From Deseret News archives:
Utah's education paradox
Unfortunately, that second side no longer is true. It was done in by a decision 11 years ago to begin funding higher education from income taxes, which until then had been earmarked solely for public education.
A new report by the Utah Foundation makes the outcome of this decision clear. Lawmakers took money that had been going toward higher education away from the general fund and used it for other priorities. In real terms, the amount of education spending per $1,000 of income in Utah fell.
The good news is that education spending is on the rebound. That's because a strong economy has led to growth in income-tax revenues. But the report offers plenty of wise cautions.
It is important to keep per-pupil expenditures in perspective. Many experts will say Utah's poor record is a detriment to economic development; that companies are repelled by the state's bottom ranking. If so, that is hard to demonstrate.
That said, Utah's education spending is important. The state has unique needs because of its large families. It must find ways to offer more pay to teachers, many of whom are being lured by other states and other professions.
Above all, it is important because Utahns ought to value the education of their many children above all other priorities. Children become adults, and they will be expected to contribute meaningfully to the state.
The Utah Foundation report makes it clear that the state's dependence on income taxes for education could pose pitfalls. Lawmakers often are tempted to cut or reform income taxes, sometimes with good reason. But they can't afford to do so without an eye toward schools, teachers and the state's children.
Recent comments
I government buy explained something to me.
You can go buy...
Anonymous | Sept. 17, 2007 at 7:15 p.m.
Since Utah spends about $7,500 per pupil (distributed to schools...
Raymond Takashi Swenson | Sept. 17, 2007 at 5:44 p.m.
Not to worry about the low teacher pay in Utah not attracting...
Spanish Fork | Sept. 17, 2007 at 1:03 p.m.
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