As Election Day approaches, the Utah League of Women Voters (LWV) of Davis County wants the public to be informed about questions on the ballot that could impact education. The group is hosting a panel discussion on Sept. 18 where residents can learn more about these measures.

“I hope to avoid a situation where voters just hear, ‘will they repeal the food tax and lower taxes if I vote yes?’” said Angie Sterner, president of the Davis LWV. “The ballot measure is not exactly straightforward because HB54 ties the tax restructuring to the amendment change. I find it confusing and want voters to feel sure they have all the facts and information.”

Davis LWV is a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to protecting voter rights, encouraging voter turnout and ensuring that everyone is represented in the democracy, she said. 

According to the LWV, one measure that will be on the ballot is a constitutional amendment allowing the legislature to use Utah’s income tax revenue to fund unspecified state needs after following the current public-education framework. Currently, it is earmarked solely for public education, higher education and services for children and individuals with a disability.

“Our in person meeting with a guest panel of the Davis School Board and other community members will address questions about the tax restructuring, such as HB45 (2023) food and income tax reductions that take effect if the amendment passes,” said Sterner. “Additionally, there is a State School Fund Distribution question on the ballot that the School Board hopes will not be confused with the funding requirement amendment question.”

The panelists are Denise Willmore, president of the Davis Education Association; Liz Mumford, president of the Davis School District Board of Education; and Royce Van Tassell, executive director of the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools. The moderator of the discussion will be Davis County Commissioner Lorene Kamalu.

Education funding is really important to the community, said Sterner. “We wanted residents to be able to hear from Davis County experts about the potential impact of the ballot initiatives. It will be a great opportunity for residents to get answers to their questions.”

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the Davis County Library at 133 S. Main Street in Farmington.