Public Education & Public Priorities — What's at Stake in Utah and Wasatch County

As we look ahead to the fall, two major developments—one at the federal level and one here in Utah—pose real challenges for families, children, and working communities across the state. While the headlines may sound abstract, the impact is personal and local. Let’s break it down.

🎓 State Spotlight: Education Funding Under Threat

Education is the bedrock of a thriving community, but it’s increasingly being treated as expendable. The Trump administration is currently withholding over $35 million in federal grants meant to support Utah’s after-school and summer learning programs—programs that serve thousands of children across the state, especially in rural areas and low-income communities.

These grants fund vital services: academic support, safe environments for kids while parents are working, and enrichment programs that build confidence and skills. Without this funding, many Utah schools and childcare providers will be forced to scale back or eliminate these offerings altogether.

In Wasatch County, these cuts could strain already limited resources, forcing families to find alternative (and often unaffordable) care. This move threatens educational equity and economic stability, particularly for working families.

📎 Read more: Trump administration is withholding $35M from Utah schools; Utah after-school and summer programs blindsided by federal funding freeze

🏛️ Federal Spotlight: “The Big Beautiful Bill” Passes—With Big Consequences

Congress recently passed the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” an omnibus spending package that includes permanent tax cuts for high earners, major increases to defense and border enforcement, and steep reductions in Medicaid, SNAP, and clean energy funding.

It’s expected to increase the national debt by nearly $3 trillion, while shifting the burden further onto low- and middle-income families. In Utah, over 188,000 people rely on Medicaid, and many more benefit from food assistance and clean energy incentives now on the chopping block.

Despite these concerns, every member of Utah’s Congressional delegation—Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis, and Representatives Blake Moore, Celeste Maloy, Mike Kennedy, and Burgess Owens—voted in favor of the bill.

One especially troubling provision would have allowed the sale of federal public lands, including areas in Utah. Thanks to organized public opposition, that proposal was removed before final passage. It’s a reminder: our voices matter. When people call, write, and show up, we can still protect what’s most important!

📎 Read more: How public pressure protected Utah’s public lands; Health advocates raise red flags about Medicaid cuts; What the Big Beautiful Bill could mean for Utah families

Why It Matters for Wasatch County

From education to healthcare to public lands, these decisions affect the daily lives of people right here in our valley:

• After-school funding cuts threaten safe, affordable care for working families.

• Medicaid and SNAP rollbacks risk leaving our neighbors without coverage or food security.

• Public lands remain at risk unless we stay organized and engaged.

  
  

What Democrats Stand For

• Education access for every child, not just those who can afford it

• Healthcare and nutrition programs that protect dignity and opportunity

• Public lands preserved for recreation, wildlife, and future generations—not privatized

  
  

What You Can Do

1. Contact your Senators—thank them for removing the land sell-off and urge them to oppose future cuts to healthcare, education, and public services.

2. Speak up locally—write a letter, attend a town hall, or support candidates who fight for working families.

3. Stay informed—follow us for updates and local action opportunities.

Stay Connected: Follow us Instagram and Facebook, and check out our Calendar of Events to get involved.