The Utah State Legislature will fund Utah Education to the tune of $527.9 million in ADDITIONAL money this year.  In a press release yesterday afternoon, following the close of Friday’s legislative business, Legislative leadership took the opportunity to share some unprecidented education spending numbers with the public.

Senate President, John Valentine (R-Orem) in the press statement commented that “this level of funding for education is both historic and necessary.”

The education spending package includes a $1000 one-time bonus for all Utah teachers, a $2,500 permanent pay raise for all Utah teachers, and a 4% increase in the WPU (Weighted Pupil Unit).  This is the equivilant of a 7% increase in the WPU.

Some members of the Legislature recognize the need for increased education spending but are concerned about the long-term viability of a 13% WPU growth over a two year period (FY07 & FY08).  Concerns expressed over the volitility and sustainability of our state’s long-term economy have some wondering what will happen to education funding “when things head south” again as they did in the early part of this decade.  State leaders were forced to cut tens of millions of dollars in the budget each year for a three year period before the economy recovered–expending nearly all the rainy day funds in the state’s coffers and creating new or increasing existing taxes on services just because they could.

Others aren’t so concerned, as the state’s educational “rainy-day fund” has “topped-off” to a significant level and should be able to “absorb” minor fluctuations in the economy.

Click HERE…HERE…and HERE for more information.