Utah

What Are the Budget Issues Facing Utah?

In 2009, Utah faces a $620 million budget gap representing 10.4% of the general fund. In 2010, Utah is looking at an even greater $721 million shortfall, 12.1% of the general fund.

What the Federal Stimulus Proposal Will Mean for Children in Utah

The economic stimulus recently passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the Obama Administration will provide significant investment in the health, education, and safety of America’s children over the next two years. It also provides significant support to their parents and grandparents. Highlights include:

• $320,000,000 in relief for Utah’s Medicaid costs. Medicaid provides health care coverage for low-income children and seniors.
• $392,600,000 in relief to the state of Utah to prevent cuts to programs for school-aged children.
• $56,200,000 for the Title I academic achievement of the disadvantaged program.
• $110,800,000 services to children with disabilities in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding.
• $16,900,000 for other education programs in Utah’s schools.
• $94,000,000 in food stamps for 157,000 Utah men, women, and children.
• $8,400,000 in emergency shelter grants for 2,000 households.
• 139,000 Utah children will benefit from the child tax credit provisions of the legislation.
• $22,365,594 in Emergency Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to provide child care to 4,410 Utah children.
• An increase in unemployment benefits to 74,457 Utah families.
• $7,500,000 in additional child support enforcement matching funds.
• $5,100,000 in youth training employment services.

How Have Utah’s Senators Have Voted on Important Children’s Legislation in 2009?
Orrin Hatch (R)

Robert Bennett (R)

Sources: State Budget Information, Stimulus Information