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House approves $30 million grant program for educator professional learning
Summary
After extended floor debate, the Utah House passed HB 28, a $30 million grants program to restore dedicated professional development funding for teachers. Proponents said the money would fund compensated collaboration time and substitutes; opponents urged local control via the Weighted Pupil Unit.
The Utah House voted to pass HB 28, Grants for Educator Professional Learning, approving a $30,000,000 grant program intended to restore a dedicated funding stream for teacher professional development.
Representative Last, the bill sponsor, told colleagues the proposal is “basically a funding bill. It's got a $30,000,000 price tag to it.” He said the money is intended to pay for compensated time, substitutes and other supports so teachers can participate in meaningful professional learning rather than forcing districts to sacrifice instructional days.
Opponents raised budget and local‑control objections. "I actually rise in opposition to this bill… I encourage that, but I think this money should be better spent by block granting it to the local school districts and letting them decide how to spend that money," Representative Blifford said, arguing districts should have discretion over the funds.
Representative Fosin warned of fiscal tradeoffs, saying the proposal represents a sizable fiscal note and could be the equivalent of about 1 percent of the WPU in this budget cycle. Several members reiterated that the allocation competes with increases to the Weighted Pupil Unit (WPU) and urged caution until the WPU final number is known.
Backers said the measure is a policy signal that the legislature values teachers and their continued training. Representative Gibson told the House that restoring a line item for professional development upholds teacher professionalism and noted that districts have often cut PD funding since the 2008 downturn.
Sponsor remarks cited a five‑year study contracted with Learning Forward to evaluate professional development in Utah and recommended dedicated funding to support time in schools for collaboration, mentoring and high‑impact professional learning strategies.
After extended questioning, debate and a sponsor summation, voting was opened and HB 28 passed the House by recorded vote (61 yes, 12 no). The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.
The House record shows members plan further budget negotiations where the precise amount ultimately adopted may change as leaders reconcile the WPU and other priorities.
