Salt Lake City (ABC4) — Utah Education Association Board of Directors Voted unanimously against the proposed amendment to the Utah Constitution. UEA said in a statement Thursday.
Regarding this proposed amendment, UEA: SJR10is intended to establish a state income tax fund, currently earmarked for education, children, and individuals with disabilities, to fund “other state needs” as defined by Congress.
According to UEA, the move was preceded by a resolution by the UEA Board of Directors that there would be “no position”.
UEA President Lenny Pinckney said in a statement that the decision was not taken lightly and that he believed the proposed amendments were contrary to the values of the UEA Board and contrary to what the UEA Board stands for. He said that
“We know that public schools are where children spend their childhoods,” Pinckney said. “We provide a welcoming, safe and resourceful environment where all children, no matter their race, background, who they are or where they live, develop a strong sense of belonging where they can express their curiosity and creativity. I believe that you have the right to learn in a well-rounded public classroom. Revived.”
UEA said Utah still does not have a fully funded public education system. They said they have kept the promise of public education for more than 150 years and “we are not willing to compromise our values now.”
In a statement to ABC4, bill sponsor Sen. Daniel McKay and floor sponsor Rep. Karen Peterson said education funding is a top priority for the Utah Legislature and its constituents. They thanked educators and said they had “nearly doubled” public education funding over the past decade.
Additionally, he said the amendment would “prioritize education funding” and ensure needed funding for students and educators, while also giving voters the opportunity to eliminate the state sales tax on food.
“SJR 10 is good for education and good for Utah families,” they said.
You can read their full statement here: