Matt Gress, House Representative of Arizona, said that per-pupil education spending is at a record high in the state and called for increased teacher pay and better student learning outcomes. The statement was made on X.
“FACT: Arizona’s per pupil education spending is the highest it’s ever been EVEN adjusted for inflation,” said Gress, State Representative from Arizona. “Our goal is to ensure more of those dollars directly improve student learning. One way to do that is attracting and retaining excellent teachers. It’s time to give teachers a raise.”
A recent report by the Common Sense Institute (CSI) challenges claims that Arizona’s 2.5% flat tax led to budget cuts in education. Instead, it shows that overall state revenues increased by approximately $3.3 billion since its implementation. K-12 spending rose nearly 14% post-flat-tax, driven by economic growth and cautious expenditure increases, partly offsetting a structural deficit caused by rapid spending growth surpassing revenue growth.
According to the Arizona Auditor’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 report, statewide K-12 operational spending reached $13.1 billion, marking an increase of over $500 million compared to FY 2023. Per-student spending rose across all categories following a one-time $300 million aid supplement and base funding boost.
Between 2010 and 2025, Arizona’s total public K-12 funding increased by nearly 80%, while enrollment changed little, resulting in substantial per-pupil funding growth. CSI notes real per-pupil funding rose 34% from FY 2017 to FY 2024 even as district enrollment dropped by about 18,000 students.
Gress, a Republican representing Arizona’s House District 4 since January 2023, previously held the position of state Budget Director. In the Legislature, he has prioritized K-12 education reform—including boosting teacher pay and increasing school funding transparency—consistently advocating for fiscal accountability and conservative budgeting aligned with his professional background.
