State Education Budget Analyses

SEF reviewed the education budget proposals from eight governors in the South and conducted an equity analysis of their respective education budget proposals. The state budget development process cannot be overstated. The most intrinsic duty of governors and state lawmakers is to debate on and pass a budget that funds state and local public programs. The unveiling of the budget proposal signals the official start of the negotiation process between the respective state legislature and governor’s office.

Additionally, roughly 90 percent of education funding comes from state and local revenue sources, and in many states, education is one of the largest budgetary items in the state budget. Governors drive state investment decisions in critical areas like education, and little can be advanced if programs or policies are not presented in a governor’s budget proposal.