by Elizabeth Garbe
Public Policy Director
Last Tuesday was a sad day for at-risk children in Utah. SB71, Results-based Financing for Early Childhood Education, sponsored by Senator Osmond, was one of United Way’s top priorities and was voted down on the Senate floor 11 to 18. While the fight for SB71 is over this session, United Way pledges to continue developing data-driven legislation so that all children have the chance to succeed from cradle to career. Please email Senator Osmond and his 10 colleagues who voted yes for the bill and thank them HERE >>.
The Legislature will pass a final budget prior to the end of the session. Optional extended-day kindergarten and a few other important items have been prioritized for funding, yet we are still working to secure money to support 2-1-1. Please take five minutes and email Executive Appropriations members and ask them to prioritize funding to strengthen 2-1-1 HERE >>.
HB197, Earned Income Tax Credit and Related Funding, sponsored by Representative Hutchings, will be heard on the floor today. United Way has had a long standing position of supporting a state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Stay tuned for possible Action Alerts on this bill if it passes out of the House today.
For information on what is happening with the other bills United Way has positions on, please check out our bill tracker.
Remember to join the conversation on Twitter! Follow us @UWSL and use hashtags #utleg and #utpol.
See you on the Hill!
