This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Utah House approved a bill that would let school districts add an all-day kindergarten program — and charge parents for the course — despite opposition from some Republican members who saw the full-day courses as direct competition with private-sector offerings.
One of those who opposed the bill was Rep. Johnny Anderson, R-Taylorsville, who acknowledged that he owns day cares that would be competing with the district kindergarten programs, but said his real frustration was when government goes head-to-head with the private sector.
If it's a good idea for districts to offer full-day kindergarten and charge fees, Anderson said, then maybe the state treasurer should offer financial advice for a fee, the Division of Real Estate could sell homes for a fee, and the Department of Agriculture could raise and sell livestock for a fee.
But Rep. Steve Eliason, R-Sandy, said his objective is to try to get children full-day learning at a critical time in their life, when it can benefit them the most, and do it without the state or districts being forced to pay for it.
"I can't see this is anything more than taxpayer-funded daycare," said Rep. Jake Anderegg, R-Lehi.
The bill passed the House 47-27 and moves to the Senate for consideration. It is just one of several bills in the Legislature this year seeking to expand kindergarten.
— Robert Gehrke