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House education leaders push career and technical training, seek to expand Utah Fits All scholarships
Summary
Education chair Representative Perucci and other House leaders told a public briefing they will prioritize career and technical education, accountability at higher-education institutions, and seek to refine and possibly expand the Utah Fits All scholarship program (10,000 families used it this year).
At a public briefing previewing the Utah House Majority Caucus agenda, Representative Perucci, chair of the House Education Committee, said the caucus will invest in career and technical education (CTE), expand individualized learning options and align degree programs with workforce needs.
Perucci said the state has strengths in concurrent enrollment and technical pathways and cited Ogden Weber Technical College as an example where short certificate programs yield debt-free outcomes. ‘‘We want higher ed institutions to get back to the basics and...make that a top priority,’’ the Speaker said, emphasizing program relevance to workforce outcomes.
Leaders discussed the Utah Fits All scholarship: the Speaker reported roughly 27,000 people signed up this year, about 10,000 families received scholarships and approximately 17,000 applicants did not receive awards. Caucus leaders said they hope to refine the program to serve more families but noted the fiscal limits of a constrained budget year.
Representative Karen Peterson described last year’s student-teacher stipend pilot — more than 1,300 student teachers received stipends — and said the caucus will consider ongoing funding for that program. Lawmakers signaled interest in steering money toward programs that demonstrably lower tuition and lead to employment.
Officials referenced a previously floated 10% higher-education budget cut that appears in the executive appropriations base budget; the Speaker said the number has traction but remains subject to committees and negotiations.
Leaders said specific bills and funding amounts will be proposed and debated during the 45‑day session; this briefing provided policy direction rather than bill text or votes.
