teacher pay

As the end of the session draws near, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, House Speaker Mike Schultz and Senate President Stuart Adams announced a wage increase of $278 million for teachers, support staff and district staff.

Lawmakers said they’ve received hundreds of messages from people opposed to the bill, but it still passed the House on a 42-to-32 vote.

Teachers want more per-pupil funding to better meet the needs of students and educators. Reducing high levels of stress and burnout is another priority.

Lawmakers increased Utah’s per-pupil funding by 5%, which is 1.2% more than they were required to increase it.

Another teacher raise, eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs and an energy independent Utah are all up for discussion during the 45 day legislative session.

Utahns think public education is the most important issue and providing better support to teachers is the best way to improve education for kids, according to a recent survey.

The governor said this year should be "the year of the teacher," but there were some strings attached to that by Utah lawmakers.

A new bill would require the teacher raise to go up each year by the same percentage that the state increases per-pupil funding.

Lawmakers front-loaded some of the most controversial legislation at the beginning of the session.

The bill that includes a pay raise for teachers and also creates a school voucher program is moving to the full Senate, its last hurdle before going to the governor.

Gov. Spencer Cox highlighted education, housing, water and quality of life issues in his annual state address.

Lawmakers will also discuss school safety, teen centers and transgender students.