Proposed legislation will provide increased funding for public and higher education
Emily Bingham Hollingshead
Democratic Caucus Communications Coordinator
Utah House of Representatives
Ph: 435.590.9961
Fax: 801.326.1539
houseminmedia@utah.gov
http://www.utahhousedemocrats.org
Or Contact Representative Brian King at 801-532-1739
Proposed legislation will provide increased funding for public and higher education
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, January 18, 2010 — Representative Brian King, D–Salt Lake City, has prepared a bill for the 2010 state legislative session to provide over $350 million in additional revenue for public and higher education in Utah.
The bill, HB 90, would increase the marginal state income tax rate for individuals making $250,000 by 1%– from 5% to 6%. It would also increase the marginal state income tax rate for individuals making $750,000 by 2%– from 5% to 7%. All revenue from state income tax is earmarked for public and higher education under the Utah state Constitution.
Representative King proposes the bill to help bridge the state"s budget gap and address the significant cuts in public and higher education that have occurred in past months and years.
"It is wishful thinking to believe that we can continue to cut funding for public and higher education in Utah without damaging our ability to compete successfully with other states and countries in our increasingly global economy," said Representative King in a statement.
"Utahns have always recognized the importance of providing excellent public and higher education. However, the quality of our educational infrastructure has slipped significantly in the past few years. The best indicator of our values and priorities as a state is reflected in what we choose to fund. It is past time for us to increase our funding for public and higher education," he said.
"Governor Herbert's proposed budget claims to hold public and higher education harmless from across-the-board budget cuts," said King. "However, no increased funding is being provided for the growth anticipated in Utah's public schools. That growth consists of more than 11,000 new students."
"In contrast to other proposals to increase revenue during this recession, HB 90 will not impose a greater tax burden on those earning less than $250,000 per year. Rather, the increased funds will come from those who have the greatest ability to contribute without causing them to cut back on essentials. Less than 2% of the taxpayers in the State of Utah will see their taxes increase as a result of HB 90. Over 90% of the revenue raised by HB 90 comes from individuals making more than $750,000 per year."
HB 90 reintroduces progressivity to Utah's income tax structure. The single rate state income tax implemented in 2008 eliminated progressive tax brackets based on income and imposed a single rate, 5% state income tax regardless of the amount of taxable income. This change cost the state between $200 and $300 million dollars in lost revenue. That tax break primarily benefited the highest earners in Utah.
"The best investment we can make in Utah is to increase funding for public and higher education," said Representative King. "HB 90 asks those who have benefited the most economically to pitch in a little bit more. That is the fairest, most painless way of seeing our way through this difficult economic period."
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God Bless you and thank you. You've said what most of the teachers feel.
Jill Major
Resource Teacher
Davis County
I am very excited about this Bill. I sent this letter to my Representative.
Dear Representative Mathis,
As your constituent I would like you to know I strongly support HB 90. We desperately need more money in Utah Public Schools. I am a parent, and a Registered Nurse. I am proud to live in Utah, but it is time to change the trend and start spending on public schools. I am sure your painfully award that we spend less than any other state in the nation.
I live in Grand County and we are in the middle of a financial crisis involving our schools. I hope you have been paying attention to what is happening in your district. Parents and concerned community members have formed a group ( Parent Advocates for Grand Education ) which includes a Political Issues Committee. We are a non partisan organization that is ready to start dealing with our problems at our local level. If we do not find money for our maintenance and operations budget quickly we are facing lay offs of 1/4 of the district employees. Increased money at the state level would make a huge difference.
Please review our group website found at http://www.pagemoab.com. We are organized are ready to fight. We would really like to hear from you.
No one likes more taxes, but we need money to go where it is needed the most. If Utah is truly a pro families state it is time to start putting money into the education of those families. Strong schools will make a strong state that we can all be proud of.
Connie Wilson, Parent
I believe there should be a heavier tax on those who can afford to help education. It may help if tax deductable donations to schools were stressed as an alternate to the higher tax. Many with fixed incomes and small business owners are struggling as it stands. Our schools in Moab are having to deal with a terrible financial situation and the kids will be the ones most effected. Education is stressed as such an important part of our Nation and yet it seems as though education is being hit the hardest and it should be improving.