News Releases
Gov. Cox providing time off for state employees to substitute in Utah schools
Gov. Spencer Cox has issued an executive order permitting state employees to take approved leave time from their state job to fill staffing gaps in a Utah public or private school.
The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has brought an unprecedented wave of absenteeism among teachers and education staff and labor shortages are exacerbating the problem. Giving state employees the option to substitute teach, help in the cafeteria or perform others needed duties will ensure schools can continue to provide in-person learning experiences.
Executive Order 2022-02 grants state employees up to 30 hours of paid administrative leave in order to work as a substitute teacher or other staffing need in a public or private school between now and the end of June 2022. (Read More)
Rep. Owens co-sponsors the Human Trafficking Awareness Training Act
Today, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) co-sponsored the Human Trafficking Awareness Training Act, legislation to expand the availability of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) human trafficking awareness training courses to state, local, tribal, territorial, and educational institution law enforcement agencies.
The legislation recognizes the importance of FLETCâs training programs for first responders and their use in recognizing and properly responding to potential human trafficking situations. (Read More)
Office of the State Auditor releases Special Report on Course and Program Fees in the Utah System of Higher Education
The Office of the State Auditor (Office) today released its Special Report on Course and Program Fees in the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE). Following its previous review of various general (or mandatory) student fees, the Office deemed it important to review the oversight and use of course and program fees within USHE. In addition, the Office was asked to review to what extent higher education institutions implemented recommendations regarding fees identified by the USHE Office of Commissioner.
The audit reviewed 15 fees from each of Utahâs eight degree-granting public colleges and universities. The audit identified eight findings of concern. (Read More)
WGU Academy partners with Suazo Business Center to provide college readiness to Utahâs underserved communities
WGU Academy announced today a partnership with Suazo Business Center that will provide Utahns from Hispanic/Latino and other under underserved communities with college-readiness education scholarships. The pilot initiative will allow 15 students to earn transferrable college credits while also completing skills training that builds confidence, resiliency and self-guided study habits needed to succeed in higher education.
The partnership and pilot initiative will officially launch on Feb. 1 with an introductory event at 10 a.m. at Suazo Business Centerâs headquarters, 960 W 1700 S, in Salt Lake City. WGU Academy and Suazo Business Center officials will be joined by some of the scholarship grant recipients, who will share their stories with community leaders and dignitaries in attendance. The students begin classes at WGU Academy on Feb. 1, and the program typically takes two to three months to complete. (Read More)
Romney, colleagues fight for pregnant moms to receive tax relief
U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) joined his colleagues, led by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), in introducing the Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act, legislation which will allow pregnant moms to claim the Child Tax Credit for their unborn children. The Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act builds on the Child Tax Credit provisions included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by supporting families and pregnant mothers with the many costs that come with carrying a baby, as well as planning for the care of a newborn baby.
The Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act is also cosponsored by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Boozman (R-AR), Tim Scott (R-SC), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Marco Rubio (R-FL). Text of the bill can be found here. (Read More)
Sen. Lee, colleagues introduce bill giving pregnant moms Child Tax Credit
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) along with colleague Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) and others reintroduced the âChild Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act,â which allows pregnant moms to claim the Child Tax Credit (CTC) for their unborn children. This is a continuation of Leeâs efforts to expand the Child Tax Credit. Sen. Lee was a primary advocate for the CTC expansion in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 and pushed CTC expansion in COVID relief legislation with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL). (Read More)
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