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SALT LAKE CITY — State lawmakers got closer Thursday to finalizing a new budget after House and Senate Republicans settled on a big increase for public education and other spending.
They plan to give $435 million in new money to schools, including $48.6 million for enrollment growth and a 4 percent increase to the state's funding formula for public education, the weighted pupil unit.
The budget falls short of the governor's budget proposal, which called for $500 million in new money for education and a 6.25 percent increase to the weighted pupil unit.
But unlike the governor's plan for the budget year that begins July 1, the new spending does not require diverting nearly $100 million earmarked for transportation.
House Majority Assistant Whip Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, said the numbers approved in a closed-door House caucus would make this the "best year for education in my tenure here."
The budget also includes $16 million for performance-based compensation for college instructors, as well as $2 million for institutions based on completion rate goals.
Sen. Jerry Stevenson, R-Layton, said education would definitely be a winner this session, "a big winner." But, he said, it could come at the expense of other state agencies.
Stevenson, vice chairman of the Executive Appropriations Committee, said the proposed budget would treat Medicaid expansion as "nonexistent" because lawmakers have yet to agree on a plan.
"All the big pieces are put together. We're kind of working through the smaller pieces right now," he said. "We're moving along quickly."
Stevenson called Medicaid expansion a big question.
Senate President Wayne Niederhauser, R-Sandy, said lawmakers would have to move some pieces around if they reach an agreement on Medicaid. Also not in the budget is a gas increase, also still being debated.
Wilson said the budget, expected to be approved midday Friday by the Executive Appropriations Committee, also includes a 3 percent pay raise for state employees.
There is $80 million toward relocating the Utah State Prison in Draper, a project expected to cost more than $500 million once a new site is identified, likely this summer.
Lawmakers are expected to pass a final budget early next week. The 2015 Legislature ends March 12.
Contributing: Lisa Riley Roche, Dennis Romboy
