SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - While many states continue to bleed red ink, there is good news for Utah.
Governor Herbert unveiled his new budget Monday and the state has a little bit extra to spend.
There is 408 million dollars in total new spending.
134 million of that is for little and big Utah kids.
Governor Herbert traveled to Bountiful High Monday to announce his budget.
He did this because he feels education is vital to the state's future.
Also, because this year, education money is more, well, bountiful.
The governor told Bountiful students,
"For the first time since 2007, we're able to give a salary increase, minimal as it may be; it's at least something to show thanks."
Under the governor's budget, Utah teachers would get a 1% salary bump.
Not huge, but the first raise in 4 years.
12,500 new students will be enrolling in Utah public schools and this new money means the state will be able to pay for their education.
The governor told one student,
"Some states are losing student population. Our birth rate in Utah is higher than any place in America. Our family sizes are about 20 percent larger."
Out of a 12.9 billion dollar budget, the governor has carved out two and a half billion for public education.
While it may not be quite as much as he would like, it's better than it has been.
Christine Kearl, the governor’s education director said,
"This is significant. We're thrilled with the increases in the education, both public ed and higher ed."
Now, of course, all this is just the governor's proposal.
The legislature sets the final budget.
Next year’s legislative session begins January 23rd.
Follow Chris Vanocur on Twitter: @cvan4
