salt lake city — The Utah Education Association Board of Directors voted unanimously against a November ballot measure that would amend the Utah Constitution and change how education is funded.
Currently, all state income taxes go to education, but a ballot measure would allow Utah to use those taxes to pay for other budget items.
The board issued a letter Thursday to UEA members expressing and explaining their opposition to SJR10, a resolution proposing amendments to the state constitution. The resolution directs the lieutenant governor to submit a proposal to voters. If passed, it will come into effect from January 1, 2025.
“This decision has not been taken lightly. The UEA Board believes that the proposed amendments run counter to our values and call into question what we stand for.” is stated in the letter.
UEA says it represents around 18,000 members.
BREAKING: Utah's largest teachers' union has announced it will oppose a ballot measure this fall that would open up the Utah Constitution to use income taxes for state needs other than education. #utpol @KSL5TV
The opposition is significant as lawmakers insist on changing… https://t.co/5JTYBH4q0F
— Lindsay Arts (@LindsayOnAir) March 14, 2024
The letter also states:
Utah still does not have a fully funded public education system. UEA has kept her promise of public education for over 150 years. We have no intention of compromising those values at this time.
Remarkably, in the past two legislative sessions, Congress has appropriated $82 million for a newly created but not yet launched private school voucher program. Imagine what this funding could do to meet the ever-growing needs of public school students and educators.
The resolution is sponsored by Republican Daniel McKay. Republican Karen M. Peterson is the House sponsor.
The full letter can be viewed here.
