New Poll: Recent State Education Decisions Are Out of Step with Arizona Voter Priorities
Voters want better education outcomes, stronger workforce pathways and accountability for public dollars
Arizona voters are clear about what they want from state leaders: better education outcomes, stronger pathways to good jobs and accountability for how public dollars are spent. But a new statewide poll released today by Education Forward Arizona shows a disconnect between those priorities and recent state policy decisions that have reduced investments in education and workforce development.
Three-quarters of Arizona voters (75%) say elected leaders need to do more to ensure the state has a skilled and well-trained workforce. At the same time, voters overwhelmingly support investments in literacy, career pathways and other programs designed to improve education outcomes and prepare Arizonans for the workforce.
The findings echo other recent research showing broad agreement among Arizonans about the importance of education to the state’s future. The Center for the Future of Arizona’s Education Agenda found that 91% of Arizona voters agree the state’s future depends on a strong public education system that provides students with strong academic foundations and prepares them for the workforce.
“Arizona voters know what they want: better outcomes for students, stronger education pathways into good jobs and responsible use of taxpayer dollars,” said Rich Nickel, president and CEO of Education Forward Arizona. “The question is whether state leaders are listening. Arizona cannot build the workforce our economy needs while cutting the very programs that help students gain the skills, credentials and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Voters support solutions that strengthen education and Arizona’s workforce
The poll finds overwhelming support for investments that improve student outcomes while connecting education more directly to economic opportunity. Ninety-six percent of voters support comprehensive literacy programs to ensure students are reading by third grade, while 93% support career-focused learning pathways that connect students to good-paying jobs. Voters also strongly support dual enrollment, adult technical education, college and career counseling and child care for parents pursuing their education.
“Arizona’s education and workforce challenges are not separate problems,” said Ricardo Valencia, Senior Vice President of Education and Workforce Alignment at Education Forward Arizona. “Employers need skilled workers, and students need clear pathways to the opportunities our economy is creating. The solutions voters support recognize that connection and give more Arizonans the opportunity to build the knowledge, skills and credentials that lead to a successful future.”
Recent cuts run counter to voter priorities
Despite that broad support, recent state budget decisions reduced or eliminated investments in several education and workforce programs. After learning which programs were affected, 63% of voters oppose those reductions. The affected programs include literacy, dual enrollment, the Arizona Promise Program, adult education and workforce development, community colleges and efforts to improve high school graduation rates.
“These are not abstract budget choices,” said Nickel. “They affect whether a student can get a head start on college, whether an adult can gain the skills needed for a better-paying job and whether Arizona employers can find the talent they need. Voters are telling state leaders that these investments matter.”
Voters also see investment and accountability as complementary. Seventy-seven percent are concerned about taxpayer dollars being wasted through Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program, and 86% support requiring annual independent financial audits to track how ESA funds are used.
Helping Arizonans stay informed about education and workforce issues
The poll is part of Education Forward Arizona’s broader effort to provide Arizonans with clear, nonpartisan information about the education and workforce issues shaping the state’s future. In the coming weeks, Education Forward Arizona will release additional resources that highlight voter priorities, explore key education and workforce issues and provide information about where candidates stand on those issues.
“Education is central to Arizona’s future,” Nickel said. “Our goal is to make sure Arizonans have credible information about the issues, understand the solutions available to our state and can engage in informed conversations about the future of education and our workforce.”
Education Forward Arizona will use the findings in conversations with policymakers, business and community leaders, education organizations and other partners about strengthening Arizona’s education system and building the skilled workforce the state needs.
About Education Forward Arizona
Education Forward Arizona is a statewide advocacy organization keeping education at the center of the conversation and advancing pathways to economic opportunity; a high-demand, highly skilled, high-wage workforce; and a stronger Arizona. Working directly and in partnership with education, business, and civic leaders, Education Forward Arizona helps drive progress toward the state’s postsecondary attainment goal, Achieve60AZ, a key indicator on the Arizona Education Progress Meter. This includes advocating for policies, funding, and cross-sector strategies that support progress for communities statewide. Its work spans the education continuum—from early learning through postsecondary education and workforce training—and includes scholarships and mentoring that help Arizonans gain skills and credentials.
Learn more at EducationForwardArizona.org.