UEA Fights Against Constitutional Amendment A to Protect Public Education

At UEA, we believe public schools are the heart of childhood. Every child—regardless of race, background, who they are, or where they live—deserves the right to learn in a welcoming, safe, and well-resourced public classroom. This should be a space where students feel they belong and where their curiosity and creativity can thrive.

For our students and educators to succeed, we need a fully funded public education system, free from the threat of competing priorities, like voucher programs disguised as “state needs.”

In 2023, the legislature rushed through a voucher bill in just ten days—a blatant power grab. The bill was made public on January 16 and was signed into law by January 28, with minimal input from the people it would impact most. Let me be clear: this is not how democracy should work. We, the people, were sidelined in the process.

The voucher program led to a $40 million appropriation from the income tax fund, a constitutionally mandated revenue source meant to support K-12 public education, higher education, and social services for children and individuals with disabilities.

The next question loomed: How would these vouchers be funded year after year? The answer came in the form of Constitutional Amendment A—formerly known as SJR 10—which was rushed through on the final day of the 2023 legislative session. Yet again, this was another power grab by politicians.

By January 2024, a $150 million appropriation was requested to expand a voucher program that hadn’t even started. And where was this money supposed to come from? Once again, from income tax revenue. Ultimately, $42.5 million more was appropriated, setting a dangerous precedent.

Then in April 2024, a prominent voucher program lobbyist announced plans to request an additional $200 million in 2025 to further expand unaccountable private and religious school vouchers. This is a pattern we cannot afford to ignore.

If we open up the income tax fund to “all state needs,” we are guaranteeing the defunding of our public education system. Are we really willing to sacrifice our children’s education, their future success, and their happiness for the sake of legislative convenience? Are we ready to let the legislature fund pet projects, including private religious school vouchers, at the expense of our neighborhood public schools?

This is why teachers, parents, Republicans, Democrats, and communities across Utah have formed a broad coalition to oppose and defeat Constitutional Amendment A. We must protect our public schools. Join Utahns for Student Success in voting against Constitutional Amendment A.