A new statewide survey shows Arizona voters support funding education, but in moderation and with "results-based funding" tied to academic performance.
The Data Orbital survey also found wide support for Gov. Doug Ducey has recently approved education plan boosting teacher salaries an average of 20% by 2020.
Although voters surveyed supported raising the state sales tax from 0.06 of a cent to a full penny, their willingness faded for increasing property taxes.
Garrick Taylor with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce said it tells him, "Voters are willing to explore additional revenues into the K-12 system."
However, he said there are limits to that.
"Voters expect results and they're not willing to write a blank check," Taylor said. "Proponents of additional funding for K-12 need to take voter sentiment into consideration, especially if it means going to the ballot."
Of the 550 people asked in the telephone poll 57.7% supported the sales tax hike proposal, but critics warn that plan falls far short of restoring the money borrowed from Arizona's education budget during the recession.
