Category

Education

Interim Committee Summaries

By Economy, Education, Fiscal Responsibility, Governance, Legislation, Legislative Update, Revenue, State Budget No Comments
August:

The Executive Development and Workforce Services Committee heard a report from Kristen Cox, the executive director of the Department of Workforce Services on SB 37, “Intergenerational Poverty Provisions” passed by Senator Reid in the 2012 session. Ms. Cox reported on the department’s plans to create a tracking system that will identify trends and assist case workers as they pinpoint children who are at risk of being trapped in intergenerational poverty. The new research they are collecting will set a benchmark so that we can see what the best strategies would be to help break this cycle. The final results of their study will be made public in October.

The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on the parental rights of biological fathers in the adoption process and a report from the Utah Department of Health on efforts that are being made to promote wellness strategies among Medicaid enrollees. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the biggest expenditures in health care (at least 75%) goes to treating heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and cancer–all of which are generally preventable. They estimate that more than $16 billion could be saved annually by preventing or delaying the onset of these chronic diseases. In Utah we are establishing several programs to help encourage better health practices such as a smoking sensation program, a chronic disease self-management program and preventative dental care program. These sorts of programs teach healthier behaviors and accountability to people, reducing many of the problems that cost so much in healthcare.

The Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee identified capital punishment as the highest priority for the committee to study this year. In June’s discussion of the issue the committee was presented with a comparison of Utah’s capital punishment execution rate, number of death row prisoners and expenses, with those of other states. This month the discussion continued, with testimony that focused on the fiscal costs (not the pros and cons) of capital punishment versus life in prison without the possibility of parole; the capital offense punishment process and the appeal process. It was a very interesting discussion. You can listen to it here if you would like.

The Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee had a report on the Children’s Land Alliance from director, Margaret Bird. This is a multi-state non-profit corporation that helps to manage the school trust lands in Utah and lands in other states, some of whom do not have trust lands. School trust lands are an important part of our discretionary school funding and must be managed carefully.

They also heard a report from the Division of Wildlife Resources on how tags and licenses for big game hunting are administered and what sort of opportunities the state has for promoting those hunts. This year thousands of acres of prime game habitat was burned. The reseeding program will help recover the damaged rangeland, but in the meantime there will be many displaced animals, which will likely affect the hunting season.

Tax funding for roads is always a major subject of discussion. The Revenue and Taxation Committee took public comment on that issue this week. Some of the concerns that were brought up were the problems that local municipalities are having with road bonding for maintenance purposes and the decreased funding from gas tax revenue. The committee voted to hold a daylong summit to discuss possible ways to address these problems and help fund transportation in Utah.

Along the same lines, the Transportation Committee heard an update from UDOT’s Linda Hull on the federal highway program. They also discussed the need for increased transportation options in the Uintah Basin area.
Here is a link to the meeting.

September

One of the items the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee discussed was seat belt compliance law. In Utah, 70% of all crash related fatalities occur in high-speed crashes. However, people involved in those high-speed crashes are 13 times more likely to survive if they are using seat belts. Please be careful as you drive and always wear your seatbelt.

A presentation on water rights issues took place in the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee. Michael Styler, the Department of Natural Resources Executive Director presented 12 proposals for legislation that would clarify the use of water rights in the state.

Both the Political Subdivisions and the Revenue and Taxation Committee heard reports on the recent UTOPIA audit. Eleven Utah cities formed a consortium, pledging about $500 million over the next 32 years to back the necessary bonds to finance the Utah Telecommunication Open Infrastructure Agency (UTOPIA), an organization that would build a high-speed fiber-optic network. However, the network has yet to make a profit. The legislature requested that an audit be done to see what the ramifications will be to the cities in the consortium and the results are not good. According to the audit, UTOPIA is failing because of poor management and wasteful spending. So the cities (actually the taxpayers) are left on the hook to pay for a failing company. Sadly there is very little that the state can do to remedy this situation for the cities. Here are some thoughts that Senator Valentine had on the problem.

The Business and Labor Committee heard a follow-up from last month’s discussion on Alarm System Security Licensing. The language in the current law needs to be clarified because right now, people who work for alarm system companies such as janitors or human resource agents are required to hold a license. The Alarm System Security Licensing Board has indicated that this is unnecessary and so the language needs to be clarified. They also heard recommendations for procedural changes from the Uniform Building Code Commission and the Utah State Fire Prevention Board.

A report on the state’s Tourism Development plan was given to the Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee. The good news is that tourism related taxes are continuing to rise. This is due in part to the hard work of our tourism development team that has placed representatives in several European nations and makes a considerable effort to promote the wonders of our state around the world.

Last month that committee had a discussion on intergenerational poverty. S.B. 37, passed last session by Senator Reid, provided for a study on the intergenerational poverty in our state. The results of the study will be presented at a conference on October 9th. You can find details about the conference on this pdf.

The Education Committee was long this month. There was a discussion on the Replacement of the State Superintendent, a report on teacher quality and employment reform, discussion on the possibility of funding a state preschool and a report on the UPSTART program. (UPSTART is a computer pre-school readiness program that can be done at home.) If the state decides to implement a pre-school program it would be contingent on such requirements a small class sizes, trained teachers and use of a research-based curriculum. Senator Osmond is proposing the legislation. There was also a report given to the committee about what will happen as a result of federal sequestration to our education budgets. As part of the Budget Control Act of 2011, Congress was required to reduce the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion by January 15, 2012. Because they failed to do so, automatic across-the-board spending reductions will be instated in the FY2013 federal budget. The mandatory reduction rate will be either 8.2% or 7.6% depending what is being funded. If you would like to hear any of these discussions you can listen from this link.

A very interesting report was given to the Public Utilities and Technology committee on Utah’s coal industry. Last year 20 million tons of coal was extracted from Utah mines. There are nearly 5000 jobs in our state that are directly or indirectly related to our coal industry. This puts $600 million into our local economy. Some of Utah’s highest paying jobs are directly related to coal mining. This is a great boon to many of Utah’s rural areas. Additionally, because coal based electricity is so inexpensive here, it is a great incentive to entice business to build here.

The Transportation Committee heard reports on the results of a pilot program that increased the speed limit to 80 mph. in certain sections of the state. The results were good, showing enough of a decrease in accidents that the Department of Transportation is considering the change for other parts of the state as well. The Department also reported that it is looking into increasing the number of carpool lanes in the state as well.

The Senate also met quickly on the floor to confirm gubernatorial appointees. Here are the names of the appointees.

Senator Curt Bramble - District 16 Utah

Senator Bramble awarded 2012 Legislator of the Year

By Economy, Education, Legislation No Comments
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Awarded by Utah Technology Council, fostering the growth of Utah’s 6,000 technology companies.

The Curt Bramble for Senate campaign learned today that Senator Bramble is being awarded The 2012 Legislator of the Year Award from the Utah Technology Council, one of Utah’s premier professional associations.

[quote align=”right” color=”#062F61″]…as true champion, Curt leads out on economic growth and technology efforts at the Legislature. We are seeing unprecedented opportunity for the State and this industry with his leadership.—Richard R. Nelson, President and CEO, Utah Technology Council[/quote] Richard R. Nelson, President and CEO of Utah Technology Council said, “ Curt Bramble is stellar within our industry. It has been a privilege and honor to work with Curt. With his understanding of the industry and its opportunities—and as true champion—Curt leads out on economic growth and technology efforts at the Legislature. We are seeing unprecedented opportunity for the State and this industry with his leadership.”

The Utah Technology Council is an essential business resource for life science, clean-tech and high-tech companies seeking to achieve greater success. At its core, UTC exists to foster the growth of the state’s more than 6,000 technology companies. A significant focus of the organization is ensuring that Utah develops the highest quality workforce in the nation and attracts an ever-increasing array of funding.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition from UTC,” stated Senator Bramble. “This influential group creates good will and promotes high standards as they continue to support the mission to expand the economy of Utah with a successful technology sector.”

[quote align=”left” color=”#062F61″]The only way to solve Utah’s education funding challenges is through economic growth, driven by a vibrant, expanding high-tech industry.[/quote]Senator Bramble believes that the only way to solve Utah’s education funding challenges is through economic growth, driven by a vibrant, expanding high-tech industry. The benefits of high-tech to our economy and educational environment are an essential strategy for meeting Utah’s future needs. Driving economic expansion with higher paying, quality jobs in the tech industry create rich opportunities for a brighter future and will help our children to enter a more dynamic workforce prepared and ready.

Senator Bramble will be honored at the Annual Member’s Meeting Luncheon on April 18, 2012.

Utah Technology Council | website

Update 2012-Week 5

By Education, Governance, Legislative Update, State Budget No Comments
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I hope you had a great Washington and Lincoln day with your family. It was nice to have a short break. I spent the day skiing with my family at Solitude and then enjoyed a night with my grandchildren.

The third Tuesday in February is a federal holiday that recognizes George Washington’s birthday. States can choose to observe federal holidays, but are not required to do so. In Utah, we recognize the day as a holiday, but have chosen to call it Washington and Lincoln Day, so that we can Honor President Abraham Lincoln as well.

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Working on the State Budget

The completion the fifth week is bringing the budget numbers into clearer perspective. The good news is the revenues have not dropped, but the bad news is that they have not increased very much. Here is an explanation from Senator Lyle Hillyard, the Executive Appropriations chair, on what the numbers will actually look like:

The budgeting process is very methodical. We begin with seven separate committees made up of members from both houses who meet regularly for the first month and listen to public testimony regarding the needs from those who fall within their budget jurisdiction. After many many hours of public meetings, the committee members, through an open voting process, make a list of expenditure recommendations.

After that process has been completed and the revenue numbers are in, all the priority lists are sent to the executive appropriations committee and the refining continues. The priorities lists always exceed the available amount and it is the job of the Senators and Representatives on the executive appropriations committee to whittle down the lists so they match the available expenditures.
[quote align=”right” color=”#062F6″]The priorities lists always exceed the available amount and it is the job of the Senators and Representatives on the executive appropriations committee to whittle down the lists so they match the available expenditures.[/quote] There are the obvious financial priorities of education (over half of the budget is spent there), social services, the justice system, higher education, and natural resources. Additionally there are critical ongoing funding needs for transportation infrastructure and building maintenance (roads and buildings are expensive to maintain but even more expensive to re-build). And then there are numerous special funding requests for everything from historic foundations and libraries to theaters and the planetarium. The question that first the sub-committees and then the executive appropriations committee must answer is a matter of appropriate appropriation; what is the best and most prudent use of your taxpayer dollar. This allocation process is something that I take very seriously.

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Overview of work and floor activities

Fight for Federal Lands

On Tuesday, a slate of bills dealing with Utah public lands were discussed in the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee. There are two resolutions and two bills that work together giving the federal government a deadline to return the federally held lands in Utah to state control. Governor Herbert, The Utah Association of Counties, Utah School Boards Association, and the Utah Farm Bureau support the set of bills and the Attorney General¹s office will defend them. The federal government owns and controls 60 percent of Utah land. Controlling those lands means controlling the use and therefore the funds generated from those lands. There are many states struggling with this problem.

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Utah-Israel Trade Mission

Also on Tuesday we heard from Congressman Matheson and passed a resolution to strengthen the bonds between Israel and Utah, which I sponsored and had the opportunity to meet with influential Jewish leaders in Utah.

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Honoring Ogden’s Fallen Officers

On Wednesday Senator Mike Lee addressed us and we honored some outstanding art students and Ogden’s fallen officers. Utah¹s fallen solders were honored on Thursday and Congressman Bishop spoke to us. On Friday we had a report from Senator Hatch.

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The Process of Legislation

It was busy on the floor this week. We met twice each day to discuss and debate bills. This is the process that the bills follow: First the bill is introduced on the floor. That is called the “first read” and it is nothing more than introducing the bill by reading the title and the sponsor. Then the bill is sent to the rules committee. That committee assigns the bill to an appropriate standing committee where its sponsor presents it and testimony is taken either for or against the bill. Anyone can participate and speak to the bill in the committee. If the bill passes with a favorable vote out of the committee it is returned to the floor and placed on the “second reading calendar” for its “second read.”
[quote align=”right” color=”#062F6″]It is a long process, but it ensures that each idea is carefully considered and vetted.[/quote] At this point, the bill is debated on the floor. If it passes this vote it is advanced to the “third reading calendar” for a final vote. If this vote is successful, it is passed to the other body where the entire process is repeated. Occasionally, amendments to the bill are made when it is on the non-originating body, if that happens, the bill must be returned to the floor where it originated, so that the changes can be discussed and voted on, but when the bill is returned to its original floor it is sent directly to the third reading calendar. Once the bill has passed successfully off of both floors it is sent to the governor for his consideration.

It is a long process, but it ensures that each idea is carefully considered and vetted.

This week, my bills SB 177, SB 86, and SB 161 were on the 2nd and 3rd reading calendar/calendars and all passed out of the Senate.

Senate Interns

The Utah Senate has 5 full time and one part time staffer. During the session we hire security, pages and committee secretaries. Also, each legislator is assigned an intern. The interns come from various universities across the state. They are invaluable. My intern, is my daughter this year. I believe that for Kimmy, this is a good life experience for her and although she is attending BYU, she will learn valuable lessons through hand on experience here which she can’t aquire at that great institute.

  • Here is a video with comments from some of this year’s interns.
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Some interesting news items:

Last year, concerned about the strength of the U.S. dollar, Utah passed HB 317 recognizing gold and silver coins as legal tender. This year, Colorado and 12 other states are considering putting a similar measure into place. The new bill dealing with GRAMA (Government Records Access and Management Act) has begun to work its way through the process and passed through the senate unanimously. I had the privilege of working with many interest groups, media, and concerned citizens to bring consensus on this controversial issue from last year. Through the work of many, we were able to come up with a strong bill to support transparency into our government officials.

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Please let me know how you feel about these important issues.

  • There are some important organizational changes being addressed for the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Click here for an explanation of what those changes might look like.
  • The amount of time and money spent on something is a good indicator of urgency and importance. Education is top on both fronts for legislators during the session. Learn more here.
  • Creating a preferred drug list is a way to help curtail costs and fund needs. Learn more here.
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I appreciate your input and thoughts on any issue. Just click on my contact form or call: 801.361.5802

You can receive these updates via email by signing up for my email list. Thanks for all of your support.


Curt Bramble

How Utah Funds Education

By Education, Revenue No Comments

It is critical that Utah parents understand how the state funds education and that their voices are heard as the state sets education policy.
[frame src=”https://curtbramble.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Blogpost_Education_Graphic40.png” width=”225″ height=”150″ lightbox=”on” ] Education is the state’s largest budget expense, accounting for approximately 40 percent of the total budget. In 2012, Utah’s state budget is 11.9 billion dollars. Of that, 28.8 percent will be spent on K-12 public education and an additional 10.9 percent on higher education. Over 90 percent of funding for our K-12 public education is from state and local sources (only about 9 percent comes from the federal government).

Education Funding Sources

1. State Income Tax

Utah has a 5 percent individual and corporate income tax. Utah’s Constitution mandates that all of those funds be spent on K-12 and higher education. Approximately 55 percent of all education funding comes from state income taxes.

2. Property Tax

About 55 percent of property tax revenue will go directly to local public school districts. These property taxes fund about 30 percent of K-12 public education and are set by the state legislature and local school districts.

Utah is able to collect property taxes on only about ¼ of its total land. This explains the concern about Utah’s public lands being under the control of the federal government.

3. Federal Taxes

About 9 percent of the state’s total education budget comes from federal funding.

4. Additional Local Funds

Between 5 and 7 percent of education funding comes from local sources, including interest on district funding reserves.

5. State Alcohol Sales

Like the state income tax, 100 percent of profits from state alcohol sales are spent on K-12 public education. Depending on the year, this is approximately 1 percent of total education funding.

6. State Sales Tax

Depending on the year, a little less than 1 percent of total education funding comes from state sales taxes. Because all of the Utah state income tax is spent on education, the state must fund all of its other responsibilities with other taxes and fees.

7. School LAND Trust Fund

About 6 percent of Utah’s land is held in a trust. The interest on revenues from this land goes directly to public education funding. Again, depending on the year, this accounts for about 1 percent of total school funding.