Senate passes HB 215; controversial education funding bill now goes to the Governor

Controversial Education Funding Bill HB 215 Awaits Signing by Utah Governor

The Utah State Legislature recently passed a controversial education funding bill that will increase teacher salaries and compensation, while also providing funds for other educational options. The bill, which is now waiting to be signed into law by Governor Spencer Cox, is officially known as Funding for Teacher Salaries and Optional Education Opportunities. It will create the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program, which will have a budget of $42.5 million from the income tax fund. The funds will be used for two purposes: raises for teachers and scholarships for students who seek educational opportunities outside of the public education system, including homeschooling and charter (private) schools.

Although Heritage Action for America supports the bill, not all in the education community are in favor of it. Several local and state education leaders and organizations have labeled the bill deceptive and bullish. Washington County School District Superintendent Larry Bergeson testified before the legislators, representing 41 school districts in the state with a message and statement that called out some elected officials as being deceptive and bullies. He expressed concerns with the bill and claimed that the Legislature was using bribery to get their way on an issue that he said needed to be further looked over and receive more public feedback.

One of the main reasons for opposition to the bill is the scholarship program, which some feel will take away from public schools and give to private schools. Bergeson said they have removed rules and safeguards in the process, including taking away opportunities for input and discussion. He claims that these are a violation of the trust given to the elected officials by the voters.

The Utah Fits All Scholarship program will allow parents of students who are eligible to receive a scholarship of up to $8,000 annually. However, the Utah State Board of Education has voted against the bill as written, expressing concerns over a lack of student data privacy, questions about program oversight, and the process of drafting and debating the bill.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Candice B. Pierucci and Sen. Kirk A. Cullimore, both of whom represent Salt Lake County. Pierucci said during the third reading of the bill before the House that it is an important policy that is really going to impact the students, teachers, and parents within their state.

The first purpose of the bill is related to educator compensation. If passed, the bill would disperse money to each local education agency, such as districts, charter schools, and private schools, to provide all educators (as defined above) an annual salary increase of $4,200 in pay and $1,800 in other compensation. Pierucci said that she wants to find ways to empower teachers.

In summary, the Funding for Teacher Salaries and Optional Education Opportunities bill, also known as HB 215, is a two-fold bill that aims to increase teacher salaries and compensation and provide funds for other educational options. The Utah Fits All Scholarship Program will be created with a budget of $42.5 million from the income tax fund, and the funds will be used to provide raises for teachers and scholarships for students who seek educational opportunities outside of the public education system. Although some members of the education community are not in favor of the bill, Heritage Action for America supports it. The bill is currently awaiting the governor's signature.