Another priority involves Utah continuing to be "a welcoming place for newcomers," according to Scott Anderson, president and chief executive officer of Zions Bank and chairman of the UWSL's board of directors.

"While United Way does not support illegal behavior or illegal immigration, we believe that the continued strength and vitality of our state depends on our ability to create a supportive community that enable all to succeed and all to prosper," he said. That includes ensuring everyone has access to "essential services, basic needs and educational opportunities," he said.

Anderson called on the federal government to take the lead in comprehensive immigration reform. "We encourage state policymakers to avoid passing immigration-related legislation that can be harmful to our families and harmful to our economy," he said.

The organization supports $200,000 to improve the coordination of services and grow capacity to meet the needs of international refugees who are being placed in Utah, a resolution calling for Congress to pass "balanced" immigration reform legislation, and a bill establishing a legislative task force to study immigration reform issues.

"We cannot launch and live in divisive communities that turn neighbor on neighbor and business on business," Anderson said. "Living in a culture of fear and hate is not good for our economy, is not good for our neighborhoods and is not good for our state. Instead, we should be willing to work to unify communities for the benefit of all.

"Immigration and refugees need access to culturally inclusive services that create opportunities for themselves and their families to integrate and thrive in our communities. This integration will secure vibrant and cohesive communities and a strong local economies that benefits us all."

The organization's education priorities include supporting funding for comprehensive guidance counselors; stronger science, technology, engineering and mathematics instruction; the English Language Learners and Minority Achievement Initiative; and GED programs, as well as a "modest" expansion of Head Start slots for low-income children.

"I think we all agree that education is critically important to our prosperity and to our long-term economic well-being," said John W. Milliken, vice chairman of the UWSL's Public Policy Committee and president of Milcom Inc. "The trick is to spend our scarce education dollars as effectively as possible."

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E-mail: bwallace@desnews.com