Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Mobility topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee recommends SB 165 to create statewide community backbone for economic mobility
Summary
SB 165 would establish a statewide framework to build local community-based infrastructure that aligns education, health and economic initiatives. The committee voted to favorably recommend the bill, with members requesting a floor substitute to ensure rural allocations.
The committee voted to forward Senate Bill 165, an economic mobility initiative that would create a statewide framework to help communities coordinate cross-sector work on education, health and economic stability. The sponsor cited a study by the Gardner Policy Institute and pilots in Utah communities as the rationale for scaling a "backbone" organization model statewide.
Supporters described measurable local outcomes. Sherry Wood, mayor of South Salt Lake, said coordinated community work contributed to an 85% reduction in youth arrests during after-school hours, improved graduation rates and better third-grade reading levels. Granite School District Superintendent Worsley said the model helps schools by aligning community resources so teachers can focus on instruction. Rural commissioners from Grand County described how the approach could be scaled to help food security and local family programs.
The sponsor said the bill would partner with a backbone organization to leverage state funding and attract national dollars, and that communities would set their own goals and be held to shared accountability measures. Senator Quan moved to favorably recommend SB 165 to the full Senate; committee members signaled support and noted a substitute was expected to reserve funds for rural areas. The bill moves to the Senate floor.
