It is crucial that Utah Public Education continue to do amazingly well with the
resources we have using great teachers, innovation, and technology.
Education in Utah must be and is
a priority. With approx. 600,000 K-12 students in Utah,
It takes a lot of commitment. Out of the $5 Billion total "State"
funds we invest approx. $2.5 Billion to K-12 Public Education and approx. $750
Million to Higher Education. Even with $13 Billion to work with including
"State" funds and also funds for Federal Programs and others, we
invest $3.7 Billion to K-12 Public Education and $1.4 Billion for Higher
Education.
With the currently available resources, Utah
does not have enough money for the demands for Public Education,
Transportation, Water, Public Safety, Energy and others. Raising Taxes
isn't the answer as that can create bigger government and slower economic
growth.
Teachers often do not have the supplies they need, and in most cases deserve
more pay for the critical work they do. Education Funding is too complex and
funding doesn’t seem to make it to the classroom.
The above numbers were based on this report. start with page 13:
http://le.utah.gov/lfa/reports/bbib/APPEXE_03-08-12_5.pdf
