The final list of budget items approved last week by lawmakers included $2.5 million for the Utah Debate Commission, intended to help lure a presidential debate to the Beehive State in 2020.
Nena Slighting, executive director of the commission, said Thursday that it is not yet known what the full cost of would be if Utah is selected to host a debate, but that the event is intended to be funded through a combination of public and private dollars.
“There will most likely be a request again [for state funding] next year, if selected,” Slighting said.
The commission is working in partnership with the University of Utah, with the expectation that a debate would be held at the Jon M.