Influence on State Government News
Peggy Robb
POL-215
August 20, 2012
Darris Howe

Influence State Government News

UEA President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh recommends gubernatorial Gary Herbert in his re-election.
The Utah Education Association (UEA) is one of three major interest groups in Utah that place their focus on education. It has been this group’s main mission to “advance the cause of public education in partnership with others: strengthen the teaching profession, promote quality schools for Utah’s children, and advocate the well-being of its members”
(Utah education association, 2012). As the story unfolds, the reader will see how special interest groups, political parties, legislature, and the public can affect government. Special Interest Group The UEA is known for their dedication in preserving and enhancing Utah public education. The UEA represents more than 25,615 active teachers, 1,060 public schools, and 571,615 registered students (Meador, 2012). Originally organized in 1860 as The Deseret School Teachers’ Association, the Utah Education Association is still going strong in their purpose to “establish a society for promoting the educational interests of the community” (Utah education association, 2012). Dan Jones & Associates reported that the 2012 Utah Priorities Survey assessed how voters feel about Utah’s economy, society, and politics. The survey determined that although Utahns are confident that the state is heading in the right direction their concerns about public education remain strong (Utah foundation, 2012). Just this year the Legislative General Counsel has voted in favor of two bills brought to them by the UEA. Senate Bill 31 for minimizing classroom sizes was passed February 2, 2012 (Votesmart, 2012) and Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 for encouraging parental engagement in the education of their children was