You want a red state and smaller government: There are consequences.
Driven by the wealthy segment of society, Florida’s commitment to low taxes and minimal government has led to significant underfunding in public education, adversely affecting student outcomes and widening disparities. A 2021 Education Law Center report graded Florida’s education funding with an ‘F’ across key metrics, ranking the state 45th nationally in per-pupil spending – $4,484 below the U.S. average. High-poverty districts receive, on average, $1,492 less per student than low-poverty areas, exacerbating inequities.
This fiscal strategy limits investment in essential educational resources, such as teacher salaries and classroom materials. Consequently, Florida’s average teacher pay ranked 49th in the nation in 2020, contributing to teacher shortages and larger class sizes, which hinder student learning.
Moreover, the expansion of school voucher programs has diverted public funds to private education, further straining the financial resources of public schools. In the 2022-23 school year, an estimated $1.3 billion was redirected from public school districts to private education, representing 10% of state K-12 education funds. (Education Law Center)
The combination of low tax policies and the promotion of smaller government has led to chronic underinvestment in Florida’s public education system. This underfunding undermines the quality of education, perpetuates inequities, and hampers the state’s future economic prospects. To ensure all students receive a high-quality education, it is imperative to reevaluate fiscal priorities and commit to sustainable investment in public schools.
