2016 UT Governor's race: on Education
Mike Weinholtz:
Increase school funding for K-12, more than 3%
Education is the key to a stronger economy and a bright future for our children, but we are dead last in K-12 per-pupil funding. As governor, I will work to increase school funding for K-12 and higher education, better prepare our students for college
and careers, and close the achievement gap. The governor and legislature will pat themselves on the back for a 3% bump in K-12 education funding this past session, but this is not nearly enough to give our students and educators the resources they need
to succeed and still doesn't return funding to pre-recession levels. Our K-12 funds have been cut in two key ways. First, in 1996, the state constitution was amended to allow funds previously designated for K-12 education to also go to higher education.
Second, the change from a progressive state income tax to a flat tax further cut funds for education. Now, Utah is dead last in the nation for per-pupil spending, putting our children at an unfair and harmful disadvantage.
Source: 2016 Utah gubernatorial campaign website MikeForUtah.com
Jun 17, 2016
Mike Weinholtz:
Promote trade schools; more publicly-funded college
It is becoming harder for many to receive a post-high school education. Three out of every four high school graduates were not ready for entry-level college courses. Public funding has dropped, which has raised tuition to the point where many can't
afford to go to college. Those that do are burdened with student debt and delay buying homes & starting families after graduation.We must ensure our students are prepared for higher education and that tuition remains affordable for everyday Utahns.
As governor, I will:- Fund K-12 public education better so we can prepare our students for college;
- Increase taxes for the top 1.5% of wage earners in Utah (those earning $250,000 or more a year)
to add more than $175 million to the education budget each year and help to reduce costs for 171,000 students; and
- Promote trade schools as a real way for people to learn the skills that suit them best.
Source: 2016 Utah gubernatorial campaign website MikeForUtah.com
Jun 17, 2016
Vaughn Cook:
Boost school funding & reduce class size
Vowing to boost school funding and reduce Republicans' clout, Utah County businessman Vaughn R. Cook has formally launched his Democratic bid for Utah governor.
Beyond more public spending, Cook called for greater involvement in public schools by the private sector and senior citizens, as well as innovative thinking on ways to improve the quality of education.
"We talk about reducing class size--and I believe there is an optimum class size--but it might be smarter to put two teachers in the class," Cook said. "It would save a lot of money if we don't have to build that added infrastructure."
Source: Salt Lake Tribune on 2016 Utah Gubernatorial race
Mar 1, 2016
Jonathan Johnson:
Common Core runs counter to family & local control
I oppose Common Core. It runs counter to the conservative principle that small government, local control and family based decisions work best. Currently, Utah has adopted the Common Core Standards.
As governor I will work to end it and reverse the trend of giving up our decision making power to D.C. and return control to local districts and parents.
Source: 2016 Utah Gubernatorial campaign website, HireJJ.com
Dec 10, 2015
Gary Herbert:
Collaborate to rewrite No Child Left Behind
Utah's state school board will not call for federal legislation to identify state governors as key partners in education. In a split 7-7 vote, the board rejected a request from Herbert's office to sign a letter supporting amendments to the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which would require the governor's signature on plans for spending federal education dollars in Utah. The letter and amendments are being pushed by the NGA as a means of strengthening collaboration between state leaders as
federal legislators work to rewrite the controversial No Child Left Behind Act.The board Chairman suggested Utah's education governance is better managed through local legislation or a popular vote, rather than forced on the state from Washington.
After the vote, Herbert's education adviser acknowledged the rewrite of ESEA and No Child Left Behind is a moving target, but said the governor's office would continue to push for strengthened relationships with or without the board.
Source: Salt Lake Tribune on 2016 Utah gubernatorial race
Jun 19, 2015
Page last updated: Dec 09, 2018