A recent statewide poll reveals a nuanced perspective among Utahns regarding the allocation of the state’s controversial Utah Fits All Scholarship funds, indicating strong support for traditional learning expenditures while drawing a clear line at recreational uses.
The Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics survey, conducted by HarrisX, found that an overwhelming majority—over 80% of respondents, across both Republican and Democratic affiliations—enthusiastically endorsed using these voucher dollars for essential educational resources such as workbooks, school supplies, and private school tuition.
However, this widespread endorsement for learning-focused expenses did not extend to leisure activities. A significant majority of Utahns expressed clear disapproval for the Utah Fits All Scholarship money covering costs associated with outdoor recreation, including passes for parks and specialized gear, signaling a public desire to maintain a stringent focus on academic pursuits.
Further delving into specific categories, the poll indicated moderate support for using scholarship funds for preschool or daycare fees, with approximately 65% of respondents in agreement. Similar levels of approval were observed for expenses related to “home classroom setup” and even field trips, showcasing a degree of flexibility among Utahns within the confines of educational enhancement.
Jason Perry, director of the University of Utah’s Hinckley Institute of Politics, underscored these findings, noting that Utahns exhibit robust support for the Utah Fits All Scholarship when applied to diverse educational avenues. He emphasized that the collective opposition to funding outdoor recreation suggests a thoughtful public discourse on how these crucial education funding are dispersed, reinforcing the community’s commitment to learning activities.
Established by the Utah Legislature in 2023, the Utah Fits All Scholarship program offers families up to $8,000 in state funding, providing options for homeschooling, private school enrollment, or other approved educational providers. While over 60% of poll respondents showed some level of support for the program overall, only 28% indicated “strong support,” with another 34% offering “somewhat support.”
Beyond public opinion, the Utah Fits All Scholarship faces significant legal scrutiny. A recent court ruling determined that as a publicly funded education program, it must adhere to the Utah Constitution’s requirements for the “public education system.” The judge sided with plaintiffs, asserting the program violated constitutional mandates concerning free public education for all students and the use of state income tax for public schools, though the appeals process is now underway, highlighting the ongoing political debate.
These evolving perspectives on school funding, as observed by Perry, suggest that while Utah families are not abandoning public education, they remain open to exploring innovative tools that can further support their children’s academic journeys. The poll results underscore a clear public mandate: flexibility in utilizing education funding is welcome, but the primary focus must unequivocally remain on learning.
