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Governor praises Legislature after 45-day session, highlights $280M for K–12, $170M for higher education and mental health funding
Summary
The governor praised the Legislature's tone and outcomes after a 45-day session, citing education investments (about $280 million ongoing for public education and $170 million for higher education), steps on transportation and tax reform, updated UTA governance, and $6 million for mental health and suicide prevention.
The governor addressed the Senate on the final day of the 45-day session and lauded both the tone and substance of the Legislature's work, saying, "You get a solid grade A for the work you've done." He credited members for collegial debate and for reaching a compromise on several major priorities.
On education funding, the governor said the session produced roughly $280 million in new ongoing state funding for public education and $170 million for higher education, and he cited a weighted pupil unit increase of nearly 7 percent. "That's pretty remarkable," he said, calling the compromise on education funding a high point of the session.
The governor also described transportation and tax measures meant to address growing infrastructure needs, saying the Legislature began tax reform that will include a gasoline tax increase to better align user fees with road construction needs and to reduce pressure on the general fund. He said reform is underway but not complete and anticipated further work in the next session.
On transit governance, the governor said changes to the Utah Transit Authority's governance will aim to increase transparency and improve service, and that those steps should help rebuild public confidence in the system.
The governor noted additional investments in health-related services, saying the state will direct $6,000,000 to mental health and suicide-prevention programs and described Medicaid-related work the Legislature undertook this year.
He closed by thanking leadership, staff and spouses and singled out aides and counsel by name for their contributions. The address concluded with congratulations on the session and a blessing for members as they adjourned sine die later in the proceedings.
Procedurally, the Senate recorded a motion earlier in the day to resolve into a committee of the whole; later the presiding officer called for the final 'aye' vote and the Senate adjourned sine die, ending the session.
