Supporters of Prosperity 2020 today unveiled a business prospectus—a plan to increase innovation, investment and accountability in education to make Utah the strongest economy in the nation. The business-led movement has built significant momentum heading into the 2013 General Legislative Session.
The prospectus outlines Utah’s current economic situation, education warning signs, the business community’s vision and goals, and the plan to pay for Prosperity 2020’s priorities for the 2013 General Legislative Session.
Utah economy: Utah is in the midst of an unprecedented economic, demographic and cultural transformation. In a globally competitive and rapidly changing economy, complacency is a recipe for decline. Utah boasts the fifth-fastest growing economy and the sixth lowest unemployment rate in the nation. Elements including low business costs, a modern transportation infrastructure, fiscally responsible government and a high quality of life all contribute to Utah’s economic strength. But education is one area where improvement is critical.
Education warning signs: By 2050 nearly one-third of Utah’s population will be comprised of racial and ethnic minorities. The state is diversifying faster than any other region in the nation. A diverse population requires early intervention to position students for success.
Vision and goals: Prosperity 2020 has set three goals to help Utah fulfill its economic potential.
Goal 1 — By 2020, 66 percent of Utah adults need to have a college degree or post-secondary certificate. Currently, 43 percent of Utahns have post-secondary certificates or degrees.
Goal 2 — By 2020, 90 percent of elementary students must be proficient in reading and mathematics. Currently, approximately 75-80 percent of Utah students meet this goal.
Goal 3 — By 2020, the Salt Lake metro area must rank among the STEM Top Ten for technology and business. Utah currently ranks 11th in the nation for technology jobs as a share of total employment, but 36th among states for technology jobs and businesses.
The plan: Business leaders want the Legislature to pass a joint resolution calling for 66 percent of Utah adults to have postsecondary certificates by 2020. The list of legislative priorities also includes $43.6 million in strategic investment in public education including computer adaptive testing, early intervention and programs for children at risk, as well as ACT testing for every high school student, STEM priorities, and integrated arts and academics.
A strategic investment of $20 million for higher education priorities including STEM and health profession investment, increased use of instructional technologies, more online courses and more concurrent enrollment.
The plan also includes $9.75 million for technical education to triple the number of Utahns with postsecondary certificates by the end of the decade. Utah Pulse
