There is only one tie in the top-ten research findings of 2014, and it happens to be a three-way for 5th place…
5 (three-way tie):
“…the difference between the projected 2030 and 2060 65+ dependency ratio is more significant in Utah (24.2 to 33.7) than in the nation (35 to 37)…” and there will be a lower percentage of kids.
While the Baby Boomer boom is already happening elsewhere in the nation, there is a delay in Utah. Though we’ll nearly catch up by 2060.
Further, the graphic shows the ratio of working age population to those 17 and under has been and will continue to decrease. One benefit to this is that there will be more income tax to pay for K-12 students, thus helping us dig out of the bottom of the nation for per pupil funding.
(From “Snapshot of 2050,” released in April 2014.)
5 (three-way tie):
“…the state’s practice of short-term bonding saves taxpayers millions of dollars over time.” But…
While shorter-term bonds cost less and help us more quickly pay off the mountain of debt we’ve incurred, it would be possible for the state to raise a larger amount of money initially through issuing longer-term bonds. Longer-term payments could potentially reduce the annual repayment of the state allowing those funds to be used elsewhere.
(From “The Role of Bonds in Utah,” released in November 2014.)
5 (three-way tie):
“…the state directs less than 0.1% of total higher education funding toward its core performance goals.”
Though the Governor’s new budget requests $15 million (a $13.5M increase) for performance funding.
(From “Steps Forward in Higher Ed,” to be released in December 2014.)
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