Inside Voices: Utahns say raise for teachers is no more than ‘a corporate pizza party’
Plus: Why now is the time for women to step up and run for office.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Stacey Mollinet, President of Utah PTA, speaks as students and teachers gather for a public education rally at the Capitol, on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023.
Happy Saturday, and welcome to Inside Voices, a weekly newsletter that features a collection of ideas, perspectives and solutions from across Utah — without any of the vitriol or yelling that’s become all too common on other platforms. Subscribe here.
Utah teachers are getting a $1,400 raise, Gov. Spencer Cox announced this past week. He and other GOP leaders also announced a one-time $1,000 bonus for support staff, Carmen Nesbitt reported. That comes after lawmakers banned collective bargaining for teachers and other public workers.
The raise was welcomed by some Tribune commenters on social media, and criticized by many. Here’s what you had to say:
“Congrats Utah teachers. You are allowed to *add guac* at least 1-2 times next year.”“This is the equivalent of a corporate pizza party.”“Not making up for HB267. Delusional.”“At least this is a step in the right direction”“It’s a step in the right direction but we can do better. Let’s use that rainy day fund to give them a raise that actually keeps up with inflation!”“We would rather have bargaining rights. Nice try.”Follow us on Instagram to join the conversation.
Utah Voices
(Kanab Museum) The all-women 1912 Kanab town council, from left: Luella McAllister, Blanche Hamblin, Mary W. Chamberlain, Tamar Hamblin, and Ada Seegmiller.
The following excerpts come from op-eds recently published in The Tribune.
Women in office
“With many city council seats opening across Utah in 2025, now is the time for women to step up and run. And just as importantly, we must show up and vote for them,” writes Corinne Clarkson, an associate researcher with the Utah Women and Leadership Project. “Local elections are often decided by only a few votes, making every ballot even more powerful. Real change begins at the local level, and it starts with us.” Read more. Utah’s public lands > Lagoon
“Utah has lots of great things, but it’s foolish to argue that its lands aren’t both its greatest treasure and its greatest gift to the rest of the world,” writes Brian Higgins. “Time and time again, our leaders not only refuse to acknowledge the gift that they’ve been given but even seem to show disdain for that gift. It’s like if you got someone a grand piano played by Wagner and they pawned it to get a Cameo from Kid Rock. Why would you do that? Who wants that?” Read more. Looking past 2025
“Here’s what makes Utah different: We’ve always known how to build beyond the moment. Our pioneer ancestors didn’t just create settlements — they planted orchards whose fruit they’d never taste. They built a community whose towers would pierce skies they’d never see,” writes Scott Anderson, chairman of Zions Bank’s Advisory Board, and Michael Parker, executive director of Utah Impact Partnership. “That’s the spirit we need now. Not just Olympic readiness but lasting resilience. Not just venues but visions. Not just immediate solutions but infrastructure that serves the future.” Read more. Renewable energy
“President Donald Trump has called for ‘a revolution of common sense.’ Yet, at the same time, he’s moved to freeze funds for climate and energy while ramping up fossil fuel production,” writes Tom Elder, a volunteer with the Utah chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. “The president argues that a reliable grid requires fossil fuels, but he ignores the known long-term benefits of clean, renewable energy. That potential is already being demonstrated in Utah.” Read more. Share Your Perspective
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Certified medical assistant Shelby Close, tests for COVID-19, as people then pull forward for a blood draw to test for coronavirus antibodies in Park City on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, as part of the Utah HERO (Health & Economic Recovery Outreach) program. The massive undertaking will begin with randomized testing of 10,000 Utahns across four counties. The data gathered will inform decision-makers in the state as they work to help keep residents safe and get people back to work.
We’re coming up on the anniversary of the coronavirus arriving in Utah. I’m curious: What has changed for you in the five years since the pandemic? Share your perspective.
From Bagley’s Desk
Busy Beavers | Pat Bagley
I’m always looking for unique perspectives, ideas and solutions that move our state forward. Learn more about our guidelines for an op-ed, guest essay, letter to the editor and more here, and drop me a note at voices@sltrib.com.