Utahns who would give money to schools couldn't play favorites

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Utahns soon might be able to give more money to schools when filing their income tax returns — but they likely won't be able to choose any one school to get the cash.

The Senate on Monday considered two bills, both aimed at allowing Utahns to contribute money to schools when filing their tax returns, but in different ways.

SB59, sponsored by Sen. Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake City, would allow Utahns to designate specific elementary schools to receive contributions in the amounts of their choosing when filing their income tax returns. Principals would then work with school community councils or charter school boards to decide how to spend the money.

The other bill, SB285, sponsored by Sen. Daniel Thatcher, R-West Valley City, would also allow Utahns to give to schools when filing tax returns. But under SB285, Utahns would give the cash to a special interest-bearing account for schools. Lawmakers would then be able to appropriate money from that account for schools.

Senators killed the first bill Monday, voting against it 15-14. But they passed the second bill 24-5.

Thatcher said he understands Utahns might be more inclined to contribute money if they know it's going toward a specific school. But he said he worries schools in more affluent neighborhoods would get more contributions under Romero's plan.

"I would rather have fewer dollars as long as those dollars are distributed more equitably," Thatcher said. "I believe having inequities in our education system based on the affluence of the area where you live is absolutely unacceptable."

Sen. Curtis Bramble, R-Provo, said Romero's bill would have undermined efforts to improve equality between schools.

Sen. Pat Jones, D-Salt Lake City, said she would support Thatcher's bill, but would have preferred to see the other one advance. She said Romero's bill would likely have generated more money and she'll be interested to see "how generous people are" under Thatcher's proposal.

"I do think we need to look at true, long-term funding solutions to our public education system," Jones said.

Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, noted that neither bill would allow contributions to be tax deductible.

The bill now moves to the House.