Tax and Budget
Wins for Kids during the 2017 Utah Legislative Session
Early Childhood
Wins for new moms and babies including much-needed funding support for Early Intervention Services/Baby Watch (Sen. Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, SB 2) and SB 135 which will strengthen statewide, evidence-based home visiting programs for low-income mothers (Sen. Escamilla).
SB 100 (Sen. Ann Millner, R-Ogden) commissions an analysis of early childhood systems throughout the state, to determine where and to what extent early childhood services exist such as developmental screenings, home visiting, high-quality child care and preschool, as well as what access barriers there are between these services and the children and families who need them.
Access to Healthcare
A win for families is HB 278 (Rep. Chavez-Houck, D- Salt Lake City), which makes it easier for divorced parents to seek medical care for their children. It requires medical providers to separately bill each parent for their due portion, and prohibits a parent from getting a negative credit report if the other parent has not made his or her portion. The onus is no longer on the parent to track down the full payment or risk a bad credit score. HB 278 will help more kids get the care they need.
Sen. Christensen (R-Ogden) sponsored SB 51, which would return Medicaid managed care services to a fee for service model. Ultimately, this bill was decided outside of legislation, however, the agreement reached will help more children access a Medicaid pediatric dentist or school-based preventive dental care. To further monitor the issue, Sen. Escamilla (D-Salt Lake City) sponsored intent language that directs the Department of Health to investigate pediatric dental care access issues kids enrolled in Medicaid may experience (SB 2).
Immunization
Rep. Thurston’s (R- Provo) bill HB 308 which will strengthen protections for Utah students against disease outbreaks and standardize vaccination exemption requirements and procedures, creating an online education module for those seeking an exemption.
Suicide Prevention
Lawmakers took several key steps toward addressing bullying, student safety and teen suicide in Utah. Sen. Escamilla (D-Salt Lake City) sponsored SB 161, which strengthens school anti-bullying policies, and gives parents and school staff greater ability to address anti-bullying behavior.
Rep. Eliason (R-Sandy), who was also the floor sponsor for SB 161, sponsored HB 223 which establishes a suicide prevention education program, including firearm safety curriculum to be made available in schools.
A big win this session for Utah kids is the repeal of the so-called “No Promo Homo” in SB 196. Previously schools were not allowed to discuss homosexuality in the classroom and curricula. This harmful and discriminatory policy was repealed thanks to the efforts of Sen. Stuart Adams (R-Layton), champions at Equality Utah and others for create a safer, creating more inclusive environment for Utah kids.
Juvenile Justice
For the last year, the state policy makers have been grappling with how to make Utah’s juvenile justice system work better for kids and our community. With the help of the Pew Charitable Trusts, a workgroup made up of key stakeholders—judges, mental health providers, police officers, school officials, prosecutors, and juvenile defense attorneys—made a number of strong recommendations including:
- Keeping kids out of court for low-level status offenses like truancy.
- Bringing much-needed structure to the sentencing process in the juvenile justice system.
- Ensuring that kids don't spend time in detention just because they can't pay restitutions and fines.
- Creating specific performance requirements for community placement programs.
- Ensuring that children have their constitutionally guaranteed right to counsel.
HB 239, Juvenile Justice Amendments, sponsored by Rep. Lowry Snow (R-St. George), incorporated many of these recommendations and received near unanimous support this legislative session. The bill that finally will bring much-needed structure to juvenile sentencing, and require important training for system workers. However, the legislature failed to provide sufficient funding to ensure kids have access to community-based and school-based interventions that offer more opportunities for positive change and that Utah is meeting its constitutional obligation that kids have legal representation.
The passage of SB 134, Indigent Defense Commission Amendments, sponsored by Sen. Todd Weiler (R-Salt Lake), may provide a forum to address the lack of legal representation for kids involved in juvenile justice system by expanding Utah’s Indigent Defense Commission’s mission to include looking at how Utah will protect children’s Sixth Amendment rights, not just adults.
Public Education
For decades Utah has languished at the bottom in terms of state investment in our kids. While big reforms inspired by the Our Schools Now initiative did not make it through in 2017 (The Our Schools Now ballot initiative, however, remains very much alive), the legislature did take a number of positive steps.
As a result of higher-than-expected revenue projections, the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee recommended a 3 percent increase to the value of the weighted pupil unit (WPU) — the basic unit of education funding — as well as $68 million for new growth in the state’s public education system.
HB 168 (Rep. Lowry Snow, R-St. George) appropriates just under $3 million in TANF funds to help schools establish kindergarten supplemental enrichment programs (extended-day kindergarten). Schools with at least 10 percent of their students experiencing intergenerational poverty will receive first priority for funding, followed by schools in which 50 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. The bill also directs the State Board of Education to develop kindergarten entry and exit assessments to be used in conjunction with these programs.
HB 212 (Rep. Mike Winder, R-West Valley) provides bonuses for teachers working in high-poverty schools who have a 70 percent median growth percentile or higher (as determined by SAGE scores). The state and the school district will each provide half of the bonus funds. While there are concerns about the limitations imposed as a result of using SAGE scores as the sole determinant, it is nonetheless a good step toward incentivizing highly effective educators who work in high-need schools. The bill passed the Senate unanimously and now goes to the Governor.
SB 34 (Sen. Ann Millner, R-Ogden) authorizes the State Board of Education to reimburse a local education agency that provides competency-based education for a student who graduates early. In the past, school districts and LEAs lost the remaining per-pupil funding each time a student graduated before the end of their senior year. The bill passed the House unanimously and now goes to Governor Herbert.
March 30, 2017 is Love UT Give UT!
It’s a day for Utahns to give to the nonprofits that make Utah special. Every donation to Voices for Utah Children through Love UT Give UT gives Voices a chance to win matching grants and prizes—and gives you a chance to win a car!
And you don't have to wait! Donate now at http://bit.ly/loveUTchildren.
For 30 years now, Voices for Utah Children has called on our state, federal and local leaders to put children’s needs first. But the work is not done. The children of 30 years ago now have children of their own. Too many of these children are growing up in poverty, without access to healthcare or quality educational opportunities.
How can you be involved?
Make a tax-deductible donation to Voices for Utah Children—or join our Network with a monthly donation of $20 or more. Network membership includes complimentary admission to Network events with food, socializing, and opportunity to meet child advocacy experts. And don't forget to join our listserv to stay informed!
We look forward to the future of Voices for Utah Children and we hope you will be a part of our next 30 years.
Special thanks to American Express for sponsoring our 30th Anniversary Year.
The Utah Intergenerational Poverty Work and Self-sufficiency Tax Credit
2019 Utah Legislative Bill Tracker
Bill |
Sponsor |
Description |
Voices is |
House Bills |
|||
HB011 Property Tax Amendments |
Rep. Timothy Hawkes Sen. Daniel Hemmert |
This bill modifies the property tax valuation and appeals processes for county assessed real property. |
Following |
HB017 Firearm Violence and Suicide Prevention Amendments |
Rep. Steve Eliason Sen. Curtis Bramble |
This bill reenacts and modifies previously sunsetted provisions relating to a voluntary firearm safety program and a suicide prevention education course. | Following |
HB024 Property Tax Exemptions, Deferrals, and Abatements Amendments |
Rep. Steve Eliason Sen. Daniel McCay |
This bill amends provisions related to property tax exemptions, deferrals, and abatements. |
Following |
HB025 Tax Commission Amendments |
Rep. Steve Eliason Sen. Lincoln Fillmore |
This bill modifies provisions relating to closed meetings held by the State Tax Commission. |
Following |
HB041 Transportation Sales Tax Amendments |
Rep. Kay Christofferson |
This bill modifies sales and use tax provisions relating to certain sales and use tax dedications. |
Following |
HB042 Utah Net Loss Effective Date Clarification |
Rep. Travis Seegmiller Sen. Curtis Bramble |
This bill modifies an uncodified effective date. |
Following |
HB047 Early Childhood Coordination Amendments |
Rep. V. Lowery Snow; Sen. Ann Millner |
This bill creates the Early Childhood Utah Advisory Council and the Governor's Early Childhood Commission. |
Priority Supporting |
HB049 Repatriation Transition Tax Amendments |
Rep. Steve Eliason Sen. Lincoln Fillmore |
This bill modifies corporate income tax provisions relating to deferred foreign income. |
Following |
HB071 Health Education Amendments |
Rep. Ray Ward Sen. Todd Weiler |
This bill amends provisions regarding instruction in health. |
Supporting |
HB087 Safe Storage of Firearms Amendments |
Rep. Elizabeth Weight |
This bill relates to firearm storage. |
Supporting |
HB092 Violence Data Study |
Rep. Susan Pulsipher |
This bill establishes a grant award for a violence data study. | Following |
HB102 Campaign Funds Uses Amendments |
Rep. Stephanie Pitcher |
This bill allows candidates for public office to use campaign funds to pay for child care expenses incurred as part of campaign activities. |
Supporting |
HB103 Utah Intergenerational Poverty Work & Self-sufficiency Tax Credit. |
Rep. Robert Spendlove |
This bill enacts a state earned income tax credit. |
Priority Supporting |
HB120 Student and School Safety Assessment |
Rep. Ray Ward Sen. Ann Millner |
This bill enacts provisions related to school safety. |
Following |
HB129 Campaign Amendments |
Rep. Craig Hall Sen. Deidre Henderson |
This bill allows candidates for public office to use campaign funds to pay for child care expenses incurred as part of campaign activities. |
Supporting |
HB153 Utah Vital Statistics Act Amendments |
Rep. Merrill Nelson Sen.Ralph Okerlund |
This bill amends provisions regarding the completion and amendment of a birth certificate. | Following |
HB205 Railroad Crossing Amendments |
Rep. Joel Ferry |
This bill amends provisions related to the operation of a train that blocks traffic at a railroad crossing in a high-traffic area. |
Following |
HB208 Safe Routes to School Program |
Rep. Suzanne Harrison Sen. Daniel Hemmert |
This bill requires the Department of Transportation to implement a program to provide safe routes to school. |
Supporting |
HB209 Extreme Risk Protective Order |
Rep. Stephen Handy |
This bill creates the Extreme Risk Protective Order Act. |
Supporting |
HB210 Medicaid Expansion Program Revisions |
Rep. Ray Ward |
This bill amends provisions relating to Medicaid expansion. |
Priority Supporting |
HB234 Marriage Amendments |
Rep. Angela Romero Sen. Luz Escamilla |
This bill imposes an age, below which an individual may not marry and makes technical and conforming amendments. | Following |
HB244 Misdemeanor Sentencing Timeline Clarifications |
Rep. Eric Hutchings Sen. Daniel Thatcher |
This bill reduces the maximum penalty for a misdemeanor conviction by one day to 364. |
Supporting |
HB267 Prescription Drug Importation Program |
Rep. Norman Thurston Sen. Curtis Bramble |
This bill creates a program and reporting requirements relating to prescription drugs and the importation of prescription drugs. |
Supporting |
HB274 Retail Tobacco Specialty Business Amendments |
Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost |
This bill amends provisions relating to the sale of flavored tobacco products. |
Supporting |
HB275 Contraception for Women Prisoners |
Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost |
This bill requires that jails must continue to allow female prisoners access to contraceptives. | Following |
HB286 Financial and Economic Literacy Education Amendments |
Rep. Jefferson Moss Sen. Todd Weiler |
This bill amends provisions related to financial and economic literacy education. | Following |
HB303 School Community Council Amendments |
Rep. Keven Stratton |
This bill modifies provisions related to the School LAND Trust Program. |
Following |
HB317 Homeless Resource Center Drug-free Zone |
Rep. Steve Eliason |
This bill modifies provisions related to penalties for certain prohibited acts. | Following |
HB324 Tobacco Age Amendments |
Rep. Steve Eliason Sen. Curtis Bramble |
This bill modifies the minimum age for obtaining, possessing, using, providing, or furnishing of tobacco products, paraphernalia, and under certain circumstances, electronic smoking devices from 19 to 20 then to 21 years of age. |
Supporting |
HB333 Workforce Development Incentives Amendments |
Rep. Suzanne Harrison Sen. Jacob Anderegg |
This bill amends provisions related to tax credit incentives for economic development. |
Supporting |
HB336 Nurse Practice Act Amendments |
Rep. James Dunnigan Sen. Curtis Bramble |
This bill amends provisions relating to the prescriptive authority of certain licensed nurse practitioners. |
Supporting |
HB340 School Absenteeism and Truancy Amendments |
Rep. V. Lowry Snow |
This bill amends provisions related to truancy. |
Supporting |
HB344 Student Asthma Relief Amendments |
Rep. Mark Wheatley Sen. Ronald Winterton |
This bill enacts provisions governing the administration of stock albuterol by certain entities to an individual. |
Supporting |
HB360 School Water Testing Requirements |
Rep. Stephen Handy |
This bill enacts provisions related to monitoring and mitigating lead in drinking water in schools and child care centers. |
Supporting |
HB371 Consent to Services for Homeless Youth |
Rep. Elizabeth Weight |
This bill relates to a homeless youth's ability to consent to a temporary shelter, care, or services. |
Supporting |
HB373 Student Support Amendments |
Rep. Steve Eliason Sen. Ann Millner |
This bill repeals and enacts provisions related to school-based mental health support. |
Supporting |
HB379 Intergenerational Poverty Solution |
Rep. Norman Thurston |
This bill creates the Earned Income and Education Savings Incentive Program. | Following |
HB399 Prohibition of the Practice of Conversion Therapy upon Minors |
Rep. Craig Hall |
This bill prohibits certain health care professionals from providing conversion therapy to a minor; and adds a violation of the prohibition to the list of conduct that constitutes unprofessional conduct for licensing purposes. |
Followed- Bill was pulled |
HB430 Prohibition of Genital Mutilation |
Rep. Ken Ivory |
This bill prohibits female genital mutilation and provides a penalty. | Following |
HB441 Tax Equalization and Reduction Act |
Rep. Tim Quinn |
This bill modifies the sales tax rate by attempting to broaden the tax base and lowering the income tax from 4.9% to 4.7% |
Monitored - Bill was pulled. |
HR003 House Resolution Supporting Humane Response to Refugee Crisis |
Rep. Jen Dailey-Provost |
This House resolution urges a humane response to the immigration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. |
Supporting |
HCR004 Concurrent Resolution Supporting Utah's Every Kid Outdoors Initiative |
Rep. Patrice Arent Sen. Lincoln Fillmore |
This concurrent resolution expresses support for Utah's Every Kid Outdoors Initiative. |
Supporting |
HCR005 Concurrent Resolution Urging Policies That Reduce Damage from Wildfires |
Rep. Raymond Ward Sen. Ronald Winterton |
This resolution urges the federal government to pursue policies that allow for easier reduction of excess forest fuel loads. |
Supporting |
HJR008 Proposal to Amend Utah Constitution - Slavery and Involuntary Servitude Prohibition |
Rep. Sandra Hollins Sen. Jacob Anderegg |
This joint resolution of the Legislature proposes to amend the Utah Constitution to modify a provision prohibiting slavery and involuntary servitude. |
Supporting |
Senate Bills |
|||
SB012 FDIC Premium Deduction Amendments |
Sen. Jerry Stevenson Rep. Tim Quinn |
This bill modifies the Corporate Franchise and Income Taxes code and the Individual Income Tax Act by amending provisions relating to certain subtractions from unadjusted income or adjusted gross income. |
Following |
SB013 Income Tax Domicile Amendments |
Sen. Curtis Bramble Rep. Steve Eliason |
This bill modifies tax provisions relating to income tax domicile requirements. |
Following |
SB028 Income Tax Revisions |
Sen. Curtis Bramble Rep. Steve Eliason |
This bill modifies corporate income tax provisions. |
Following |
SB032 Indigent Defense Act Amendments |
Sen. Todd Weiler Rep. Michael McKell |
This bill amends provisions of Utah’s Indigent Defense Act to ensure appropriate legal representation for all young people appearing in juvenile court. |
Priority Supporting |
SB038 Substitute Mental Health Amendments |
Sen. Lincoln Fillmore Rep. Brad Daw |
This bill amends provisions of the civil commitment code and the definition of "unprofessional conduct" applied to mental health professionals. |
Following |
SB041 Interest Deductions Amendments |
Sen. Daniel McCay |
This bill modifies the Corporate and Franchise Income Tax Act and the Individual Income Tax Act by amending provisions relating to additions and deductions for certain business interest. |
Following |
SB042 Tangible Personal Property Amendments |
Sen. Daniel McCay Rep. Karianne Lisonbee |
This bill provides for the exemption of certain tangible personal property from property tax if the tangible personal property is eligible for sales and use taxation. |
Following |
SB083 Partnerships for Healthy Communities |
Sen. Ann Millner Rep. Paul Ray |
This bill creates the Partnerships for Healthy Communities Grant Program and will address the social determinants of health that affect early childhood health outcomes. |
Priority Supporting |
SB096 Medicaid Expansion Adjustments |
Sen. Allen Christensen Rep. James Dunnigan |
This bill amends provisions relating to the state Medicaid program and the state sales |
Opposing |
SB097 Medicaid Program Revisions |
Sen. Jacob Anderegg |
This bill repeals the expansion of the state Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act and changes the sales tax rate. |
Opposing |
SB103 Victim Targeting Penalty Enhancements |
Sen. Daniel Thatcher Rep. Lee Perry |
This bill enacts provisions relating to sentencing for a criminal offense committed against a victim who is selected because of certain personal attributes. | Following |
SB106 Mental Health Services in Schools |
Sen. Lincoln Fillmore Rep. Susan Pulsipher |
This bill enacts provisions relating to coverage of certain mental health services by the Medicaid program and certain health insurers. |
Following |
SB110 Family Medical Unpaid Leave Amendments |
Sen. Daniel Hemmert Rep. Mike Schultz |
Provides state-eligible companies (those that have between 30 and 50 employees) to make available three weeks of unpaid medical leave to employees. |
Supporting |
SB143 Public Education Vision Screening |
Sen. Luz Escamilla Rep. Brad Daw |
This bill modifies provisions regarding public education vision screening. |
Supporting |
SB166 School Readiness Amendments |
Sen. Ann Millner Rep. Bradley Last |
This bill amends and enacts preschool provisions. |
Priority Supporting |
SB222 Children's Outdoor Recreation Program |
Sen. Lincoln Fillmore Rep. Mike Winder |
This bill creates the Utah Children's Outdoor Recreation and Education Grant Program in the Governor's Office of Economic Development. |
Supporting |
SJR003 Proposal to Amend Utah Constitution - Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption |
Sen. Daniel McCay |
This joint resolution of the Legislature proposes to amend the Utah Constitution to modify a provision relating to tangible personal property tax exemptions. |
Following |
2020 Utah Legislative Bill Tracker
Bill |
Sponsor |
Description |
Voices is |
House Bills |
|||
Juvenile Justice Bills |
|||
Rep. Snow |
Creates a standard definition for “truancy” and chronic truancy” and seeks to improve data reporting by schools to the state board of education |
Following |
|
Rep. Dailey-Provost |
Prevents the state from sending fees related to juvenile incarceration to debt collection |
Support |
|
Rep. Hall |
Requires law enforcement to notify a school when a student is under investigation for a violent felony or weapons offense, |
Following |
|
HB171 - School Threat Amendments |
Rep. Stoddard |
Defines the crime of threatening a school (or committing an intentional hoax threat), creates certain criminal penalties (including restitution for the costs of a school response to a threat), and requires a mental health assessment. |
Following |
Rep. Handy |
Enables a family member or law enforcement to ask a court to restrain a person from possessing any firearms or ammunition for a specified length of time; |
Support | |
Child Care and Early Education |
|||
Rep. Harrison |
Allows GOED to consider the “working parent benefits” that a company offers, when calculating potential incentives packages |
Support |
|
Rep. Arent |
Updates Utah’s “Safe Haven Law” to allow parents to leave newborn children, up to 30 days old, at a hospital, safely and without fear of criminal prosecution. Also includes provisions to ensure notification of fathers when possible, and to prevent birth record duplications |
Support |
|
Rep. Snow |
Expands state-funded Optional-Extended Day Kindergarten administered by Utah State Board of Education. Boosts current spending about 2.5 times |
Support |
|
Rep. Waldrip |
Expands teacher professional development program focused on early literacy to include numeracy skills and to boost embedded coaching/technical assistance support to educators. |
Support |
|
HB153 - Parental Leave Amendments |
Rep. Weight |
Directs state agencies (except for universities) to offer up to sic weeks of paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child |
Support |
Rep. Harrison |
Creates a non-refundable tax credit for employers who offer financial support for their employee’s child care expenses |
Support |
|
HB264 - Infant at Work Pilot Program | Rep. Pitcher |
This bill establishes the Infant at Work Pilot Program for eligible employees of the Department of Health. |
Support |
Health |
|||
Rep. Johnson |
Broadens the use of school lunch revenues to include school meals and will strengthen evaluation among schools participating in meal programs. |
Support |
|
HB34 – Tanning for Minors |
Rep. Daw |
This bill prohibits minors from tanning without parental consent. Youth tanning increases health risks for youth, including cancer |
Support |
Rep. Pulsipher |
Allows school administrators and educators to take certain steps to combat vaping misconduct at public schools, including a comprehensive health curriculum section and promoting positive alternatives. |
Following |
|
Rep. Arent |
Directs employers that offer their employees paid sick leave, to allow those employees to use at least five paid sick days to care for an immediate family member who is ailing |
Support |
|
HB88 - School and Child Care Center Water Testing Requirements |
Rep. Handy |
Direct schools and child care centers to test water for lead and connects centers and schools with remediation support resources. Let’s keep our kids hydrated and healthy! |
Support |
HB108 - Medical Specialists in Public Schools | Rep. Spackman Moss | We support efforts that may lead to greater access to school-based health services. This bill seeks to clarify and offer greater guidance for schools regarding the pay schedule they can use for school-based health staff. | Support |
HB118 – Retail Tobacco Amendments | Rep. Daily-Provost |
This bill will limit which types of stores can sell flavored tobacco or vaping products. These products are often used to target and appeal to youth. In addition, this bill will give cities greater authority to curb underage vaping. |
Support |
HB204 – Insurance Coverage for in Vitro Fertilization | Rep. Stoddard | Will require a health benefit plan to cover in vitro fertilization if it provides a maternity benefit | Support |
Rep. Ward |
The number of uninsured kids in Utah has increased over the last two years. This bill would address this problem, by implementing 12-month continuous coverage for children on Medicaid and make it easier for eligible kids to get covered and stay covered. |
Support |
|
HB222 - Start Smart Utah Breakfast Program | Rep. Johnson |
Will help more kids get breakfast at school. When kids aren't hungry, they are better learners! |
Support |
B313 - Telehealth Parity Amendments | Rep. Ballard |
This bill will allow for coverage parity between telehealth and in-person visits. It will help more individuals in rural and underserved areas to receive care. |
Support |
HB323 - School Mental Health Amendments | Rep. Eliason |
Will establish a grant program for schools to conduct age-appropriate mental health screenings for students and then connect high-risk students with care. Optional grant program for schools, specifically aimed to help identify children before they are in a life-threatening crisis. |
Support |
HB372 - Digital Wellness, Citizenship, and Safe Technology Commission |
Rep. Keven Stratton | This bill would create the Digital Wellness, Citizenship, and Safe Technology Commission and requires the commission to: identify best practices and compile resources for training students in healthy behavior related to technology use; and report to the Education Interim Committee and the State Board of Education on efforts related to delivering training in healthy behavior related to technology use | Support |
Tax and Budget Bills |
|||
Senate Bills |
|||
Health |
|||
Sen. Iwamoto |
Encourages more children to get lead screening so we can make sure kids are getting connected with the care and follow-up treatment they need. |
Support |
|
SB74 - Family Planning Services Amendments | Sen. Kitchen |
This bill will help more low-income individuals access family planning health care services. |
Support |
SB135 - Dental Practice Act Amendments | Sen. Christensen |
We support this bill because it advances teledentistry efforts and rules in Utah. Teledentistry is a promising practice that has the potential to help more people access dental care in rural and underserved areas. |
Support |
SB155 - Medical Billing Amendments | Sen. Mayne |
Directs the Department of Insurance and insurers to report on the practice of balance billing or so-called “surprise” medical billing. |
Support |
Tax and Budget |
|||
Sen Fillmore |
This bill modifies provisions related to payment of income tax on global intangible low-taxed income. |
Oppose |
|
SB39 -Affordable Housing Amendments |
Sen Anderegg |
This bill modifies the allowable uses for a community reinvestment agency's housing allocation and modifies the requirements for distributing money from the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund; |
Support |
2018 Utah Legislative Session
The 2018 Utah Legislative Session will take place from January 22 to March 8, with 45 days chock full of long committee meetings, urgent Action Alerts, conversations between community members and legislators, demonstrations on the steps of the State Capitol Building and much more!
We'll be following a lot of different bills during the 2018 session, not all of which will be made public before the session officially begins. Some bills are introduced with language that we support, and then that language changes over the course of the legislative process. Occasionally, the changes are subtantial enough to warrant a change in our position. We will do our best to keep this list of bills - as well as our positions - updated for your information, but it can be tricky when things are so busy for our staff during this crazy time of year.
We are working on several bills that will be priorities for us in 2018. You can learn more about these priority legislative proposals by clicking on the topic links below.
Tax and Budget Issues
Creating a State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Restoring Investment in Children
Health Issues
12-Month Continuous Eligibility for Utah Kids with Medicaid
Early Childhood Care & Education Issues
High Quality Child Care
Governance and Coordination of Early Childcare Services
Juvenile Justice Issues
Implementing Juvenile Justice Reform
Bills
News Contact Lawmakers Sign Up for E-AlertsFollow @utchildren
For 30 years now, Voices for Utah Children has called on our state, federal and local leaders to put children’s needs first. But the work is not done. The children of 30 years ago now have children of their own. Too many of these children are growing up in poverty, without access to healthcare or quality educational opportunities.
How can you be involved?
Make a tax-deductible donation to Voices for Utah Children—or join our Network with a monthly donation of $20 or more. Network membership includes complimentary admission to Network events with food, socializing, and opportunity to meet child advocacy experts. And don't forget to join our listserv to stay informed!
We look forward to the future of Voices for Utah Children and we hope you will be a part of our next 30 years.