Rep. Merlynn Newbold's embattled HB66 -- aimed at equalizing public school funding statewide -- survived an hourlong House debate Friday to emerge in amended form, only to stall for further research on its fiscal impact.
Newbold's measure, amended by Rep. Brad Last, R-St. George, would condense the 14 school levies down to six and freeze the basic tax rate for several years to allow school operations funding to replenish and get distributed more equitably across the state.
"Over the past 13 years we've allowed that basic rate to ratchet down every year," he said, noting the levy shrunk to about one-quarter of its size in the 1980s.
The basic rate, part of the overall property tax notice, is levied by every school district and feeds the minimum school program.
While some House members wanted to give HB66 an up-or-down vote Friday, others prevailed in holding the measure for further fiscal analysis.
"I think it's cowardly [to hold the bill]," said Rep. John Dougall, R-Highland. "This is another attempt to kill the bill. If we're going to equalize, let's equalize."
Rep. Kay McIff, R-Richfield, disagreed.
"I don't think it's cowardly that we want to understand the issues more before we vote on something so pervasive," McIff said. "It would affect every child in the state."
