School board limits tax-reform backing

The State Board of Education is reminding the governor and Legislature it will only support tax reforms that help schools in the long run.

The board, in a Friday meeting in Vernal that was streamed over the Internet, announced it would send a resolution saying so to Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and lawmakers. A cover letter will mention a Utah Foundation report showing how Utah's effort to pay for public schools has been declining.

"We don't want to harm the Legislature's ability to fund public education and its growth," board member Tim Beagley said.

Huntsman has called a May 24 special session to hear from Mexican President Vicente Fox in his expected visit to Utah. The agenda remains in the works but is not expected to include tax reform.

Huntsman canceled earlier plans for a special session on a $70 million tax-reform package after a $35 million error was discovered in Tax Commission data.

Legislative leaders say there's hope something can be done in time for the new tax year beginning Jan. 1.

The school board is expected to discuss tax reform proposals as they become available.