Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House fails pilot to boost self-esteem and life skills for students with learning disabilities
Summary
A proposed pilot program to promote self-esteem and life skills for students with learning disabilities, backed by Representative Beverly Ann Evans, was debated at length. Amendments to delay implementation and make funds nonlapsing were considered; the substitute failed in the House on a final vote, 32-33, and was filed.
A legislative proposal to create a pilot program aimed at improving self-esteem and life skills for students with learning disabilities failed to pass the Utah House on Feb. 10 after lengthy debate over timing, funding and duplication with existing special-education services.
Representative Beverly Ann Evans, sponsor, said the pilot would use a holistic approach to help students with learning disabilities and cited programs in other states and a requested appropriation of approximately $60,000 for initial implementation. Representative Lieberg and others proposed amending the implementation date from 1993 to 1994 and adding language to make the appropriation nonlapsing; the first amendment (date change) passed, the nonlapsing-funds amendment failed.
Opponents warned that the state already underfunds core special-education services and questioned whether the pilot should be added until existing programs are properly resourced. Representative Oskarsen expressed concerns that the new initiative could divert scarce special-education funds.
After debate and amendment votes, the House voted on the substitute and the measure failed, 32 yes to 33 no; the bill was filed and will not advance this session.
