Utah’s largest teachers union decided not to object last year as lawmakers took a major step toward removing a mandate in the state constitution that protects funding for children and students.
The Utah Education Association also did not protest or attempt to intervene during the 2024 Legislature.
But Thursday, UEA President Renée Pinkney announced the union’s board has now decided to oppose the change, declaring it “goes against our values and challenges what we stand for.”
“We know public school is where childhood happens,” Pinkney wrote in a letter to union members, adding that the association believes “that every child, regardless of race, background, who they are, or where they live, has the right to learn in a welcoming, safe, well-resourced public classroom that fosters a strong sense of belonging where their curiosity and creativity come alive.”
In a statement, Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams said he was disappointed in the UEA’s silence during the session and its new opposition now.
“I specifically requested feedback from [the UEA] during this Legislative session,” Adams said. “The UEA chose not to engage and waited until after the session to change their position. Stakeholders coming to the table to offer solutions is more productive and effective.”
Utah’s constitution requires the state to spend income tax revenue on public and higher education and some social services, allowing the funds to also “support children and to support individuals with a disability.”
Last year, lawmakers debated whether to ask voters to remove that spending restriction — promising that if Utahns support the change, lawmakers will eliminate the state portion of the sales tax on food.
The UEA’s neutrality gave the green light for lawmakers to bring SJR10 — a resolution to put the question on the November 2024 ballot — to a vote, and both chambers passed it on the final day of the 2023 session.
Higher-than-anticipated income tax collections…
