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Senate Approves Classroom‑size Reduction Bill After Heated Debate Over Process and Funding
Summary
The Utah Senate voted to place Senate Bill 141, a classroom‑size reduction appropriation tied to a $4.0 million allocation (committee report reflects $4.8M including benefits), on the third‑reading calendar following extended debate over funding source and procedure.
Senator McMullen, the bill sponsor, told the Senate that the proposal responds to a governor‑identified priority to reduce elementary class sizes and that funding has been set aside in the governor’s budget. "This particular issue was identified by the governor," McMullen said, explaining the measure would prioritize reductions in kindergarten through second grade before addressing higher grades.
Supporters argued the appropriation would give districts tools to hire paraprofessionals or teacher aides to lower student‑to‑adult ratios. The committee amendments increased the figure from $4,000,000 to $4,800,000 to account for social security and retirement benefits, the sponsor said.
Opponents questioned the process by which the item reached the floor. "I'm not speaking against the bill, I'm or the concept, I'm speaking against the process," said Senator McAllister, who urged that the appropriation be prioritized and vetted in the Public Education Appropriations Committee rather than advanced as a standalone floor bill. Other senators echoed concerns that moving high‑priority expenditures into bill form can bypass ordinary appropriation prioritization.
Several senators proposed using one‑time surplus funds instead of ongoing revenues; supporters replied that the governor included $4,000,000 in his budget and the appropriation was intended as ongoing. Senator Reese noted the appropriation was intended to send a policy message and to encourage districts to reduce early‑grade class size.
After extended debate on funding source, committee jurisdiction and program reporting, the Senate voted to place Senate Bill 141 on the third‑reading calendar. The clerk recorded 26 ayes, 2 nays and 1 absent. The bill will be sent to the House for further action.
The sponsor said the bill requires a report from the State Board of Education on the use of the funds before the 1992 general session, and authorizes districts to use funds for paraprofessionals or teacher assistance to achieve reductions. Implementation details and any further changes to the appropriation amount are expected to be addressed as the bill moves to the House and through the conference process.
