SALT LAKE CITY — The bill that will create a school voucher program allowing state funds to be used for private schooling moved a step closer to becoming a reality Wednesday.
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Following debate on the floor, House Bill 215 passed in the Utah Senate by a 20-to-8 vote. The full Senate will have to vote on the bill once again later this week before it goes to Gov. Spencer Cox.
With the "Utah Fits All Scholarship" program, parents would receive $8,000 to use for educational programs for their children, including private and homeschooling. The program, as it stands now, would cost taxpayers $42 million and also give teachers a $6,000 raise.
“Reaffirm that this bill is not an indictment in any way on the public education system," said Rep. Kirk Cullimore (R-Sandy). "This bill is not about private education vs public education. I am convinced that there can be a win-win situation where we can continue to fund, support and grow public education while also providing an opportunity for every child that may need to find more unique circumstances for their education.”
Despite the increase in pay that comes with the bill, many teachers and educators are opposed to the program, saying it takes money away from public education in the state. They are worried about the scholarship numbers being nearly double the current weighted pupil amount for children in the public education system.
"It shows that lack of trust and belief in the public school system," said Granite School District teacher Emma Hansen. "Instead of offering opportunities to meet the needs that we already have in the public schools, it’s essentially asking people to jump ship and pick a different option because they’re not willing to work with the school system that we already have in place.”
The bill passed its initial vote with a high enough majority that a citizen referendum can't be tried, and according to Rep. Kathleen Riebe (D-Cottonwood Heights), several proposed amendments to the bill made by Democrats were also rejected.
“We are at the sixth day I think of being here, on the floor, and we’re already making decisions about this bill and we’re not having conversations," said Riebe. "And that’s unfortunate.”
