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Education emphasized in Gov’s budget proposal

Posted at 12:41 PM, Dec 12, 2012
and last updated 2012-12-13 00:45:21-05

SALT LAKE CITY – More than half of Gov. Gary Herbert’s 2014 budget proposal would go to public education.

Herbert released his proposal Wednesday saying the key to stimulating Utah’s economy is educating the future workforce.

“We want to make Utah to have great success when it comes to economic opportunity, job creation,“ says Herbert.

Under the plan, $3.4 billion dollars will be earmarked for public education. That puts an additional $297 million into the public and higher education systems.

“The priorities don’t change based on whether there’s a little bit of money or a lot of money to spend,” says Herbert. “We prioritize what’s in the best interest of the people of Utah going forward.”

The funds will go toward advances from early intervention to career education and $26 million to increase teacher compensation.

The Utah Educators Association released a statement today expressing concern at the proposed budget.

UEA President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh says “the business community recognizes the positive impact a world-class public education system has on the economy. As Utah’s economy continues to improve, educator compensation, teacher training and classroom resources must keep pace if we want to retain our quality public school classroom teachers.”

Link:Governor's Office of Planning & Budget