Utah constitutional amendment could remove education funding earmark
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KUTV) — Utah legislative leaders are looking at a constitutional amendment that could change the longtime practice of using income tax revenue to fund public education.
That, in turn, could lead to the eventual removal of the food sales tax, which many have pushed for this legislative session – but which has yet to happen.
House Speaker Brad Wilson (R-Kaysville) presented the issue to the Utah State Board of Education Tuesday. Specifics of the proposal are still being discussed.
In a statement to KUTV 2News, Wilson noted that even with hundreds of millions in extra money available this year, most of that is earmarked for the state’s education fund, not the general fund.
“Statewide needs are rapidly outpacing general fund revenue, which could require the state to limit funding for important needs such as programs for seniors, public safety, mental health, air quality, and more,” Wilson said. “Additionally, increased public pressure to remove the state portion of sales tax on food would put additional strain on the general fund.”
Wilson added, “To allow the state greater budget flexibility, remove the state sales tax on food, and continue prioritizing education funding with additional guarantees, lawmakers are working with education leaders to determine the way forward.”
The Utah Education Association said its priority is adequately funding schools, regardless of where the money comes from.
“Any proposed changes to the Utah Constitution require significant study and reflection of both intended and potentially unintended impacts on our schools,” said UEA president Heidi Matthews in a statement to KUTV 2News. “The many negative education bills proposed this session caused considerable distraction, to say the least - especially to our educators.”
She continued, “UEA is focusing on supporting good bills that will help students and educators, especially with so little time remaining in the session. We are encouraged by the announcement of new revenue numbers and opportunity it gives the Legislature to provide another significant investment in public education.”
So far this session, lawmakers cut income and social security taxes this session while also enacting a state earned income tax credit.
Any action by lawmakers on a constitutional amendment would have to happen fairly quickly. The legislative session ends next Friday. If it passes, it will also have to be approved by voters.
