House passes $8.8 billion public education base budget, increases WPU by 4.2%
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Summary
The Utah House on Jan. 28 passed HB 1, the public education base budget, appropriating more than $8.8 billion, raising the Weighted Pupil Unit by 4.2% for FY2027 and allocating $253 million from a restricted stabilization account for targeted teacher and program support.
The Utah House of Representatives on Jan. 28 voted to approve House Bill 1, the state’s public education base budget, sending the measure to the Senate after a 71-0 roll-call vote.
Representative Steven White, sponsor of the bill, told colleagues the proposal "appropriates more than $8,800,000,000" for operating and capital support for public K–12 education and would raise the Weighted Pupil Unit (WPU) value by 4.2% for fiscal year 2027. White said the bill also directs $253,000,000 from the Public Education Economic Stabilization restricted account for several purposes, including $78,300,000 to increase educator professional time, $65,000,000 for the Catalyst Center program, $12,400,000 for future-educator stipends, and additional funding for teacher supplies and materials.
During floor discussion Representative Hansen asked a technical question about an emergency funding threshold in the bill. White responded that the provision adjusts the threshold used to determine allocations to impacted schools.
The bill’s sponsor summarized by describing HB 1 as “one of the largest budgets in the state of Utah,” emphasizing investments in students and educators. Voting opened and closed under the presiding officer; the clerk announced HB 1 passed the House by 71 yes votes, 0 no votes. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
Next steps: HB 1 will appear on the Senate calendar for further consideration.
