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House passes Utah School Readiness Initiative after floor amendments and debate
Summary
The House passed House Bill 96 on Feb. 10, 2014, to create a results-based preschool program targeting low-income 3- and 4-year-olds; the program limits state exposure with a $15 million cap and uses independent evaluation before reimbursing private funders. The vote was 49-24.
Representative Jeff Hughes, sponsor of House Bill 96, told the House the proposal creates a targeted, results-based approach to preschool for at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds and would reimburse private providers only after independent verification of improved student outcomes.
The measure establishes a state board to vet curriculum and award grants, requires independent pre- and post-assessments to determine eligibility and results, and caps state exposure at $15,000,000. Hughes said the bill’s reimbursement model was designed to “leverage other people’s money” while avoiding long-term state encumbrances and that the legislature would only pay when a measurable cost avoidance for special education occurs. He added, “If it doesn't do what it's been touted to do, there is not a cost avoidance to the state, and we're not going to pay.”
Lawmakers adopted three floor amendments before the final vote. Amendment 1 made technical corrections to finance terms (renaming a special…
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