What do you think about recent legislative attempts to equalize property taxes across the state? How do you see this affecting local decisions to fund education? (Question from Utah Education Association)

Property tax equalization/backpack funding programs need to be researched before the state of Utah moves forward with one of these plans.  We need to carefully look at other states who have utilized these options paying attention to any unintentional consequences.  We need to allow for more local decision making in education, and this could be accomplished by eliminating many of the program funding streams that occurs below the line and moving those funds above the line where LEA’s would have the flexibility to spend it on the needs of their students.