S.B. 137):
Flexibility and options are key to success. S.B. 137 introduces an alternative teacher evaluation process and more training options, ensuring our educators have the tools and support needed for success.
Recognizing Excellence (S.B. 173):
Going above and beyond merits recognition. S.B. 173 introduces the Excellence in Education and Leadership Supplement program, offering well-deserved salary increases for outstanding teachers, potentially up to $20,000.
Protecting Educators Rights (H.B. 347):
Teachers deserve to feel safe in the classroom. HB347 from Rep Ray Ward of Bountiful ensure teachers have a right to an educational environment that has minimal disruptions that is safe for both students and for staff.
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