Funding for education in Utah has been a priority and a challenge. We devote all of our state income tax revenue to the Uniform School Fund, and school districts also rely on property tax revenues to fund their schools. More funding is not the sole answer to our education challenges. But the student growth we face and the quality improvements we need will require resources. It is critical for Utah to have a long-term funding plan for education. That plan must be the product of collaboration as outlined above. The following are some of the initial steps I would propose in developing this plan.

A. Education First — Education is a high priority in Utah. It must be an even higher priority if we are going to meet the challenges of student growth and improving our schools. The percentage of the state's budget devoted to education over the years has declined slightly. As governor, my budget plan would fund education first and give it a higher percentage of the budget. I would urge the Legislature to do the same. For example, if our current commitment of 47.6 percent of state general revenues to education could be raised to 50 percent in the next four years, the yield would be an additional $89 million, based on current revenues. We must try to do this without raising taxes, which will require careful balancing of other legitimate public interests. The task will be hard, but the Education First budget commitment should help set the course to improving education in Utah.

B. Economic Development — The most critical factor affecting our ability to finance education and other important public responsibilities is a healthy and growing state economy. Economic growth, and especially growth that brings high-quality, high-paying jobs, is essential to improving education in Utah. Economic growth and education are inextricably linked as top priorities, and I am fully committed to do all I can for the state to succeed in both. Our economy will not reach its full potential without a strong education program. Indeed, a robust economy starts with education, and that is what this Pledge to Education paper is about. Conversely, our education system will not reach its full potential without a strong economy. My plans for economic development are set forth at www.mathesonforgovernor.com.

C. Government Efficiency — A vital part of planning for education is to conduct an aggressive, wholesale review of state government and state finances. On my first day as Governor, I will:

— Appoint an Efficiency in Government Commission whose charge will be to conduct a wholesale review of state government, identify waste and duplication, and recommend budget cuts and cost-saving reforms. I will ask representatives from state and local government, business, and community organizations to participate. I will ask them to put state government on the Matheson CARB Diet — Cut All Redundant Bureaucracy. The Commission will have a two-year term, and it will issue reports and recommendations every six months.