KAYSVILLE—At a time when inflation is at an all time high and teacher pay isn’t keeping up Gov. Spencer Cox announced significant tax cuts and historic investments in teacher salaries at a press conference held at Centennial Junior High last week. 

“We are leading the nation in our economy and unemployment is at an all time low,” said Cox. “But high gas prices and groceries are taking a toll. Utahns deserve some relief. We want to give deep, meaningful tax relief.”

In addition to more than $1 billion in tax cuts and education, the budget also includes support for young Utahns, families and investments in quality of life, Cox said.

“There will be a one time property tax relief,” he said. “We’re taking $400 million for checks that will be sent back to taxpayers. We’ll also reduce the tax on Social Security payments.”

Cox said he’s especially excited about a new dependent exception for pregnant women. “We believe in life before birth so the child a mother is carrying should get a tax exemption.”

The biggest announcement for teachers was a $6,000 boost in total compensation. “It’s the year of the teacher,” he said. “This is our top priority. It’s not just hollow promises. I believe in giving world class education for families. Last year we made an historic investment in education. This year there will be $1.5 billion in new appropriations.”

Student outcomes are based on the teacher. “There’s nothing more important than a teacher,” said Cox. “We love our teachers. We need to reward them by paying them more.”

Part of the budget goes to mental health, he said. “We have to recognize those students who need attention too. We’ve also included $20 million in one time money for teen centers for students experiencing housing insecurity through no fault of their own.”

Cox credited good teachers for helping him when he was struggling in high school. “I thought I had no business being there (in class),” he said. “I had suicide ideation and it was selfless teachers who cared deeply about me that changed my life.”

“We love the Governor’s focus on teachers,” said Davis School District Superintendent Dr. Dan Linford. “There’s nothing more important in our mission than to have an excellent teacher in the classroom. He’s spot on. We’re thrilled with the money. In this capitalistic society we recognize that’s what we do for compensation but this recognition is to tell people we appreciate them.”

Cox also announced full day kindergarten. “Last year my son was in kindergarten,” said Trisha Turley, an eighth grade teacher at Centennial who is pregnant. “My husband is a firefighter and he had to take off every Friday so he could get him to and from school. Going all day will relieve us so much and I’m excited about a tax credit for pregnancy since I’m about six months pregnant. The pay raise is very exciting too.”

Utah is known as a place for families, said Cox. “We want to do what’s in the best interest of parents. We also want to get the message out about teachers because we love our students and families and we want them to have the best opportunities. This is a powerful moment to show Utah cares about kids, families and teachers and that they matter.”