Department of Workforce Services outlines budget requests, highlights Summer EBT and TANF proposals

The Department of Workforce Services presented an overview of its programs and four budget requests to the Comic and Community Development Appropriations Subcommittee on Jan. 30, 2025, including a request to fund administration of a Summer EBT benefit for school‑age children and a general‑fund ask to cover higher phone‑system costs.

Casey Cameron, executive director of the Department of Workforce Services, told the committee the department’s mission is to “strengthen Utah’s communities by connecting the workforce to new opportunities and providing services to individuals and families in need.” He said the department receives most of its funding from federal sources (roughly $1,000,000,000) and about $128,000,000 from the state general fund. Cameron described major program lines including nutritional assistance (roughly $600,000,000) and operations and policy (about $453,000,000). He also reviewed the department’s subdivisions — workforce development, eligibility services, housing and community development, childcare, the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation, unemployment insurance, and refugee services — and…