Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Utah Senate passes $6 billion public education base budget, increases WPU
Summary
The Utah Senate on Day 9 passed a first-substitute public education base budget that totals roughly $6 billion, increases the weighted pupil unit to $3,809 and funds prior commitments under Amendment G; the vote was 29–0 and the bill goes to the House.
The Utah Senate passed the first-substitute version of Senate Bill 1, a public-education base budget that sponsors said will provide roughly $6,000,000,000 in operating funding for K–12 schools. Sponsor Senator Fillmore said the measure includes about $3.8 billion from state funds, $292,000,000 in state fund transfers and roughly $2.2 billion from other sources, including local property taxes, federal revenue and dedicated credits.
The bill raises the weighted pupil unit (WPU) to $3,809 to cover anticipated enrollment and implements the inflationary and WPU-value increases tied to Amendment G, the sponsor said. The presentation stressed that the measure aims to both fund immediate needs and set aside resources in case of an economic downturn.
During a brief question period, Senator Wyler asked whether the education committee had discussed declining or declining-to-accept federal funds in light of President Biden’s recent executive orders. Senator Fillmore replied that the public education appropriations subcommittee had not held public discussion on turning down federal funds to date.
Under suspension of rules, the sponsor moved that the bill be considered for second and third reading and final passage. The roll-call vote recorded 29 yeas, 0 nays and 0 absences; the bill passed and will be sent to the Utah House for consideration.
The bill carries a significant fiscal note and will be part of the larger appropriations process for the 2021–22 fiscal year. Further committee and floor action in the House will determine final adjustments and enactment timing.
