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Utah Senate opens path for voters to reconsider income-tax earmark for education; measure passes Senate
Summary
After a heated floor debate over whether the constitutional earmark for income-tax revenues should be broadened to allow funding for social services, the Utah Senate voted to pass Third Substitute Senate Joint Resolution 3 (21–8), sending the proposal to the House and, if advanced, to the ballot.
Senator Jonathan McKay moved to uncircle Third Substitute Senate Joint Resolution 3 and framed the measure as giving Utahns options about how income-tax revenue earmarked for education could be used in the future.
"What this does is it allows the earmark that's currently set for public and higher education. It allows it to provide for services for the poor, the disabled, or the elderly," McKay said in his floor remarks, presenting the amendment as a way to permit voter choice on competing budget priorities.
Opponents said the change would undercut a constitutional commitment to public education. "This is not the way to go," Senator Davis said, arguing the amendment would change what earlier voters established to fund public schools and that the state has already shifted education funding in ways that leave classrooms short.
Supporters including Senator Bramble and Senator Wyler countered that the state faces structural and "silo" problems in revenue, and that placing options on the ballot would allow voters to weigh education against other high priorities. "We have to solve this problem. We have a structure problem," Wyler said.
After extended debate the Senate took a roll-call vote. The clerks recorded 21 yeas and 8 nays; the President announced the resolution passed the body and it will be sent to the House for further consideration.
Votes at a glance: Third Substitute Senate Joint Resolution 3 — 21 yeas, 8 nays (passed in Senate). The measure, if later approved by both chambers and sent to voters, would amend the Utah Constitution to modify how certain income-tax revenues may be allocated.
The Senate proceeded to other agenda items after the vote; the resolution is now before the House.
