Utah Budget

Gov. Spencer Cox said this year's budget was tight, but he carved out $25 million in one-time money plus an ongoing $20 million for Utah’s new approach to homelessness that aligns with a Trump executive order.

There are four different kinds of special sessions in Utah. The governor says he will call for one in May, but lawmakers may also be considering their own sessions as well.

Lawmakers tackled issues like immigration, elections and labor unions during its 45-day regular session.

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.

Dollars from the State Basic School Levy on Utahns’ property tax bills used to go directly to local districts. Lawmakers say the change is in the interest of state budget flexibility and giving schools more equitable funding in the future.

Each year since Gov. Spencer Cox took office there has been an uptick in the total money pitched for the state budget. This year’s ask is $30.6 billion.

The amendment sought to get rid of the constitutional earmark that says Utah’s income tax revenue can only be used for education and certain social services.

Utah lawmakers have tried and failed to do away with the state sales tax on food. Now the tax is a bargaining chip in a vote over a state constitutional amendment.

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

For the third year in a row, Utah’s Legislature removed funding for an environmental impact study for a Navajo Nation road between Navajo Mountain and Blanding at the last minute.

WE MADE IT!!! After a loooong 45 days, the Legislature smacked that gavel! Sine die!

Utah lawmakers passed a recording-breaking 591 bills during the 2024 legislative session. Gov. Spencer Cox has until March 21 to either sign or veto them. If he does neither, the laws automatically go into effect.