"Every other minority has a minus value. Why is it only Native Americans? Because they have access to funding federally and tribally," she said.
While lawmakers on the Higher Education Task Force seemed receptive to the proposals Thursday, it's unclear how much traction they could gain when lawmakers reconvene in January.
The state is already expecting as much as a $260 million surplus, which will likely continue to grow. Gov. Jon Huntsman has said his top priority for that money will be increasing teacher salaries.
Some lawmakers would like to see further cuts in income taxes, which are used to pay for public schools and colleges.
On Thursday, some members of the task force also warned against forcing students onto a college career path if they aren't prepared for it or have no interest.
"If you try to stick them in a classroom at a university for four years, they'll go crazy. Even if you manage to get them a degree, they will not use it," said Rep. Ron Bigelow, R-West Valley City.
- Associated Press
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