House unanimously adopts resolution urging federal changes to school funding formulas

Representative Tamar Birmingham sponsored House Concurrent Resolution 4 calling on the federal government to reexamine and adjust the formulas used to distribute federal education aid. Birmingham told members that Utah receives about $130 per pupil in federal aid compared with a national example figure of $207 per pupil, and argued that formula components (outdated census data, definitions of poverty, and per-pupil expenditure baselines) systematically undercount Utah's need.

Birmingham said the 1992 reauthorization of federal education programs provides an opportunity to seek formula changes and urged members, education groups and media to build pressure for equity. She cited a possible $34–40 million annual increase if Utah's per-pupil federal aid rose to the national average.

Several members offered brief responses and jokes in the debate; there was no extended amendment or opposing argument recorded. The resolution passed the House unanimously and was forwarded to the Senate for consideration.