Governor Cox Vetoes Bill Redirecting School Tax Funding

Utah Governor Spencer Cox vetoed Senate Bill 37, which proposed redirecting property tax revenues from local school districts to the state's general fund, citing it as a departure from the long-standing practice of directly funding local schools. The veto follows opposition from various organizations, including the Utah State Board of Education and the State Auditor, who expressed concerns about potential legal and technical issues. Cox emphasized that SB37 could create a perception problem with taxpayers and complicate financial reporting for school districts. He argued that the bill could allow future legislatures to redirect funds away from education, undermining the state's commitment to school funding. Additionally, Cox's veto was supported by the Utah Education Association, reflecting broad consensus against the bill across different political and policy spectrums. In contrast, Cox signed House Bill 396, which provides increased funding to rural schools that lack a robust tax base, highlighting his commitment to equitable education funding.