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House approves $15 million STEM Action Center to boost math, science training and workforce pipeline
Summary
The Utah House passed HB139 to create a STEM Action Center under GOED with a $15 million general‑fund fiscal note for grants, a center and competitions; supporters said the initiative will improve K‑12 STEM outcomes and workforce readiness, while some raised constitutional concerns about governance.
The Utah House voted to create a STEM Action Center on Feb. 28, approving HB139 and a $15 million fiscal package intended for matching classroom grants, a physical center, competitions and teacher development.
Representative Val Peterson, sponsor of the measure, said the bill aims to raise K‑12 math and science proficiency and align education with employer needs. Peterson framed the center as a public‑private collaboration housed in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and said the policy sets measurable goals for math readiness and graduation rates.
"This bill is about collaboration, innovation, and vision, and making sure that our children have the skills that they need so that they can compete in a global workforce," Peterson said. The fiscal note attached to the bill proposes $15 million from the general fund: roughly $5 million for matching classroom grants, $1.2 million to create a center, $2 million for competitions and remaining funds for classroom best practices.
Supporters argued the investment addresses workforce shortages and keeps industry in state. Opponents and some members raised constitutional questions about placing the center under GOED rather than the State Board of Education; Representative Byrd and Representative Green urged caution, noting Article X of the state constitution assigns general control and supervision of public education to the state board.
Representative Peterson said the bill explicitly supports and reports to the State Board of Education and does not supplant its authority. After floor debate that included one recorded opposing vote, the House passed the first substitute HB139, 68 yes to 1 no. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
