Utah higher education presidents express support for gas tax, increased education revenue
Presidents of Utah’s nine public colleges and universities, including Utah State University President Noelle Cockett, declared joined support for Opinion Question No. 1 – a tax which would increase revenue for higher education in the state.
The proposed increase would include a 10-cent gas tax, which would bring an estimated $125 million into higher education each year.
“We applaud the governor and the legislature for their commitment and forward-thinking leadership in funding education,” the higher education presidents said in a collective written statement.
However, a Salt Lake Tribune-Hinckley Institute of Politics poll found 56 percent of Utah residents oppose the gas tax.
“There is definitely a spending problem, not a revenue problem, with education,” Heather Williamson, Utah chapter director of the conservative group Americans for Prosperity told The Salt Lake Tribune. “The money is there. We just need to allocate it more effectively, in a more responsible way.”
But the Utah System of Higher Education presidents believe the small increase in gas costs is worthwhile for the increased education revenue.
“Investments in higher education are proven to provide greater economic development opportunities for Utahns — both along the Wasatch Front and in Utah’s rural communities,” their written statement says.
Utah voters will decide whether or not to pass the gas tax on the November ballot.
@alison__berg