Governor Cox and the Office of the Governor excitedly released the 2024 budget for the state of Utah on Thursday and Friday, December 8 and 9. This budget will value teachers and families above all.
“This is a budget that reflects fiscal conservatism and family values by investing in people, and expanding opportunities for Utahns across the state,” Governor Cox said. “Our state is growing and this budget invests in the things that we know work.”
In fact, the budget uses a total of approximately $28.4 billion, prioritizing tax relief, teacher compensation, water conservation and family support. It removes the more “high-risk” spending areas in favor of the ones that have consistently worked for the state.
Cedar City News summarized the budget this way:
- $1.3 billion in tax relief over three years.
- $200.7 million for teacher compensation package totaling $6,000 per year.
- $516 million for water conservation, agriculture optimization and infrastructure.
- $150 million for housing including $11.5 million for first-time home buyers.
- $53.5 million for mental health resources.
- $53.5 million for domestic violence prevention and victim support.
- $16 million for family support services.
Recognizing Families in the Budget
Families are the common denominator behind many of these decisions.
For example, the tax cuts and housing programs were made in an effort to help families impacted by inflation. Young families buying a house for the first time will hopefully be able to find more affordable housing and programs to help them qualify for home ownership.
To do this, the government will continue to invest in the housing strategies continuum below.
“We are proposing these investments because we recognize families are the fundamental unit of our society,” the budget states.
Rural Utah Matters
The budget also acknowledges the unique challenges facing Rural Utah, giving $463.1 million in direct investments to smaller communities.
These funds will address housing concerns, economic development needs, government transparency and accessibility, water conservation, sustainable land use planning, public safety, and infrastructure.
Cox also discussed some of these needs in more depth when he visited Piute High School the next spring.
Explore the entire budget here: https://gopb.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2022_12_09-Gov.-Cox-FY-24-Budget-Book.pdf.
– The Byway
Feature image caption: Governor Cox talks about families and teachers in budget announcement 2024. Courtesy YouTube/Governor Spencer J. Cox Official Channel.