Important FactsPer-Pupil-Expenditures-chart.png

Student-Teacher-Ratio-chart.png (Student-Teacher-Ratio-chart.png)Did you know Utah ranks dead last of all 50 states when it comes to funding for public education? This means with recent and potential budget cuts and the largest class sizes in the nation, there is less money being spent on each individual child, limiting the quality of education received.

Utah’s future depends on preparing students with the skills they need to survive in the 21st Century. This requires world-class academic standards and a curriculum that fosters critical thinking, problem solving and the innovative use of knowledge to prepare students for college and the competitive career field. Please join us in taking a stand for Utah’s future leaders, and Make Quality Public Schools a Priority – Now!

  • Changes in the Utah tax structure have resulted in a decline in public school funding as a percentage of the overall state budget over the past 10 years.  UTPS Report
  • Recent budget reductions have led to teacher salary and benefit cuts, class size increases and the elimination of teacher training and preparation time.
  • Tax changes have also shifted the tax burden away from those most able to pay to individuals and small businesses with less ability to pay. UTPS Report
  • Studies show an investment in public education grows the economy more than corporate tax cuts and subsidies click here.
  • Since nearly 90% of Utah’s public education budget is spent on payroll, investments create jobs for teachers and staff in both urban and rural areas.
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Supported by Public Opinion

Asked which was more important right now, increasing the investment in public schools or cutting school budgets to live with lower revenue, 73 percent chose increasing public school investments.

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Supported by the Business Community

“A well-trained workforce is the single most important element to maintaining and enhancing Utah’s reputation as a great place to do business. Further reductions in public and higher education put our workforce at risk. Education funding must be protected as we balance the state budget.”

Mark Bouchard, Senior Managing Director at CB Richard Ellis
and Chair of the Salt Lake Chamber Education Task Force


Link to article: Protecting Education in Tough Budget Year Will Pay Off in Long Run

Resources

New Video

 

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A new video shows the connection between taxes, the economy and funding for schools.

Click here to watch the video.