UEA Legislative Priorities
Adopted by the UEA House of Delegates April 28, 2007

The UEA believes public schools provide the foundation for a civil and just society and the opportunity for every student to maximize his/her potential and talents for future success and positive participation in the community. From our viewpoint as education professionals, the UEA Legislative Platform and Priorities outline the policies and the investment necessary to provide this foundation to democracy.

The UEA Legislative Platform is a comprehen¬sive program to enhance both services to students and the integrity of the education profession. However, it is impossible for UEA to address every issue in any one legislative session. Inasmuch as Utah is facing a critical teacher shortage, and in light of developments from the 2007 legislative session, the UEA 2008 Legislative Priorities will be the following:

Legislation that significantly increases the investment in public schools to provide for:

  1. Salaries and programs to attract and retain quality teachers.
  2. Modern tools, technology and resources to do our jobs.
  3. Smaller class sizes to better meet the needs of every child.

In addition, the UEA believes that ANY legislation must meet the following criteria:

SCHOOL FUNDING

  • 10% WPU increase for employee compensation and
    WPU dependent programs $240.0 M
  • New student enrollment growth $ 74.3 M
  • One-time $ to assist school district capital projects $50 M
  • Shortfalls in last year’s salary adjustments:
    One-time shortfall $22.3 M
    Growth $20.0 M

SCHOOL EMPLOYEE RIGHTS AND BENEFITS

  • Maintain adequately funded defi ned benefi t retirement system
  • Protect school district employees’ rights and benefits during creation of and transition to new school districts

TAX REFORM

  • Support reform proposals that provide stable, long-term funding for public education
  • Protect revenue sources dedicated to K-12 education funding

PROFESSIONAL COMPENSATION

  • Expand HB 81’s focus to include all aspects of professional compensation
  • Invest in new teacher induction and mentoring programs
  • Increase support of National Board Certifi cation and requirements to meet Highly Qualifi ed standards under NCLB

K-12 CLASS SIZE REDUCTION

  • Fund new initiatives $30.0 M
  • Establish “crisis fund” for current emergencies $12.0 M
  • Fund adjustments required by law for enrollment growth $9.0 M
  • Fund “co-teaching” pilot program (HB 88) $5.0 M

TECHNOLOGY AND CLASSROOM SUPPLIES

  • Invest in updated textbooks and the Educational Technology Initiative (ETI) to support student learning $30.0 M
  • Fund teacher classroom supplies $10.0 M

The nature of lobbying and legislative process is dynamic and situations change from one moment to the next. The UEA House of Delegates directs the Board of Directors to ensure that the UEA Lobby Team is flexible within the general platform and these legislative priorities to achieve the greatest benefit to UEA members and the students they serve. The lobby team is encouraged to consult with local leaders when possible.